Summer is here

Normal Service will now be resumed!

Well, not quite! I felt that when I last wrote the blog I was getting into the rut of just noting how cold it was, which canal we were going along and what we were having to eat. All very exciting, I'm sure but I felt like taking a break and just enjoying what we were doing - or not enjoying, as the case may be. Anyway, a whole host of pictures for you to catch up on.



 We set off along the Stratford on Avon Canal and this is particularly noted for its split bridges and its uniquely shaped houses (picture below).

 Some of the gates on this canal are extremely stiff but, wherever possible, I got Brigid to work the locks. Not only is it good exercise but we got into a good routine where she would open the top lock gates, I would take the boat in, swop places and I would then open and close the bottom gates (usually the heavy ones). Nearly got stuck with one set but I managed to close the gates after putting back to beam and feet against bridge parapet. The joy was that I knew we would have to repeat the performance on the way back.

Halfway along the canal we crossed a aqueduct which must have been there when we came this way before, but, neither of us remember it at all! It's really quite beautiful and it's the longest aqueduct in England.

 Looking back the way we have just come.

It's a long way down.

We got to Stratford and this is the basin in the centre of town. On Friday night we managed to get two 'returns' to see The Empress, a play about Queen Victoria and her Indian servant. It really was excellent and we would recommend it to anyone. Well worth a visit, if you can.

On the return journey we stopped off at Wootton Wawen to see their Saxon Sanctuary. Much larger that St Peter's Chapel in Bradwell but of similar design.

We had hoped to join them for Sunday service but it wasn't starting until 11 o'clock and we needed to put in a few miles before losing the best of the day. A shame, but perhaps we will stop over next time.

After leaving the Stratford on Avon Canal we stopped off for a look round Warwick. We had tea and toasted teacakes in Lord Leycester's hospital.

It was a welcome step back in time and reminded me of afternoon teas at Garons in Leigh-on-Sea.

A family of ducklings who were at a loss when mum hopped up on to the bank.

Look, blue sky! Sunshine!

Even time (and warmth) to do one or two quick repairs.

Spring lambs frolicking about by the water.

Here we are at Hawkesbury Junction to sort out the rubbish and the loo and to take on fresh water.

More pictures of the junction -  and note the blue sky.

This is the (famous) Greyhound pub.

But, no stopping for us, just jugs of cider as we press on. Note the short sleeves and no woolly jumper.

Even the Captain has gone all summery.

Now this is a pub where we did stop for lunch. It's The Anchor Inn, Hartshill. A really friendly pub with good food and draft beer.

 This is us moored for the night just outside of Atherstone.

Look, still in short sleeves, still in the sun and still smiling. Summer is here (well, at least for one day) Can't be bad.