Atherstone to Hopwas

Looking at the forecast, the rain in the morning would be lighter than that in the afternoon. So, as soon as breakfast was out of the way, we set off toward Atherstone top lock, the first of eleven in all. 

As we approached the locks, what should we see but a gang of volunteers! 

There were about four of them at the top lock, a cheery lot. 

At the second lock there were two volunteers. 

Gradually they all disappeared but one stayed with us for five locks and then worked his way up to the top again, helping another boat going the opposite way to us. 

After Atherstone, a patch of woodland bluebells. 

The canal then took us through Polesworth and past Alvecote marina. 

And, a first for us today, our first cygnets. 

Not a brilliant photo as we were struggling to switch the iPad on, enter the security code, all before we sailed past and out of sight. 

After another couple of locks at Glascote we stopped at Fazeley Junction to top up with some essential supplies such as eggs and bacon. 

When the junction was renovated these murals were added to the wall that backs on to a timber yard. 

Funnily enough, the weather in the afternoon was better than forecast. Still wet on and off but not nearly as heavy as expected. 

We finally moored at Hopwas and settled in for the evening with smoked haddock for supper and some holiday videos streamed through the TV.