Big brother comes to stay!

Sorry I haven't posted anything since Thursday but we have been entertaining visitors! My brother, Brian, and his wife, Ann, came to stay on board for a couple of nights. 

On Thursday we left Hopwas and made our way to Fradley Junction. 

Brian and Ann arrived just before 8 o'clock and it was straight into the Swan for supper. The place was packed, so much so that they ran out of steak and were warning that meals would take an hour to come out from the kitchen. We were in no hurry and there was a very good folk club in the cellar bar. We had a very leisurely, enjoyable evening shouting at each other, as one does in a pub with a folk club! 

Back at the boat, out came the settee bed, bags got stowed and we all settled down for the night. 

Next morning, eggs, bacon, toast, tea, coffee - the full works. And then, off we set. We had to plan a 'there and back' trip because their car was being parked at Fradley so, first of all we headed off to Alrewas, taking in four locks on the way. 

Family photo. 

At Alrewas we had a good walk round the village and we called in on our favourite butcher for supplies. 

There are plenty of old houses here and it is a typical canal side village, although the houses are of an older period. 

In the afternoon we then walked to the National Arboretum which is only a mile and a half down the road. The only problem was that we had to cross the A38 to get there. Whew! We also had to cross the railway line but there was a crossing for that. 

All the staff and volunteers were very helpful at the Arboretum and we decided to take a 'train' tour of the grounds. 

The tour was well worth it and gave us a good introduction to the whole place. When we go again we will know the areas that we want to explore further. The chapel was particularly moving with carvings by Essex woodcarvers. 

We spent much of the afternoon there before heading back to the boat (crossing the A38 yet again!) before heading off for supper in the William IV pub. 

On Saturday we went through the last lock at Alrewas onto the river section before Wynchnor Bridges. On that section we winded the boat (turned her round) and headed back to Fradley Junction. 

At the junction we turned back along the Coventry Canal and headed toward Huddlesford. On the way we passed Streethay Wharf, a favourite place for me. 

It is a typical old canal wharf. 

Just past there is a newly opened marina by King's Orchard Bridge. 

Ant then, The Plough at Huddlesford. 

And here we are in the 'not so secret' garden. 

And the food was delicious. 

Brigid and I had the lamb. 

Brian & Ann had pizza. 

Another satisfied customer. 

After that, back to Fradley Junction with Brian & Ann walking the last half mile before their three hour drive home. 

We all agreed that it had seemed much longer than just two days together and we seemed to cram so much in. We walked, laughed, played cards, eat, drank and sailed together. 

Well, that's what brothers are for, isn't it!?