Watch out for pirates

How times change. In the good old days we would set off early and put in a 7 or 8 hour day motoring along. Now, we wake up early, read in bed, have a leisurely breakfast, set off late and put in 4 or 5 hours only. Well, we've rushed past so much scenery in the past that it's nice to stop and stare at the beauty around us. There are many young ducks, moorhen and swan around and there are people on the cut to chat with. 

We've now come through Penkridge, run alongside the M6 for a while and come to Gailey Lock. At Gailey Lock is one of the most pictured houses on the canals. 

This was once a toll keeper's office but is now a craft shop. 

The entrance to the lock is through a narrow tunnel under the A5 Watling Street. 

After Gailey, as we approached Slade Heath Bridge we passed a school canoeing course with the canoes rafted together like a catamaran. As we went by they all stood up and shouted 'Aye, aye captain.' 

You should be able to see them following us through the bridge. 

We moored for the night at Cross Green ready for our trip tomorrow on the Shropshire Union Canal.