A day of two halves

The forecast said rain and we got rain. So we didn't hurry too much, just pootled around until - what's going on? It's sunny. That wasn't in the forecast. So we pootled a bit faster and then set off.

Every now and then we pass a bridge that crosses a bit of canal that doesn't go anywhere. These are left over from when the canal was straightened and all the loops removed. This bridge, however, leads through to Brinklow Marina. 

Whoopi! Newbold Tunnel, I can try out the tunnel light. OK, it's only 250yds long and not the darkest of tunnels but I can still see if the lamp works. And it does. Hurrah! 

Here we are, climbing up through Hillmorton locks. Regrettably the café doesn't open until Wednesday. 

Someone else looking for a free lunch. 

Managed to clear the top lock before it started raining again. That definitely wasn't in the forecast. Rain in the morning it said.

It stopped raining around Tarry's wharf where I jumped off the boat to help a hire boat turn round in the winding hole. When we got there they were across the canal going backwards and forwards but not turning the boat at all. A few shouted instructions and with help from the daughter and granddaughter all went well. 

Then it started raining again. 

But, well worth it. Just look at the double rainbow. 

And ahead, clear skies. 

A last look at the retreating clouds and rainbow.

Now moored near Barby sitting in the sun with the doors open. Rounding off the day later with sausages in cider.