Monday - onwards to Branston

A farewell look back at the Fradley locks.

As you can see, it's a sunny day although a little chilly again. 

Just past the last lock out of Fradley there's a new marina. They seem to be popping up all over the place and good luck to them. 

The next village we pass through is Alrewas. Usually we make a point of stopping here for yet another excellent butchers and pub. Also, Alrewas is home to the National Arboretum which we visited once when we came this way with Brian and Ann. But, no stopping this time - the freezer's full of meat already.

So onwards and on to the River Trent for a short while. It's great to get on to a river section where the water is deep enough that you can open up the engine without any worries. Sometimes on the canal, if it is shallow, the engine strains and judders if you try to go too fast. This is because you are trying to draw water past the boat faster than the canal wants to allow. The back of the boat gets dragged down and the propeller creates turbulence and the whole thing gets very uncomfortable.

Looking ahead to Wychnor church.

And then round the corner to a sneaky twist under the narrow lefthand arch of the bridge. I have been known to touch the side here but not today.

And then Wychnor lock with only one paddle in action. We're sure it was like this six years ago when we last came this way.

But here's the captain doing what she enjoys. Working the lock with someone to chat to.

Oh no! Another narrow bridge and one I have scraped through on many an occasion. Why have a wide canal with such a tiny bridge? (I do know the answer, it's cash, as always, it's cheaper to build a narrow bridge than a wider one.) But, again, this time straight through without a scrape.

And, no, we haven't got a drone, I am standing on the roof having stepped down onto the top while coming out of the lock. Mind you, I had to lie flat to get under the bridge. And, to put your minds at rest, there was a boat waiting to enter the lock, otherwise I would have closed the gates behind us. 

Our stopping place for the night at Branston Water Park. You may have guessed that from the photo.

An arty picture of sun shining on the righteous.

Moored up and then went for a walk around the park. Back to the boat for a fish supper and then to bed.