NB Polgara: Sunday Roast

Had an early walk into Coton, about 3/4 of a mile, to the local shop for some milk and a few other bits. After that, weigh anchor, OK, OK, cast off the mooring lines and off we go.

A last look at the Tame Otter as we sail past.

Surprisingly, on the immediate opposite bank is the Red Lion, also a very good pub. We've tried them both.

Ah, now that explains the popping sounds this morning. We are passing the firing range in Hopwas woods.

And just to confirm it all, the red flag is flying.

This is a very pleasant stretch of canal where it skirts around the edge of Whittington. It was along here that, some years ago, we spotted a Kota in one of the gardens. A few years later we bought our own Kota, a garden lodge made in Lapland by the Sami people. It is based on the demountable huts that they take with them when herding reindeer and has a cooking pit in the centre, seating around the walls, two of which can be made into beds. Ideal for barbecues.

This is a view along the old Wyrley and Essington canal, now used only for moorings.

Almost opposite is the Plough Inn and, dare I say it, another of our favourites. Sounds like we're always going into pubs! Well, we have been on the canals for many years and, what else should one do? It would surely be rude to always sail past and not stop to support the local economy.

Just passing Streethay Wharf. We've never stopped here but, once again, it's old-fashioned and supplies nearly everything you need for your boat.

There's always work in progress with C&RT. Here they are putting in temporary pilings which they will backfill with earth and sludge dredged out of the canal. As ferns and grasses get established this will strengthen the bank and restore the canal to its former width.