Let's beat the storm

Yesterday I was talking about neighbours. Well here are today's neighbours living in a tree right next to us. 

The forecast for today is rain and storms in the afternoon so we are setting off sharpish to get the best of the weather.

It might not be raining but just around the corner is a big depression. HS2 again making its presence felt.

And then, just before Woodend Lock, boats working on the pilings causing a bit of a blockage.

Looking back at the gates you can see that the beam arms are bent in the middle. If the arms were straight the gates wouldn't open - the bridge would get in the way. Unfortunately these bent beams don't always make it easy to close the gates. 

And even more works after the lock. In this case they are working on towpath improvements.

Now then, here's an interesting place, Armitage. And what do you think of when you hear the name Armitage? Why, Armitage Shanks, toilet makers exraordinaire. 

And here is their factory, still going strong.

And here they are, all the loos ready and waiting. Sorry, not a brilliant shot but it was the only view I could get.

And now through Armitage Tunnel. You are meant to send a crewmen ahead to make sure the way is clear but we took the risk and it paid off, no-one coming the other way.

Well, it was originally a tunnel but the roof was removed in 1971 to combat the effects of coal being mined nearby. All that remains now is a very narrow channel and a road bridge. It's still a challenge and the captain's driving today. 

Look at the rock, all carved out by hand.

And at the end of the tunnel, Scrooge, possibly, but whoever, he's been there for years.

Then past Hawkesyard Priory and Spode House. 

After Armitage comes Rugeley which in earlier years was dominated by the huge cooling towers of the power station. These have gone and, where we would moor in the nettles, nice, neat moorings.

And I thought we had problems with our back garden!

Now to cross the River Trent.

We get very close to the sheep on the canals. 

What's this? Another Kota! Obviously people with good taste.

Now passing the home of the Boaters Christian Fellowship, The Taft.

With Cannock Chase to the south we pass Wolseley Bridge on the Trent.

Phew, just before the rain we arrived at Great Haywood. Cover down, cup of tea and time to update the blog.

Argh! Little or no internet! Bother, or words to that effect. Blog will have to wait until tomorrow.

And, would you believe it, rain past, blue skies, time for a walk up to the junction. 

Then back to Essex Bridge, a packhorse bridge with passing places all the way along.

Then a detour through the village. This lane of symmetrical houses was built by the Anson family to house the people evicted from Shugborough Village when they built the Arch of Hadrian within the park.

Also, this bridge was used by the Anson family for a private road that crossed both the canal and river so that they could get to church by horse and carriage. The packhorse bridge wasn't wide enough!

And lastly, a look along the Trent to the packhorse bridge.