Tuesday, Penkridge to Cross Green

While Brigid was leading the morning worship online I headed into Penkridge to post a letter and buy some fish. Outside the Post Office was a 'knitted' pillar box - May the 4th be With You.

It's a lovely village with many independent shops.

On my way back to the boat there was a signpost to The Gaol.

I followed the road and found the gaol complete with bars at the windows and stocks round the other side. A little gem that I wouldn't have found if I hadn't been on foot. 

We set off and the third lock we came to was Boggs Lock. What a splendid name. 

The boards above are used to dam the canal if there is a breach or repairs are needed to be done on the lock.

Here's the captain again easing the gate open.

It's not all hard work because I put the boat into forward and engage the autopilot (see above). I know it looks like a bit of bungee cord, which it is, but it keeps the tiller straight and helps to nudge open the gate while I close the paddle on my side of the lock. 

We've arrived at Gailey. You can tell it's Gailey because of the large, round, toll keeper's watch-tower. 

Also the sign tells you where you are.

Look, those awkward bent-beam lock arms. Luckily there were helpers around because I stayed on the boat this time. 

Soon after leaving the lock, and yes, it is pretty, isn't it, we hastily tied up for lunch and sit out a thunderstorm. We didn't see any lightning but the thunder was grumbling around for about half an hour.

And here are the clouds that were causing all the problems.

About a mile outside of Gailey there is a large chemical plant.

The sign advises you that there is to be no stopping or mooring for 200 metres even if you hear an alarm. I think that if I heard an alarm I wouldn't think of stopping, I'd be trying to get away as fast as possible!

Now this brings back memories. Loads of canoes crewed by children who, when we passed them, all called out 'Aye aye captain'! The same thing happened when we met a similar group the last time we passed this way. 

For about a mile of our journey today we chatted with a chap walking along the towpath. He knew people at our marina, he knew a fair bit about Essex, he told us about the best pubs and moorings. It was a first for us chatting away, us on the boat and him on the towpath. 

We are stopping for the night at Cross Green just along from the Anchor Inn. The pub looks good but we'll be eating on board tonight.