Atherstone to Fazeley

 Phew! A cooler start to the day with a bit of cloud cover for a change. 

And off we go down through the remaining six locks. Two of the pounds were very low, a short pound not being helped by two boats coming through the bottom lock one after the other without waiting for us to clear the top lock first. C&RT are banging on about not wasting water and yet there are folk still not looking ahead to see if anyone is working the lock ahead of them. This also means that there are two boats trying to pass in very shallow water, one of those very likely to go aground. (OK grumble over, it's a lovely day, let's get back to boating). 

I know it's vandalism but I do love some of the artwork on the bridges. 

Nice to see the old house still standing at Grendon Wharf. One of the windows has fallen off, otherwise, still standing. 

We passed our friends on Always on the Bend on the mooring at bridge 52 as we came into Polesworth. We, however, carried on to just past bridge 54 where we have stopped before. 

A quick trip to the butchers but, alas, the hardware shop that I loved has gone along with one of the cafés nearby. I suppose change is inevitable. (Also a sign of old age - I find myself saying 'I remember when ...) 

A quick lunch onboard and then off we go again. 

If you can see it through the trees, Pooley Hall is very impressive. 

Pooley Country Park which is on the site of the former and Pooley Hall Colliery. Plenty of folk enjoying the park and the delights of the café. 

We passed the site of Alvecote Priory but, again, the trees have grown and you can't see much from the canal. I remember when... ! 

Next up Alvecote Marina. The marina was fairly empty but we did wonder if many of the traditional boats were down at Braunston for the rally. 

Then along through a peaceful wooded area and then into Amington. 

Again, folk do like their gardens. We love this stretch of canal where there are long gardens and you can compare what neighbours have done to keep up with next door. 

A glimpse into Glascote Basin Boatyard before the last two locks of the day. 

Down she goes. Captain at the helm. 

Nice touch, a memorial for Keith Douce, a long time worker for BW and C&RT. 

The Tale of Leaky Lock. These last two locks are horrible and the brass plate says it all. I had to get the captain to help me shut the top gate, it just wouldn't budge. 

Over the River Tame. I looked back and I've three or four similar views in the past. 

Fazeley Junction. We've made it, now where can we moor? 

Perhaps not here. I'm sure they're nice people but we'll go a little further on.

That's better, just a gaggle of geese. 

Sat outside on the towpath until almost 10 o'clock. This is one of the first years when we've had so many meals outside. Marvelous.