Atherstone

Our intention was to set off early today. We woke at 4, overly hot, no chance of getting back to sleep. Woke up at 7:15 having not succeeded in staying awake. 

Still, ten to nine and we're off. Not too bad. 

Oh dear, another discarded sunken boat. It looks as if anything worth taking has been taken. 

Our next place of interest is, as described in our waterways guide 2000, BW Hartshill Yard. 

I still think that BW (British Waterways) sounds better than Canal and River Trust. I know, showing my age! 

Just on the outskirts of Mancetter is this clump of vegetation jutting out into the canal. Many years ago we were informed by a local on the towpath that someone had driven a car down the field and straight into the canal. As we went past we could still make out some rusting metal but now you're not able to recognise whether it is a car or not. 

Here's the captain trying to maintain her dignity while trying not to overcook and steering all at the same time. 

As you come into Mancetter and Atherstone, many of the residents have really gone to work on their gardens. There were two, side by side, and the second one had a sign saying Posher than next door. 

Ah, another building site. But, hang on, isn't that where Wilson & Stafford's Hat Mill stood? Atherstone was once known as Hatter's Town. The Mill opened in 1828 and closed in 1999. Since then it has become derelict and suffered from structural collapse during severe storms. Hence the demolition and for permission to build new houses. 

We took on water, got rid of all the rubbish and emptied the loo before starting on the locks. Baking hot and not much shade. 

Not only was I hot and sticky but grumpy as well when the captain entered the locks without touching the sides. Not that I'm point scoring, as if I would. 

Managed 5 of the locks but then decided to stop for air-conditioned shopping and the hope of some afternoon shade from the trees opposite. 

Now for the stick that was given to me yesterday. 

When we moor we often drop a chain through the Arnco that lines much of the canal. 

You drop the chain down through the gap and then get on your knees to grope around for the end where it comes, often in the water. 

Not so with the stick. You drop the chain down and then fish around with the stick until you hook the chain and can pull it up. All without bending down. 

Pass the small loop through the larger, pull tight and tie up the boat. Simples! 

We walked up into town but first we had to go under the railway. 

Now I didn't take this photo for the low bridge but for the streetlight that was alight during the day. 

Then on to Pinocchio's Café for lunch. 

Well worth the visit. And we were offered a table with a fan! Bliss! 

Then into Tesco which was nice and cool. 

Back on the boat and the shade has come across the front of the boat and we are sitting on the towpath which is cooler than inside at the moment. Should be a tad cooler tomorrow.