Fradley to Rugeley

 We have been advised that the canal is closed at bridge 70 because a tree has fallen across the canal and, worse than that, it's fallen across a boat. Thankfully no-one was hurt but we understand that the boat is a bit bent. 

We debated popping down to Alrewas while tree and boat clearance were underway. In the end we decided to continue heading North in the belief that the remedial work would be done before we arrived on the scene. 

Before we set off we walked round to the facilities to get rid of rubbish and empty the loo. We couldn't stop outside as per usual as we would have had to go through the lock, go down to Alrewas, turn round and come back again. 

So, here we are, first lock of the day at just after midday. The volunteer lock keeper has sent the captain on ahead to get the next ready while he opened the gate for us. 

Look at the gates at Woodend Lock. The angled beam makes them hard to open and close. 

Boo, boo HS2! The cottage at the side of the lock has been compulsorily purchased because of the railway development. What a waste. 

We continued our journey Handsacre and Armitage. 

Of course, Armitage is widely known for its Armitage Shanks water closets. And this is the very factory that produces all the loos. 

After passing through the town there is a very narrow passage, once a tunnel, and at the exit... 

Scrooge standing there to welcome you. 

We now enter Rugeley. 

Where once stood the cooling towers for the power station there is now a modern housing estate. 

We stopped for the night on the outskirts of Rugeley, not in the most salubrious of places but quiet enough for us for one night. 

Just found out that the canal is open again at bridge 70, so, tomorrow, we continue on our way.