Rugby to Ansty

I keep saying It's getting hotter, well, it is. We are getting into a rhythm of starting off a bit earlier than expected of us. Travel during the cooler part of the day, seek some shade and rest up in the afternoon. 

This is our mooring in Rugby, the photo being taken at half past six. Not a time I'm usually up and about! 

After breakfast we set off for Newbold on Avon where we took on water. After that 250 yds through Newbold Tunnel. The tunnel was built when the original Oxford Canal was being shortened in the 1820s. 

There's evidence of the shortening all along the canal. At Fall's Bridge a short section of the old canal is used as a winding hole. 

Almost opposite is a small boatyard and boat hire business which is doing a roaring trade today with 2 or 3 boats wanting to take on fuel. 

A mile further on and another old section has been transformed into Brinklow Waterside and Marina. 

We then travelled on past All Oaks Wood where C&RT were busy at work in the hot sun. 

The canal bypasses Brinklow going through a cutting which has always proved to be unstable. 

A couple of years back there were massive landslides here and they are still working on stabilising the banks. 

Following on after the cutting a long stretch of moorings, all private. Luckily there was a bit of a breeze to counter the effects of travelling at 2 mph in the blazing sun. 

We arrived in Ansty just after 1 and started to look for a shady mooring. The only space available to us was just too short for the boat. 

However, the gentleman behind loosened his ropes and we were able to cosy up together. 

I did check with the couple in front that they didn't mind us sharing their space. I did say it was a tight space.