Wednesday 24th June

The hottest day so far. 

This morning we set off at about a quarter to nine. 

As you can see, not a cloud in sight. 

There's a lovely section of canal, perfect for mooring but, because the canal is on a level with all the bedrooms, you're not allowed to stop anywhere along here. 

As you go along you see evidence of steerers misjudging the width of the boat and the bridge. 

Not only are bridges attacked from the water but, quite often, parapets get destroyed by cars or vans, all of which can cost C&RT a fair amount of money. 

Just before Hawkesbury Junction we pass the old Wyken Colliery Arm which is now home to Coventry Cruising Club. 

Then the electricity substation. Who dreams up all this equipment? 

We had a look at stopping before the junction but there was little prospect of shade later in the day. 

So, through the stop lock, past the Greyhound, perfect turn - nobody watching, of course. 

Another half mile away and a mooring in what we hoped would be a perfect spot.

A good bit of shade at the moment with the prospect of shade in the afternoon. 

But, what to do for the 2 hours in between when the sun would be directly overhead? 

Well, the captain solved that problem with impeccable panache. 

The Greyhound, where else? Sitting outside watching the hire craft messing up their turns, listening to the other folk discussing where they'd gone wrong and enjoying a good lunch at the same time. 

One of the historic boats showing how turns should be done. 

After all that a gentle walk back to the boat where the shade from the trees opposite was doing its bit. 

End of the day and everything has cooled down, however, It's forecast to be as hot tomorrow.