Hot foot to Hopwas

 

As we set off from Rugeley we passed a young man with three dogs in what I can only describe as a pedalo. He was raising money for Paddle for Paws on a paddle to London. 

A brief glimpse of Spode House, now a wedding venue. 

Back through Armitage Tunnel which is certainly tight fit. 

Men at work on the Armitage Shanks chimney. Brought back memories of Fred Dibner and the TV programmes he starred in. 

A pretty canalside garden in Handsacre. 

A slight problem at Woodend Lock. A pen had entered the lock with her cygnets. We needed to get them out before the boat coming up could enter. 

Meanwhile, the cob was walking along the top of the lock calling to his mate who didn't know how to reach him. Two cyclists managed to herd the cob back down the towpath and the family of swans were flushed out of the lock by opening the gate paddle very gently so they didn't get hurt. 

Having cleared the way it was our turn in the lock. Having opened the gate I was able to step back on the roof and duck down through the bridge. 

And here they are, the family reunited. 

Just about to go down through the middle lock at Fradley and then turn right down the Coventry canal. 

We've now come around the corner and we're just looking back at the swing bridge which is right on the junction. We were lucky when we came up this way because we were able to more between here and New bridge. At the moment there is a no mooring restriction in place because they are resurfacing the towpath. 

Once again new housing creeping closer and closer to the canal. 

Mind you, some of it is quite in keeping with the old style of warehouse that would have been found canal side. 

Thought you might like to see a picture of my pride and joy in the engine room. 

We pushed on to Hopwas and decided to treat ourselves to a meal in the Tame Otter. 

As always the food was first class. This is one of the few pubs where the standard is consistent with each visit. Well done the Tame Otter.