Burston

A peaceful night and we were away at about ten. I expected the land between us and Shugborough Hall to be flooded, but it was all like normal with people walking etc.
A few boats had been by in both directions but Gt Haywood lock was against us and once clear of the trees below the lock it was a spring like day.

There was a fishing match going on between bridge 74 and the entrance to Gt Haywood Marina. I think they may have been getting a disturbed morning as most of the boats coming down were coming out of the marina. As we approached Hoo Mill Lock on of the long term moorers informed me we were number 4 in the queue, but by the time we had pulled in it was number 3. There were a couple of boats coming down including an Finesse electric one. By the time Diana brought the boat in there were four behind us and it seems that one of them and the fishermen had words.
The guess were out in force with a lone heron standing guard at the back, I expect we will get an early call in the morning as they were on most vacant pieces of grass land.

Surprise surprise there was no queue at Western lock but it was against us. we were almost ready to leave the lock when fellow blogger Nb. Bonjour came round the bend, perfect timing, we could leave the gates and they could sail straight in.
Then the sky’s started to darken and the clouds gathered as this Swan came low overhead.

The first boat we saw at Hoo Mill had now winded and moored on the Sandon Park, or is it Salt long term moorings. The end mooring use to have a collection of larger than life stuffed toys, last time we passed the boat had gone and now the mooring is being redeveloped.

I just love taking photos of this bridge, it’s such a bold structure to carry a road across a canal. I am sure it wasn’t actually needed.

Up at Sandon lock we caught up with the boat ahead and went up to lend a hand, there was a boat waiting above to come down so the lock was well manned and they were both soon on their way. We only went about another half mile before mooring for the night out in the wilds wit just a hundred geese for company . We had a very  light shower just as we came in to moor but other than that the day has been fine .

Today’s journey

4 locks, 6¾ miles in 3½ hours