We set off a few minutes to 10, 3 boats had already been by and we met another 21 before Fradley Junction. Again it was a little misty over the valley when we left and the canal mirror calm.
Of course we met some of the boats in awkward places and we even met one we know, Hello Sue and Allen. I better add yesterday I met Mike who commented on yesterdays blog but didn’t recognise him.
As the day went on it got warmer and warmer. I don’t know if this is CRT handiwork or the Litchfield Cruising Club, but it looks to be highlighting the ankle breakers along the tow path. One thing that
does annoy me it the mooring restriction notices that have just been left to fall off the piling into the canal. It should be part of the post gathering clean up.
We arrived at Fradley Junction right at lunch time, so no boats moving or Volockies to worry about. Out through the swing bridge and turn right ready for Junction Lock, as the lock filled I swapped with Diana so she could steer and I worked the locks as she has a gammy leg at the moment. All 3 locks were against us, but as we left Hunt’s Lock a boat was coming towards us so we were able to leave that one open. Down to Common lock which was down a foot, quite surprising considering how much the top gates leak. The bottom gates are a bit unusual having a hand rail, its more common to use the paddle gear.
Also unusual at this lock is the bench seat with the back only half the length of the seat. Its quite a sturdy affair and paid for by lottery heritage funding for the Trent Valley, so I guess they had a hand in the design.
We only did another couple of hundred meters before mooring for the night at one of the few places you can get in close to the bank.
Today’s journey
9¾ miles, 4 locks in 4¼ hours
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