Polesworth

Over Christmas we were in contact with friend who were not only on their boat but traveling in the same direction as us, we haven’t seen them in years, that’s how it goes with boaters. We decided to have a meal together on Boxing day, so I went on line and booked a table for 1845 on  line. Roll on until Boxing day morning and the Landlord rings to say the kitchen is closing at 1800, was that ok.
When we arrived at Hopwas our friends had already moored up and a little after 1730 we walked over to the pub. The dining room was empty, the Landlord had kept the kitchen open specifically for us. Now that is service above and beyond.

This morning it was warmer than yesterday and we set off about 1030 in almost still conditions, about half way to Fazeley we met a boat, I moved close to the off side and so did he, eventually he swung to his right while I did a dead stop. As he passed he asked me which sides boats should pass each other, he thought it the same as the road. Not meeting any moor boats and Neil about an hour ahead I felt sure that Glascote locks would be against us, then passing Tamworth Cruising Club we met Monarch, the ex steam Narrowboat coming towards us. Result. The bottom lock was empty, Moored below the lock was Minnow and as we worked the bottom lock, the top one turned and a couple walked down. It was Matt and Rebeca from Northwich Dry Dock so we had both locks with as and a few minuets chat.
Its surprising, well to me, how early the pussy willow is out.

As we approach Alvecote it started very fine rain and this continued quite lightly until we moored up at Polesworth, when we arrived we were the only boat in the town, but we have now been joined by a second.

Today’s Journey

8½ miles with 2 locks in 3¼ hours.