Anchor Bridge Coventry Canal

Last night we ate at the greyhound and luckily I booked a table as by just after 7pm the restaurant was full. Again two nice meals.

This morning was again sunny but soon clouded over and I even had to use the brolly just after Springwood haven. The first job was to slip over and fill with water just before the lock, not the fastest tap but it gave Diana time to empty the waste bin. Once full Diana walked to set the lock, I pulled away and immediately fouled the prop. Down the weed hatch while in the lock and removed a piece of waterproof material complete with ties that probably some used it as a cover on a boat.

During last weeks stoppage CRT took the opportunity to repair the broken edging along the near side of the lock.

Leaving the lock I noticed what looks like a new seat just in front of the old service block, I might be wrong but I don’t remember seeing it before.

 

   Out onto the Coventry canal and we turned sharp right heading towards Nuneaton. On the left hand side there is a long length of long term moorings and at the end one I spotted this stargazer.

We soon caught up with a hire boat that Diana had assisted down the locks, they had got a bit too close to the towpath so stayed there while we passed them, I was able to point out the stern rope trailing in the water. Just after that it was a CRT push tug, the steerer was on the towpath holding it, after we passed he followed us, what a noisy beast that is. I wouldn’t want the job of driving that. Then we caught un with another CRT Workboat, I mentioned to them how noisy the small one was, they said that is why they were trying to get away from it.
The housing development just before you come into Nuneaton is really taking shape now with some houses occupied and others for sale. There seemed to be less boats at Boot Wharf with only a single row in front of the yard.
The sky to the right of us was looking really dark and not long after passing Springwood Haven Marina we had a very short, sharp shower. The diesel at Springwood is more expensive than at Amada, coming in at 162/Lt.
A short way before The Anchor Pub this work flat was trying to stay afloat, I think a bit more rain may see it dipping under, I am not sure it would actually sink as it may have buoyancy tanks.

We then met two CRT volunteers heading down to look at it, I am not sure what one was carrying but it wasn’t a bucket to bale it out.

We have moored outside The Anchor pub where we plan to eat tonight.

 

Today’s Journey

 

8¼ miles with one lock in 3½ hours