Brereton.

  

We set off early again next morning up the three locks to moor at Brereton by Spode Hall, Hawksyard. This little cruiser, with a hint of canal boat at the back, was moored opposite us. Note the horrid name chosen for it. Who would want to give their boat a name like this? Again we managed to settle down inside Oakfield before another big storm began.

Animal encounters.

                       

This little dog was stretched out sunning itself in the estate agents window in Whittington.

                      

The guard-cat Growl-tiger was sat on the bow of his boat on duty. He prowled along the gunnels keeping an eye on us as we passed, with a savage look on his face.

      

Hide and seek cat.                               Siesta time for me and my mum.

Fradley.

                     

Once again we were cruising along under blue skies past Lichfield Cruising Club H.Q. and the lovely old signpost marking Huddlesford Junction.

Ethel No 1091.

The new marina was open at Streathay, but we could only see two boats in it. Streathay Wharf were advertising their diesel at 92p per litre, then we were on tick-over past the linear moorings right next to the traffic thundering along the A38. just before Bridge 88 a board on the side of the canal stated that the pretty cottage there was to be for sale next year with 3 reception+4 bedrooms, double garage and adjoining 2.75 acres of garden. A very desirable looking residence indeed!

 

When we arrived at Fradley to moor there was a lady sat on the towpath spinning on a very neat little spinning wheel. We contacted out friend Jan and she came round the following day for coffee and a long catch-up chat as a year had passed since we saw her last. She was telling us about all the little improvements she and her husband have made to their narrow-boat which is now 10 years old. We always look forward to seeing her whenever we pass by. We went for a snack in the cafe in the old BW Yard where we took the last table for two! The place was very busy with boaters and rambles calling in. Just after we left for a walk around the nature reserve we had thunder and lightning and the heavens opened. Luckily we were able to find a dry spot under the trees to take cover and keep dry. I then perused the lovely art and craft gallery next to the Swan Inn, without buying anything.

Whittington.

     

It was a dull old day when we cruised on to moor at Whittington behind tunnel-tug Sharpness. The next morning we sauntered up to see what the village was like. This was a G.P.O. delivery cart with one of the flower displays around The Green.

                           

More flowers in a beautiful stone trough, with a delightful little cottage in the background. Anyone know what this plant is?

                           

There were several lovely cottages and every garden seemed to be immaculately kept We liked the old petrol pump and wire wheel on the garden wall. There was a Co-op, Cafe, P.O Stores, Estate Agents and a Chemist also. The locals were very friendly and all spoke to us as we passed them.

Sutton Road Bridge.

                          

The view from Oakfield’s mooring and mb Kangaroo returning south.

We visited the water-point past Fazeley Junction and cruised on to Sutton Road Bridge. We saw Kym the ‘Little Chimney Man’ who said he is kept very busy supplying boaters with the stainless steel chimneys that he makes in his little butty workshop. We moored up here and followed the little footpath beside the bridge, then along the road to Sainsbury’s where we had coffee and got a few bits. There are all the usual big superstores here, including an Asda Wallmart. Soon after we returned to our boat another boat was trying to moor in front of us, so we went out to help pull him in. It was Leon on The Old Bovine, so the boys had a long chat about boats of course, while I went to prepare our roast dinner and make a Rhubarb Crumble.

Three Canada Geese came past ushering about twenty goslings between them.  We met up with the crew of nb Nuthatch, lovely people to talk to. They were about our age and she’d had pneumonia and he’d had Meningitis, both were now recovered and glad to be back out cruising again. Leon came around for coffee next morning, as they were chattering all about boats again I left to peruse the shops. Amazingly they were still at it when I returned!