Richard takes off final bits of masking tape after the painting is done
We had decided to have the weekend off and take a steadier pace towards Alvecote, given the dire weather forecast.
Lots of rain as we passed through Rugby
The titchy Newbold tunnel ~ 189 metres long with a towpath either side and 2 way traffic
Eclipse pulls Echoes around the bend
Our mooring overnight on the outskirts of Hawkesbury Junction, near Coventry. Richard picks up the cross straps as we begin another day cruising. And whilst we were there, we saw a water vole, perhaps the same one we saw as bold as brass, last time we moored here back in April!
Waiting at the lock as Richard works the motor through. Frustratingly, I couldn't get off the butty as boats were moving about either side of the landing area, so I had to watch
Collapsed roof! I did think that these old buildings would be protected in some way as they are part of our heritage!!
Round the junction with the Greyhound pub on the left. Let's see if we can do it on one...
No problem, but then we are only a combined length of 120feet as opposed to the old working boats at 140 plus! And we are onto the Coventry Canal.
The weird and slightly scary Charity Dock, with all it's manikins and mountains of scrap
Through Nuneaton and the boat yard on the left, usually a wiggle to get through here!
Time for breakfast on the outskirts and we met up with Caroline and Nick on their boats Unspoilt by Progress and butty Tewkesbury. We chatted for a while, intrigued by their story, as Nick writes books and produces film about adventures involving motorbikes around the world, following his epic Black Country to the Black Sea narrowboat expedition in 1992!
Hartshill Yard
We arrived at the top of the Atherstone flight of 11 locks and had a little wait as the backlog of boats subsided and then the lockies helped us down the first 5. Great to have crew!
We moored in the long pound overnight ready for our Sunday dinner at tea time, worth the wait!
Animal farm ~ we never see any humans at this farm but buildings and animals are constantly changed...
Yayy! We arrive at Barlows, Alvecote Marina, but pass through to wind further along the canal
Successfully turned, Richard puts the butty on a short line back to the marina. There, fellow boaters help us moor in the wind temporarily until our proper festival mooring becomes available later in the week.
Time to catch up with friends and enjoy the ambience, taking part in the historic boat gathering. There will be lots of music, beer (hopefully, else we will be singing 'Pub with no beer'!) and good company over the weekend. Come and join us if you are in the Tamworth area!
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