Huddlesford to Polesworth

There are a lot of ducks around Huddlesford! And they get up early!! And they like the algae on boats for breakfast!!! (And a dozen ducks pecking on the outside of your boat makes a lot of noise.)

Very annoying Ducks

After breakfast we had a discussion which resulted in a change of plan. We had intended going to Lincoln via the River Trent and Fosse Dyke, but the amount of rain which has fallen and which is forecast means this is not going to be possible as the river is in flood.

So this morning we went as far as Huddlesford Junction to wind and then began to make our way back home. The weather this morning was very pleasant - sunny and quite warm. However, more rain was expected mid-afternoon so we had lunch on the move after going through Glascote Locks. 

Approaching Glasctoe Locks

There were several boats around at Glascote, so we helped one down and crew from the boat following us helped us up. All very amicable as we all made what progress we could before the rain.

We moored on the edge of Polesworth near Br.51 soon after 2.00 and (for the first time this trip) lit the fire. The rain started at 3.00.

Fazeley to Huddlesford (nearly)

Friday evening to Sunday afternoon were spent at Fazeley enjoying the BCF weekend.

We did make an early morning trip on Sunday to Fazeley Mill Marina for a pump out and to fill up with water. This also gave us the opportunity to turn round so we are facing in the right direction for when we leave.

After attending morning service at St Paul’s Fazeley and lunch at the Fazeley Inn, we said goodbye to our BCF friends and set out to continue our journey. 

There has been a lot of rain over the last two days which may have consequences for our journey, but for the moment we’ll carry on as planned.

We were aiming to get to Huddlesford today but the rain started again and Stephen was very wet, so we stopped a little short of Huddlesford Junction, mooring at about 4.30.

No photos – too wet.

0 locks  7.0 miles                                          Totals    14 locks                 30.25 miles

Atherstone Lock 8 to Fazeley

A wet and windy night was followed by a bright and breezy morning. We set off at just after 9.00 in sunshine towards Lock 8 which was ready for us as an early boat had already come up the lock. Considering it was still fairly early, there were a lot of boats around. We didn’t have to turn any of the remaining Atherstone Locks, but it was slow going as we were following a boat and there were always boats waiting to come up. But it was good to talk to and help other boaters especially those working on their own like those on Thursday’s Child and The Cheese Boat.

River Anker overflowing fields

A very full River Tame

We passed Sonflower moored at Grendon – Fran and Peter will return to her and make their way to Fazeley by tomorrow afternoon. We, like them, are heading for the BCF Fellowship Weekend being held at Fazeley.

Glascote Locks were also very busy. We were behind Dutch Courage with Richard and Elizabeth Martin also making their way to Fazeley. The boat coming the way was the other Chyandour – a boat we come across from time to time as we cruise around the system.

We stopped for lunch after Glascote Locks and then carried on, turning at Fazeley Junction on to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and mooring up with the other BCF boats.

Arriving at Fazeley

Later in the evening, about 15 of us invaded a local curry restaurant for a meal together – a very sociable gathering!

The weather today was sunny and warm, with a strong breeze at times and very little rain.

BCF boats 

I forgot to put locks and miles on the previous post, so here are the totals up to Friday evening.                                                       14 locks                 23.25 miles

Wyken Basin to Atherstone Flight (btn Locks 7 & 8)

The first day of our autumn cruise. Following a very wet night and early morning, the rain was beginning to lessen and we were able to load the boat in the dry. We left Wyken Basin just before 10.00 and pottered through to Hawkesbury Junction. There were quite a lot of boats about including one coming out of Sutton Stop Lock as we approached.

Coffee on the move as we turned onto the Coventry Canal 

The Start of Autumn on the Coventry Canal

We stopped for lunch near Springwood Haven Marina – timing it very well as there was a heavy shower while we were moored.

Setting off again, we continued toward the locks at Atherstone arriving at top lock at 2.45. As there were VLKs there, I left them to help Stephen while I went down to help the boat in front through Lock 2 and then set it ready for us. There were several boats going up and down the flight, so we had help at some locks and had to wait at others. By now, the sun had come out and it was quite warm, so working down the locks was very pleasant.

Sunshine on Atherstone Locks

We moored above Lock 8 at 4.00 and the sun was still shining.

Moored above Lock 8