Live Boating

 Tixall Wide to Penkridge

We started today’s journey at our usual time of 8.30, plus or minus a few minutes. There are seven locks to do today and the first, Tixall Lock, was soon in sight. There was a gap of a couple of hours before the next one (Deptmore) and then another 3 before we stopped for lunch (Shutt Hill, Park Gate and Longford). Just two more (Penkridge and Filance) and then we moored in Penkridge (the town not the lock). Steve changed the oil in the boat engine (there’s always some job or other to be done) and then we went for a walk round the town.

The Canada geese seem to have paired up and are looking for suitable nesting sites, as are the swans, though we haven’t actually seen many swans. On the other hand, the ducks are still swimming around in groups and haven’t got themselves organised at all!

Pair of Canada Geese on Aqueduct over River Sow

The weather today was mixed – the odd shower, some sunshine, quite a lot of cloud and wind. More sustained rain set in during the evening.

The blackthorn thinks it's Spring even if the weather doesn't.

We were moored very close to a pub – the Cross Keys – so we decided to go there for a meal. The Cross Keys had a limited menu, but the meal we had was very acceptable.

Today’s miles and locks – 10.00 miles    7 locks      

Total miles and locks – 57.00 miles  26 locks