Despite the forecast for a dry day – it poured. We filled up with water then watched to our dismay as two working boats, one towing the other chugged past. It then took over an hour to get thru the two locks as the second, unpowered boat had to be physically pulled thru. Oh well what else does one do on a wet Sunday morning? We then sailed on through gorgeous wooded areas and on past the King’s Bromley marina … waterproofs on!
So many boats and so many odd names, just seen a susie slapcabbage or sommit. Lots of “This is it” and “That’ll do”. Might be me getting older but what happened to the decent old names … and what is this one?
We went on to Armitage – yes, they of the Armitage Shanks – still going
And the Plum Pudding pub – looked good and even a board welcoming boaters and a second board saying real ale @ £2.60 a pint. Must call in on the way back.
Then round into the Armitage tunnel or what is left of it – only room for single file and a bit of a slalom for narrowboats
Concentration required … .
The skyline hoves Rugeley into view
Very handy for the shops and we also passed the two working boats – I think they were bound for the river Weaver as the lead boat was made down there.
And an aqueduct over the river Trent
Lots of geese and their goslings . .
What to do if you’ve washed your beloved teddy bear and want to dry him off?
yes, stick on top of the hot engine (it was off)
And here’s the final mooring spot – down from bridge 72 – sandwiched between two railway lines …never mind – it is handy for Cannock Chase tomorrow
