Wednesday 27th August

A lovely sunny day as we headed along the Coventry Canal from Whittington. Streethay Wharf was busy and the white lorry in the centre of the photo is on the A38 which we always pass on our way to/from the Marina. 70mph on one side of the Wharf, 3-4 mph on the other.

Passing through the Swing Bridge from the Coventry Canal at Fradley Junction.

A wide sweep as Graham steers the boat passed the iconic 'Swan' (also known as The Mucky Duck) at Fradley. It was quite busy but not too bad.

We were now back on The Trent and Mersey canal and exiting the first of 3 locks from this direction.

A clear run to Alrewas. The village holds an Arts Festival each August. Last year they had knitting round the trees. This time it seemed to be quilting. Knowing how much work goes into this hobby I don't think I would be offering to hang pieces on the trees!

We moored at Branston Water Park where the pub 'The Bridge Inn' serves lovely Italian food. We didn't manage to visit last year so we were pleased that the timing worked out this time. Our friends Kathy and John whom we met on a skiing holiday over 3 years ago were returning from their cruise today to their home in Rugeley. After we called them they jumped in the car and joined us. The map is out seeing where they had been. They are very experienced narrowboaters and they were the ones who encouraged us to cruise the Tidal Thames. A lovely evening to catch up and think about next year's adventure!