It's not often that a day goes so well as it did today and so unexpected considering the time we set off. To be in front of the pack one must leave the moorings early so as to beat the queues at locks. We didn't get going until after 9am so it stood to reason that delays would be inevitable. But, and this is where luck was definitely on our side, we crept past boat after boat all nearly ready to set off with some putting on the tiller, others untying ropes and a few taking down pram tops. And the luck didn't stop there. Every lock either had a boat exiting or was empty and ready for us to go in.
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| Dallow lock and a paddle left up |
I was interested in seeing how much progress had been made in the development of Branston. Not a lot was my initial opinion until we reached the water park. Then it was obvious that houses had replaced the green belt land surrounding the park.
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| Always a problem here at Branston with oncoming boats. Too much vegetation and not enough space. |
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| Receding lake water. Needs a lot of rain to bring the levels back up |
And another development under construction but this time at Fradley. A new marina is being dug out below common lock and according to the sign, room for 60 boats. Doesn't look big enough at the moment but I suppose come back next year and the difference will be immense.
The usual busy Fradley was, as usual, busy. Whereas Alrewas was surprisingly quiet when we stopped for a trip to the butchers.
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| Moored at Fradley |
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| Alrewas |
Our route plan has been torn up. Because of the great time we made today (Ian had planned our moorings for Alrewas but felt midday was too early to stop) we now have time on our hands. So maybe another late start for tomorrow and you never know, the same luck as today will be with us tomorrow.
And seen on route,
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