More news on our infamous con man

Well well well! Our friend Jason is now in custody. I had a phone call from PC Kate Medlam this afternoon.  As he has denied the charge of gaining money by deceit. She now needs us to identify him out of a selection photos. As we are heading for Stafford this will have to be set up at a local police station somewhere along our route
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Last night we had a visit by several rabbits on the towpath. We tried to get a few pictures but 2 cyclist came along and made them scatter in all directions. Just managed this one before they disappeared.

 Another early start this morning because we wanted to get as far as possible before the weather turned bad.  Seeing Hyde lock from a different direction made me aware of the cottage by the lock and its garden gate made to look like lock gates, complete with paddle gear!


Love the gate.

  Once we'd passed the junction of the Stourbridge canal at Stewpony we were on unknown territory. I believe we cruised this section back in the 80's but I cant remember a single thing about it. Coming round a bend towards Rocky lock, we met up with a tree cutting crew completely blocking the canal. I'm not complaining though, as this work is badly needed throughout the system. They only kept us waiting a short time before going on there way to widen the canal somewhere else.


 

The garden just before Ashwood Marina. The deer all made from wire.

 

Couldn't resist taking a photo. Cleverly made from flower pots.




Staircase lock.



There was quite a queue at Botterham Staircase locks and it was also the time the forecasted rain set in. I had hoped to be moored up by that time and we did try to get into the side in several places, but each time got well and truly stuck. Thankfully we arrived at Wombourne to find a free mooring space at the end of the 5 day mooring. Who should also be moored there? Ian and Caroline from NB Indulgence, last seen leaving Droitwich on Saturday evening. Then about an hour later NB Cornelian  turned up and managed to get in in front. As we all had attended the festival I felt like putting our bunting up and having a re run.