Mercia to Aherstone but not in one go.

 Ian arrived back from his quad bike jaunt yesterday with aching muscles and a heavy head. (No sympathy from me!! All self inflicted and at his age should know better ) .He then had to  return our car to Sandiacre before we left Mercia. Usually this means a good 2 hour trip for him, 20 minutes drive to drop of the car then a good 1 hour 40 minutes on the bus back to Willington. Out of the blue Richard, one of our boater neighbours, offered to drive Ian back. I had only known him less then a week and already he was prepared to help. It confirms my theory that most boaters, if they can, will try and help each other out. After returning with Richard and then, with our farewells said to our new found friends, we left our mooring on Redshank pontoon in the wind and rain and headed for Alrewas. My biggest concern was if the river was up, so I encouraged Ian, who wanted to stop at Branston Water Park, to push on and if possible make Alrewas that night. By 7pm we entered Alrewas river section, which was well into the green even after all that rain, and was moored up by 7.15. Total hours 5.25. 12.5 miles and  6 locks.



At Branston Water Park.  I'm sure I photographed this bunny last year. It's colouring is different from the rest





Bridge 30 on the T & M. I still don't know why this bridge should be so narrow.



Sunshine and showers produced this rainbow.

Today we couldn't possible leave Alrewas before visiting the famous butchers to get some sausages, so before pulling pins, made that our first port of call. We were lucky that nearly all the locks were with us or at least had a boat approaching, so we sailed through in no time. It was a great day for a cruise with the sun shinning and winds light and everything greening up nicely. We reached Atherstone bottom lock 11 and decided to go through the first 2 There is a long pound before lock 9 so moored up just before the landing. Would you believe that no sooner had we settled down to dinner when we were hit by a private boat coming into moor behind us. It's not as if there was any breeze or even any other boats moored on our section. No! The lady on the helm cut the corner at 'to sharp an angle' and rammed into our side . She apologised but her hubby was a different kettle of fish. When Ian poked his head out to see what was going on the man swore at him and said 'what you gonna do about it?' Ian only went out to see if the lady was in difficulties. Ian felt it wasn't worth a reply but noticed that they carried on going instead of mooring by us. Some people are just plain grumpy, Total miles travelled 21,5 Locks 8 and 1 swing bridge, Time 9 hours.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       


Goldfinch