Day 5 Wednesday. Back down Lapworth flight.

Another 6.30 start. The run to Kingswood junction took about 1.5 hours Back through the guillotine lock and then the long stretch of the North Stratford toward the lift bridges and Lapworth locks.

 Ian always finds the North Stratford very long and tedious having nothing much to look at other then wooded areas. For me sitting at the front I loved every part of it. The amount of wildlife was ever present and I took loads of photos ( as I do).

Jay

Pied woodpecker

Lucky snap.as we sailed past. Just saw this Kingfisher fly onto the branch

  Eventually arrived at the top of Lapworth flight and for once nearly all the locks were with us. We met a working pair between lock 7 & 8 the butty being brought up first followed by the motor. Trying to squeeze by each other in the short pound was interesting to say the least.

Butty being bow hauled out. Should have used the horse looking over the fence.

And the motor.

 We had a really good run down only meeting one other boat and 2 hours later turned right at the junction. Stopped before Shrewley tunnel for the night on a lovely open embankment where we had two very interesting neighbours to keep us company. Time was only 3.30pm. so very early for us but didn't fancy going through a very wet tunnel that night.  Still no TV so after our meal and a glass of wine departed for bed.
Total miles 19.4, locks 20, time 9 hours

Who would have thought that Jade was so unwell 2 months ago!

Our neighbours

All alone. Very unusual not to have a mate yet. She stayed opposite our boat and was still there in the morning.