When needs must.

Well we did have high hopes of getting away early and we did set off just after 8am and yes we did call into Shobnall boat yard for coal only to find them shut! Nothing on the door to say what time they opened so Ian had a quick look online to discover it wasn't until 9am. So kettle on while we waited and dead on 9, three bags of coal was purchased.

So later than planned we set off for Alrewas. Had a pretty decent cruise to Wychnor lock and onto the river section. No problem at all apart from meeting a boat on the narrow bit by the bridge. Never in all the years of cruising this section have we ever met another boat at this precise point and smoke billowed from our exhaust as I threw FS hard into reverse! Although both of us reached the bridge at the same time, I had to give way as he was going with the flow. Having ascended Alrewas lock who should we spy but Lillyanne. We managed to pull in behind hogging the last bollard on the landing and, while Ian held the centre rope, I gave them a knock. Unfortunately no one at home and we did debate whether to stay and wait for Pip and Mick's return but we had other pressing needs. Two in fact as one cassette was full and the second on the brink off. It was therefore quite urgent that we made it to Fradley and the facilities.

By mid afternoon we arrived to an almost empty Fradley. In fact only one boat moored and we were spoilt for choice on where we stopped. After emptying the cassettes we pushed across to moor FS opposite. I got my rod out and after sitting getting cold for the best part of an hour without catching anything, hooked a monster Bream.

 With the weather set to turn wet tomorrow we may well stay for another day,

And on the journey,

Tattenhall lock after the waterpark.

Barton Turn lock. Would you believe this detour because of unstable ground, has been here for at least two years!

Surely C&RT could get it sorted.

And wildlife on route. Spring is most definitely on the way.

There she is (R)...just surfaced after trying to shake off her suitors

 More of these shenanigans on my wildlife blog

Kestrel by the river