Hmmm....orange splodges

Went into Kings Orchard Marina yesterday, not quite what we had intended. The diesel tank was topped up and a new gas bottle purchased. A sign outside the marina with 58p Ltr for domestic was too good an opportunity to miss and even the price for propulsion was only £1.04. Now that in my book is a really good price. Got chatting to Judith and Chris, caretakers at the marina, and got on so well that we ended up staying overnight! I must say as marinas go this one has to be seen. It is small with just 100 berths all with electric. The grounds are beautifully kept and as an added bonus (for us anyway) caravans are allowed on site. One for us to remember and ideal in the future when our son wants to visit with the caravan.

Had stopped just outside so Ian could paint the gunwale, read the sign and decided to go in.

 

View from our window this morning.

 Now we have a question that even C&RT volunteers couldn't answer. From Fazeley down to Fradley there are these orange splodges randomly sprayed on the cladding as well as the foliage.

 Ian wondered if a leak had been detected. We had also been told it could have something to do with towpath maintenance. But so far it's all speculation so to stop us going mad with curiosity, has anyone any ideas?

 Just down from Kings Orchard was Streethay boatyard. All and sundry trying to stop there causing a bit of a holdup. Must be the fact it is a bank holiday and all trying to top up with diesel. Because of the amount of boats on the move we did wonder about getting a mooring in Fradley.

 We had arranged to meet with Dennis and Margaret at Fradley. They were at Alrewas and we are making for the Llangollen canal. Should just about have timed our trip right as school holidays will be over by the time we reach the canal . Llangollen is a popular canal and should (hopefully) be less congested without the holiday traffic. We did manage to get a mooring right before the water point at Fradley and not long after were joined by two C&RT bods trying to catch folk on the towpath to become 'friends of the canals'. I made them tea and a lot of good nature bantering ensued. They were determined that we should join the cause and become 'friends'. We were equally determined that we would not! We have a lot of admiration for the way they are trying to get funds but as I pointed out (rightly or wrongly) we already contribute by paying our boating license.

Before we were joined by C&RT

 Got the text message from Dennis and Margaret to say they were on their way. Walked down to Hunts lock in time to see them appear in the distance. Having locked them up (lock keepers were also on) a mooring was found opposite the facilities and the plan is for a meeting in the Swan tonight. The decision will be made then (if we are still sober) what time we should leave Fradley tomorrow.

Here comes Icing

 And wildlife,

Herons seem to like the ploughed fields. Lots of small mammals for them to find.

A Yellowhammer