Finally the gate swingeth open on its own no more.

Don't you just love these canal mornings? With the sun shinning and the mist rising from the water all felt quite magical, how wonderful and a joy to behold.

Today we made good time. No having to cruise at snail's pace to avoid abusive boaters, in fact, most of the way to Fradley was uneventful. All the locks needed emptying but with a well-oiled crew on both boats, it took hardly any time at all. Slight problem at Branston water park. For those that know this part of the T&M, you will also know of the problems with moored boats and the narrow channel. Of course, sod's law said we were bound to meet an oncoming boat and although we managed to pass okay, Dennis happened to be at an awkward part where trying to pass may have been possible but it would have been very tight. Instead, the chap in the oncoming boat tried to pull into a gap and unfortunately, the bow swung out, but all was sorted out in the end. Glad it wasn't busy 'cos then it could have got challenging.

There is always one! No sign of life, curtains drawn and moored on the lock landing!

I did a couple of locks today. Windlass in hand I felt sure I would have no problem. Little did I realise how out of condition I was and where had my strength gone? I soon gave up and let Ian do the rest.

Wychnor lock and the start of the river section.  Ian at the helm for a change.

 Icing bringing up the rear and who had control? Stuart. You would never know that this was his first narrowboat holiday, his steering was almost perfect (I say almost because of the occasion when the bank made contact with the bow) and today was his day for taking Icing through the locks.

That is Icing on the way to Alrewas lock

On his own and looking good.

I think we can forgive a slight nudge on the wall

Bagnall lock has always been a pig to ascend. Blooming bottom gates would never stay closed. We used to resort to me sitting FS back on the gate while Ian legged it to the top paddle and open it quick. But not today...hooray...those gates must have been repaired because the stayed shut!!!! Life will be soooo much easier now😊

Bagnall lock

 Always a sad sight, this cruiser had met a watery end.

Not much happening at Fradley Marina. Plans had been submitted in 2016 for 60 berths. Now in 2019 and only these few pontoon staging to show for it.

Hunts lock and keepers lock

 Fradley is nearly always full at the visitor moorings so we were a little concerned that nothing would be available. One space did show itself but could two boats get in? While I sat in Keepers lock Ian had a quick look. He has a good eye when it comes to distances and back he came with thumbs up. I did the unthinkable and stopped right smack bang in the middle of the space, something I absolutely detest if other boaters do it. In my favour though, Icing was but a lock behind and the boat descending Junction lock headed for the facilities. 

 Oh,, and what is Stuart doing on FS? Cleaning the brasses that's what. Amazing what mention of a beer will do!

And wildlife today,