I have the camera at the ready, Ian

We were very naughty today and all because those blooming ducks pecking at the algae on the hull which woke us at the silly hour of 5.30am. Awake we decided on a cup of tea...in bed. Then what should I do? Knocked the bedside shelf with my elbow sending the whole cup of tea over me and the bedclothes! Of course the bed clothes had to be stripped (me too as my PJ's were covered) and the washer had to go on. But we need the engine on for the machine to work so at 7.30am it was fired into life. I will just say that if there had been any boats in the vicinity this wouldn't have happened, we do usually keep to the 8am-8pm rule. 

The trip to Fradley took roughly 90 minutes. It was following two slow boats that took the time, not that it mattered as we had to take on water and empty the cassette at Fradley before turning left at the Junction.

Only three locks to do today so should have sailed through the first two what with C&RT volunteers on duty. But it took over an hour as two boats had beaten us to Middle lock and the volunteers quite rightly wouldn't turn a lock around knowing there was a descending boat on the flight, but oh it did take an age!

Woodend lock and our last for today

How nice of someone to make this archway in this Weeping Willow.

Reached Handsacre and found a mooring just after the winding hole, in the open and away from the trees. TV good and Wi-Fi excellent for a change.

Moored at Handsacre

The diesel and coal boat came past, Auriga with owner Rick. Last time we saw him we were on the Ashby wanting diesel. Unfortunately then he had run out, so we had to diesel up at Springwood Haven instead. This time he had diesel a plenty to sell, but we only wanted to change the gas cylinder. 13Kg for £35.50.

A slight breeze was blowing but it was enough to push Auriga's bow toward the bank. That pole of ours came in handy once again. I had the camera ready just in case there was a repeat to Ian's unscheduled bath time!

Ian was going to treat me, Fish and Chips at Handsacre one of the best chip shops in the area. Walked up when we arrived to find a 'closed on Monday' sign up. Blast, now I'm going to have to cook. But all was not lost because looking at the website it was only closed during the lunch service and not in the evening. So Donor Kebab and chips, a huge portion and so very glad the girl at the counter advised us to only have a regular chips which would be enough for the both of us and not a large portion. as we had first ordered.

Oh and we saw Captain Ahab on Wand'ring Bark and the Jam Butty on our travels. Stopped for a natter and tried to put the world to rights, but we all failed miserably. Gosh, it's been years since we met last but that is the way of our lifestyle. Always great when we do get to meet again.

And today's wildlife,