Tuesday 8th
It always amazes me that the cooling towers of Rugeley, which looks so near at first glimpse from Handsacre, still takes nearly an hour and a half to get to.
It's all those twists and turns and then the moored boats to slow our progress, if only those navvies had built the canal straight.... And then there was the Armitage narrows to contend with, sending someone ahead was advisable 'cos meeting another boat head on would not be good. Just another thing to slow our pace. And the reason for our haste? To get to Rugeley before all the moorings were taken.
Got to Rugeley for 10ish and it definitely paid off arriving early, only about half a dozen boats moored. By the time we had shopped and had lunch, not a free mooring to be seen.
This intrigued me. What was C&RT up to now? Ah, more moorings were being generated through the bridge and Rugeley certainly needed them. Maybe the next time we come through here we can take our time.
Blooming Willows! Who is responsible for trimming those branches. Is it C&RT or the landowners? I have heard that C&RT has access to a metre of land on the offside regardless of whose land it is. So could they force action on the landowner to have them cut back? If anyone has an answer I would love to know.
Came across an Anglo Welsh day boat with ropes so slack the stern stuck out way into the channel. I did mention this as FS glided past, but they were too intent on lunch, having a laugh and drinking too much to take any notice. All I got back from them was a raised glass, cheeky grins and "Won't be long before we leave". Saw them later after we had moored, boat weaving from side to side but still enjoying themselves and a thumbs up to us with an "It's my 50th birthday you know."
We stopped at Taft Bridge overlooking a field of sheep and the railway. Could be a bit on the noisy side tonight!
And seen on route.
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| Gibbous moon phase early afternoon |
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| Sparrowhawk? |
And this squirrel was busy burying his nut!
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