Two of them, most unusual.

 So Glascote locks, only two, both very slow fillers and as yet, the pair that we have never yet conquered completely by ourselves. No matter what time of year, we have always either had to queue or wait for a boat to exit before proceeding. Its uncanny, why these locks are so busy is a mystery or maybe we always just chose the wrong time to do them. Which ever, I do wish I had made a bet with Ian, maybe I would have got that new jumper I have been asking for.

It appeared to be all clear, I had a long wait while Ian got the top lock filled then as I eventually entered, another boat appeared at the bottom lock. Paddles were lifted and then the chap disappeared. Next thing Ian saw was the chap using the boat to open the gates. I'm not in favour of this practice, too much strain on the gates especially if the lock wasn't quite ready. Anyway, hey ho, everyone has their own way of doing things, so I waited in the top lock and once I could see the lock gates opening and that boat moving forward, did likewise.

 

Into the last lock and yet another boat turned up! See what I mean about not having the locks to ourselves!

 

Fazeley junction wasn't much further. It was where we left the Coventry canal and turned right onto the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. We stopped for water and while I kept an eye on the fill. Ian trekked off to Tesco Express for a few essentials. 

 

Look at the next photo. Somewhere beyond the reeds is a bridge!

 Come on CRT, this is not acceptable, you wouldn't want to foot the bill if two boats collided and caused damage. 

Plenty of leaves to contend with especially through Hopwas Wood. The reverse gear had to used more often than not! The colours of the cut, beautiful if only the sun had shone to show it off in all its glory.

 

 And Kingfishers galore. At least three, one on its own and a pair. Very unusual to see two flying past and landing in a bush, gosh how happy was I when they stayed long enough to get this photo. 

 

Another mooring spot chosen way out in the country. Time was nearly 1 pm, I suppose we could have continued for another hour, but then...nah...it was nice to get back in the warm and chill for the afternoon.

And some more of those Kingfishers.