Heading north east

 Lottie Lurcher chills while a boat rises



Ducks resting in a row

After a sultry night we left base at 8.30 hoping to work through the Fradley locks before it got too hot. These locks were not as deep as the ones to the North but took longer to fill. It soon became hot but there was not much lock work to be done as people were coming towards us at most locks so gates could be left open. One lock gate reopened as soon as I walked away and I had to close it again. Fortunately the boater coming up whizzed a paddle up as the opposite gate had started to open too. It must be tricky for one man boaters, they can’t do both things simultaneously. I sheltered from the sun in the front of the boat under a large umbrella as I get itchy skin even with sun block and piriton. One wag chirped “is it raining over there?” I may look strange but I prefer to be itch free. Even Lottie, our sun worshipping hound, found it too hot. Instead of indulging her sport of chasing ducks she left them lined up on a rail and paddled up and down the side wash to cool down. We found a shady mooring in Alrewas to have lunch and chill out until it cooled down outside.

The river section at Alrewas

After 3 hours it was a little cooler so we set off again. The next lock took us down onto the river section which was could have been the setting for The Wind in the Willows. Not only were there graceful willows lining the banks but the reed beds whispered in the light breeze. The hot sunshine brought out the dragonflies. One type had feathery turquoise wings and looked more like butterflies as they darted through the reeds and buzzed the boat.

lazing on the river below Alrewas

The water was crystal clear so the long roots of the yellow water lilies were revealed and the grass like water weeds created a swaying forest for tiny fish to dart through. A bigger fish leapt out of the water by the bow, a streak of silver. All too soon the magical meanders led us to the next lock, which we worked lazily conserving our cool in over 28 degrees, only 2 degrees cooler than Spain. Tomorrow will be ever hotter.



Art thrives under the bridges

The contrast to the river was startling. The canal ran arrow straight alongside a noisy road but the birds tried to entertain us as we passed. Because of the intense heat the shade under the bridges was a welcome respite from the sun. After an hour of traffic noise and another lock peace returned. We moored for the night at Branston (the pickle place) next to a large lake. Lottie enjoyed a paddle at the dog pool provided but showed no interest in chasing the wildfowl.