intrepid pony: the hidden tower

cloth sided narrow boat

Alvecote Marina

After a cold night, which Lottie spent snuggled up under an old sleeping bag, we set off just before 9.00. we were surprised to see four more old working boats lining the canal. Surely they were on the way to a boating exhibition as it is rare to see more than one or two in a week unless they are at a home mooring.

Festive boats

As we approached Polesworth church bells pealed out. Although the bells rang beautifully (not off key) Lottie regarded them suspiciously until they stopped.

tree lined waters

Beyond the town a tall golden tower had been built on a circular hill in the middle of a wooded nature reserve. Last time we passed it looked spectacular but the trees on the hill have grown rapidly and partially blocked the view of the tower. Perhaps it will soon be a secret which only walkers find when they toil up the hill. however the remains of the Benedictine Priory had been cleared of vegetation and could be clearly seen from the canal.

Alvecote Marina had a festive air with its boats decked out in bunting.

We arrived at Glascote locks and joined a queue. It took ages for the first boat to go through over half an hour yet when we descended it only took about ten minutes. We never did find out what the problem had been.

Fazeley Junction

I helped the boat ahead go down the locks as he was alone then worked the lock for my boat. Fortunately the boater behind came and helped me in turn. It is wonderful how friendly most people are regardless of how long or short posh or tatty their boat is.

Art on the building

Having gone down the first lock I went on to help the boater in front as he manoeuvred his boat into the lock. Four crew members from a hire boat clustered round the far paddles ready to whizz them up. It would have been quicker if one of them had closed the gate for the boater. Instead they waited for me to walk down and do it. Perhaps they thought it was my boat!

view through the bridge

After the busy locks we passed through Fazeley Junction then had a lovely cruise through winding canal scenery. There were thick reed beds which narrowed the canal but fortunately we didn’t meet anyone in the narrowest parts. We moored in a peaceful spot along with several other boaters. Lottie was relieved that no brass band, fireworks or church bells disturbed her peace and snored loudly all evening.