There was quite a red sunset last night, and a nice sunrise this morning. When I took Macc out for a walk last night (even at 7pm it’s in the dark these days) The Swan looked rather nice all lit up.
This morning Macc and I did another walk round Fradley Pool, and then after breakfast I walked down to the rubbish point and Elsan. We set off about 8.30, with Adrian bringing the boat while I walked down and lifted a paddle on the first lock and then came back to open the swing bridge.
There was already a volunteer lock keeper on Junction Lock, so he had it ready and waiting as Adrian came round the corner.
We were on our own for the other two Fradley Locks, but they’re close together so they could be set ahead.
Common Moor Lock is only a shallow one, and then as we approached Bagnall Lock a lady with a windlass appeared from below and set it for us. Then a CRT chap arrived and also helped, so I stayed on the boat and Adrian walked ahead to check out mooring options in Alrewas.
There were plenty of spaces throughout the village, and one just the right size just above Alrewas Lock. It was only about 10am, which is ann early stop even for us. Adrian went to the pharmacy to stock up on paracetamol, while Macc and I went for a little walk. We went for another walk after lunch, doing a loop over the Trent, across a field, and along the Quarter Mile Bridge, which carries the towpath over the river.
All day I’d been tracking another boat which was heading our way, with progress also checked with WhatsApp messages. When the time was right I walked the short distance to Alrewas Lock to set it — but the first boat to appear was a completely different one! After I’d helped the single hander through, a very shiny cream Oleanna appeared round the corner, with Pip walking across the bridge. By the time Mick had arrived the lock was empty and open.
We’d been talking about meeting up for a few days and at first it looked as though we’d always be a couple of days ahead. But the change of plan because of Adrian’s broken arm means both boats have arrived in the same place on the same day. We’re having dinner together later, so there will be plenty to catch up on.
2 miles, 5 locks. (248 miles, 158 locks)