Off Again - To Braunston, This Time.

Monday 28th September, 2015 in Rugeley.
It's cobweb season. Every morning, MM's rear deck seems to be festooned with shining cobwebs!

There was no morning mist today, just a clear blue sky.

M said that she was reluctant to leave the marina, even though it will be fun to go down to Braunston and back. Despite M's reluctance, we set off after breakfast and said a temporary farewell to our mooring.

The last time we went under this bridge, there were a dozen sheep standing on it watching us pass. This time there was just one who peered curiously through the bars and continued to watch us until we were far away. What was it thinking, one wonders?

Where the canal was built through large estates, the owners often demanded that "their" bridge must be particularly handsome. This bridge is called Salt Bridge, but it was built in such an ornate fashion by order of the owners of the Sandon Estate, through which the canal travels. The bridge connects the little village of Salt directly to Sandon Hall, which is now a favourite wedding venue.

By contrast, the little brick bridge at Weston Lock is called Brinepit Bridge, a further reminder of the salt production that used to take place in the area.

Good to see the C&RT chaps putting our licence fee to good use repairing the banks of the canal!

Pedestrians, however, would appear to be a hindrance to the work and are instructed to turn sharp left into the canal!

Most of the lock gates on this stretch of canal have these sweet little crochet hearts attached to them. No one seems to know their significance, but they are very cute.

How to have fun during term-time. Never mind arithmetic, history and all that stuff - go canoeing!

Colwich Lock has always been M's favourite, ever since we were watched through one year by a herd of cows standing on the bridge and peering at us. This time it was even more special - it is the 300th lock that M has done this summer! Well done, says R!

We moored up in Rugeley after a great day's cruising.

Today: 13 miles, 5 locks and 7.9 hours.
Trip: 377 miles, 300 locks and 289.1 hours.