Sunday 18th October, 2015 at Rugeley.
Immediately before Fazeley Junction is a small pedestrian swing bridge ("Easy", said M).
And immediately after the bridge was a boat selling rope fenders of all descriptions.
You cant' pass through Fazeley Junction without a nod to the "Mucky Duck" (As the Swan Pub is known in boating circles).
Now on the Trent and Mersey Canal, there are two locks to negotiate.
We moored up above the second lock and walked back to the C&RT Café for second breakfast. The Café was closed when we passed two years ago, so it was pleasing to see it so well patronised, especially with cyclists today.
The C&RT Office was running a children's workshop with lots of activities for the children to do.
They also had a very interesting display of the way to paint the traditional roses that feature on so many narrowboats. They make it look much easier than it really is!
When we walked back to MM, we saw a large Claas combine harvesting maize from the field next door. The cobs hadn't matured sufficiently for them to be used, so the entire plants were being pulverised for cattle food.
Judging from the huge field on the other side of the canal, there will be no shortage of Staffordshire cabbage in the shops next spring!
Bridge 53 and Wood End Lock is one of M's favourite locations; she likes the lockside cottage a lot. The cottage owner had put freshly baked madiera cakes with an honesty box. We bought some - of course!
Armitage "Tunnel" had its roof removed many years ago, so it is now just a very narrow passage. Not a lot of room either side!
As we approached Rugeley, its massive cooling towers made these houses look as if they had huge chimneys!
We moored just beyond the power station, a surprisingly attractive stretch of canal.
Today: 7 miles, 3 locks and 5.5 hours.
Trip: 501 miles, 340 locks and 370.7 hours.
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