A Wonderful Evening with Bridgett and Peter.

Wednesday 28th September, 2016 at Weston-upon-Trent.
The "Tixal Wide" is a lovely open spot from which to see the sunrise. Soft colours in the sky announce that the sun will soon be with us. A magical time of day, and no better place to view it than from the waterways.

Soon after, the sun makes its appearance through the trees.

After breakfast, we set off towards Great Haywood - but not until R had taken advantage of the "Wide" to do a "loop the loop", 360 degrees all in one. Not something you can often do on the narrow waters of the canals. "He's so naughty"! says M!

Great Haywood is the junction of the Staffs & Worcs and the Trent & Mersey canals and, like most junctions, it has a handsome and very distinctive bridge.

We moored up briefly to fill up with water and then to visit the local farm shop and also to have a coffee at the farm shop café.

So, here we are , back on the Trent & Mersey again, and only a hop and a skip from Aston Marina, MM's winter "home".

MM enters her penultimate lock of the year at Weston-upon-Trent. We are both feeling very emotional as we approach the end of this cruise, which has been so relaxing and so much fun.

Shortly after, we approached one of our favourite mooring spots, alongside the garden of our good friends Bridgett and Peter. R spotted their lovely house through the trees.

Quite by chance, they were in their garden with a visitor. They came out to greet us and and we stood in the sunshine having a catch up.

Later on, they joined us on board for tea and cake and, later still, they entertained us to a magnificent dinner in their house. The lively conversation carried on late into the evening. We so enjoyed their company and their hospitality - they are a very special couple.
Today: 4 miles, 2 locks and 2.6 hours.
Trip: 471 miles, 322 locks and 325.0 hours.