Eleven Locks in Exactly Two Hours.

 Sunday 31st October 2021 at Polesworth.

An extra hour in bed last night (hooray!), so our early start was a bit lighter this morning - and Hallowe'en tonight, which we will sadly miss at home as it is always fun when all the children come knocking at the door in their spooky costumes. M normally dresses up in her witch's outfit and the children love that!

Not so welcome was the early morning rain. Guy was not impressed and sensibly hid under his hat. 

R, on the other hand, made a start in the rain to get to the top of the Atherstone flight when the sun was forecast to come out after lunch. Sure enough, as we approached Atherstone, the sun came out behind a rather wet R!

The heavy rain washed lots of soil down into the canal and turned the canal a tasteful colour of pink to match M's new hat, scarf and jersey.There must be sandstone present in the soil to turn the water such a colour.

The top lock of the eleven locks of the Atherstone flight. It being the end of the "season" today, there were no volunteers to help us.

Bridge 42 is an agricultural "accomodation" bridge in a lovely setting, made even better by the fact that a boat was coming up the flight, so the next lock was ready for us.

At each lock, as soon as MM was in the lock, M walked on to set the next lock. Looking back, R was resting on the lock beam waiting for the lock to empty.

A lovely footpath called to M as it stretched away between neatly trimmed hedges. Yet more spring cabbage growing on each side!

The bench beside Lock 10 is one of M's favourites and a great place to sit and contemplate.

Lock 11, the bottom lock of the flight at last. Looking at the watch (actually our phones) we left the bottom lock exactly two hours after we arrived at the top lock, despite the fact that more than half the locks were against us. We make a good team!

We moored up for the night a mile or so further on. A good day's boating.

Today: 12 miles, 11 locks and 5.7 hours.

Trip: 552 miles, 280 locks and 272.2 hours.