Tuesday 2nd November 2021 at Brindley Bank.
Another early morning sighting of the rapidly waning moon.
Approaching Fradley Junction, M opened the swing bridge as MM drew near.
Fradley Junction and the historic Swan Pub, better known to the old boat people as the "Dirty Duck".
We were lucky that a boat was coming down Fradley Middle Lock, so we were able to go straight in.
The canal above Fradley Top Lock ("Shade House") is beautiful, with mature oak woodland on both sides stretching into the distance.
At least, it used to be. Now, half way along, the woodland has been destroyed on both sides to make way for a certain white elephant railway line.
Wood End Lock has always been a favourite and the teapots next to the top gates are always a talking point. Unfortunately, that railway line will run parallel to the canal right behind this beautiful isolated haven.
This Cotoneaster was so colourful in the sunshine. The autumn colours this year have been spectacular.
M decided to walk this part of the canal. It was here in the spring five years ago that M got up before dawn to sit and listen to the dawn chorus. The birds may have been quiet today, but it is still very beautiful.
This kingfisher played "tag" with us, then sat on the fence and watched us go past. Unfortunately the sun was behind him, so all we got was his silhouette.
We often have photographed these houses in Rugeley that look as if they have huge chimneys. The chimneys actually belonged to Rugeley Power station in the background. We photographed them in May as we passed - but since then, the cooling towers have been demolished.
Now you see them, now you don't!
We moored up on Brindley Bank just north of Rugeley and put the washing out on the line, but no sooner had M finished pegging it all out, when the rain started, so it all came in again. Bother!
Today: 12 miles, 3 locks and 5.6 hours.
Trip: 578 miles, 285 locks and 283.5 hours.
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