Hopwas to Alrewas

The annoying thing is that Blogger is not allowing me to upload photos. And after I virtually promised photos yesterday.

Still - here is a record of what we did today. We set off from Hopwas at about 1000, after David had driven to Alrewas with his bike. He was to meet us later, at Huddlesford Junction.

Today has been the coldest for steering that I have known for a long time. The wind has been fierce and cold (but there was no ice on the cut, which made a pleasant change). Despite all the layers, the heat still goes from one's (unprotected) face. Taking gloves off to use the camera almost induced frostbite!

We stopped to pick up David, who had cycled up to meet us, and then stopped at Huddlesford Junction anyway to investigate the stub of the Wyrley and Essington Canal (as Nicholson has it) or the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal, under which name it is being restored. The Lichfield Cruising Club are very, very security conscious, and have padlocked gates and strong fences coupled with security cameras etc. so getting onto the in-water section by foot is virtually impossible. We walked along Park Lane, under the railway and across a field to get to Cappers Bridge (have I got that right?) where the private moorings and the navigable canal end.

Meanwhile Jan and Penny had walked on ahead, only to stop at Streethay Wharf to look at a boat for sale. When we cruised up to that point in Shadow we came alongside so that we, too, could look round. The boat was Star, a 43' tug with 2-cylinder Petter engine and traditional back cabin. Drool! If I hadn't already bought a boat I would have been very seriously tempted. It was amazing!

Oh well. Back to reality. We continued to Alrewas where we tied up to let David and co. off. Then Jan and I walked round the village, saying again to ourselves what a nice place it is, buying some bacon from the butcher's, and deciding to stay for the night.

We ate at the Indian restaurant Jaipur Cottage. It was good (especially the Chicken Chat starter!) At the end of the meal Jan was presented with a single red rose and I got a complimentary brandy!

Tomorrow we have to make an earlier start to make up for the fact that we stopped two-and-a-half hours before our scheduled stop (at Branston). I have no doubt we'll be able to make up time.

Boats spotted today: Nev's Percy at Hunt's Lock, Fradley; and, at Alrewas, Minnow, formerly owned by Blossom and Dawn.