The Lovely Month of May

So far our first couple of days out of the marina have turned out to be the most eventful!  From Norton Junction to Braunston it’s only a few miles:-

• The tunnel was completely clear of fumes!  Also, the water was crystal clear – something I’ve not seen before.  The tunnel roof and sides were clearly reflected in the water and you could see right down to the bottom.  Amazing!
• At the top of the flight we found ourselves behind a single-handed lady taking professional instruction about how to work a flight of locks on her own.  So ……………… no one was allowed to give her any help.  She did really well but, inevitably, it was rather slow going for those of us following.  We ‘overtook’ after the third lock.
• A boat had to be pulled out of the bottom lock manually as, whilst in the lock, the tiller just snapped off at the bottom!
• When we were in the bottom lock the skipper of the boat accompanying us got himself caught up on the cill.  Fortunately, those of us locking saw what was happening and rapidly averted the potential disaster.

Since then nothing particularly eventful has happened – we’ve just been trundling along!  With the weather being so lovely over the Bank Holiday weekend we thought here on the Coventry canal it would be really busy but it’s been totally the opposite – so, so quiet.

It’s all too easy to take simple, but nevertheless, special things for granted though is it not?

 

The bluebells in the woods at Hartshill Hayes are absolutely stunning at the moment.

 

 

 

We’ve only seen one brood of cygnets – nine in all – but I didn’t have the camera with me.  Ducklings, however, abound.

This little family of seven ducklings were out getting breakfast in the rain and then mum decided enough was enough, got herself and them onto the bank and tucked them all under her wings. 

                                   What a mum!!  There are 7 under there, I promise!

                                         

We stopped by ‘The Little Chimney Boat Co’ to order Ben a special chimney for his barge.  Actually, that was just an excuse – what we REALLY wanted was a Cavalier –Fix!

                         I’m sure Lola would love a little sister!

                                 

Something else that caught my attention whilst walking Lola this morning was a collection of old motor cars.  There were big, posh old Rolls and Bentleys but, personally, I would choose this one:-

We are now at Fradley Junction and we’ve never seen the visitor moorings so empty.  We’re staying here now for a couple of days as our friends Chris and Ray, who now live in Cypress, are over here visiting friends and family- us included.  It will be lovely to catch up with them as a lot has happened to us all since we last saw them.  Then, onward to Great Haywood.