Locks, locks and more locks!

After yesterday’s 23 locks, our journey today involved even more  locks – only 14 this time but they were all against us.  Enough of that though because we had lots of interesting features on today’s stretch of canal (some of which we will blog about on our way back in a few days time).

Early morning on the rear deck!  Oscar insists on being with us whatever the circumstances – even when it would be more comfortable and warm inside the boat!

Passing under the thunderous M40 – and then straight into the last lock of the Lapworth Flight which is just out of sight on the other side of the bridge.

Doug buying eggs from an honesty box at one of the lovely barrel– roofed lock cottages – this one is still relatively unspoilt.

We’re getting a better standard of gongoozler these days.  As the boat went down in the lock James came eye to eye with these “beggars” –making him feel very guilty that he had nothing to feed them.

The first of three aqueducts we passed over today – this one is at Yarningdale and is immediately before the entrance into the lock.

The second aqueduct of the day – this time at Anglo Welsh (Wooton Wawen) where we refuelled. We had to stop right on the aqueduct thus stopping all canal traffic in the process.  (Actually, there was no traffic so we didn’t have to worry.)  On the subject of canal traffic we only passed one boat today and that was nb ‘Samuel Pepys’  who  kindly told us that they read this blog – thank you very much, it was nice to see you!

This is the Edstone Aqueduct – the third and final one of the day.  This is truly a “mini Pontcysyllte” on the Llangollen Canal and Doug had to take the tiller while James walked across because of his fear of heights.  The walkway is well below the water level hence the dramatic shot.  

The wind was pushing ‘Chance’ across into the side of the iron trough.
Soon after our last aqueduct experience we were at the village of Wilmcote and our scheduled mooring. We’ll be meeting a friend here tomorrow who will join us for the remaining part of our journey into Stratford on Avon. 
This afternoon we tried to take the short train trip into Stratford to do some shopping.  However, the train never arrived and, cutting a long story short, the only mode of transport we could find was the open topped tourist tour bus which brings visitors to “Mary Arden’s House” at Wilmcote.  Doug managed to persuade the driver to take us back with him to Stratford, resulting in a small tip for his help! ……….
……Just to prove we genuinely did take the open topped option! (James is taking the photo, hence the look of concentration)