Sunday 28 August to Thur 1 September 2011

From Cross Green, Staffs and Worcestershire Canal to Alrewas, Trent and Mersey Canal

Since our last blog we have returned to Great Hayward Junction, and Shugborough Hall of course, and then moved on down the Trent and Mersey beyond Fradley and on to Alrewas. The lock house at Tixall has a sign over the door measuring the lock distances either way in miles and furlongs.

We have endured some chilly days though there was some hot air over Shugborough Hall on Tuesday evening when a hot air balloon took off but had difficulty in gaining height.

We found a really quiet mooring above Fradley as you can see.

Good job we did, as it was pandemonium down at the junction when we got there today. Boats arriving from 3 directions, a queue for the water point, diesel being dispensed from a floating boat, a lot of entertainment for the customers using the Swan pub canal side. What a pity the cuts have resulted in the BW Information Centre at Fradley being closed.
We did spot this information box made and donated by HMP Featherstone. Is this the sign of things to come?

              

We are now moored in the charming village of Alrewas. Our guide book referred to a quaint and quirky canal side pub named The Old Boat, but alas this no longer exists, but The Crown proved a good substitute in the  warm autumn sun, with most acceptable London Pride.Tomorrow we will investigate just how tricky it might be to visit the National Memorial, Arboretum with dog in tow, and crossing the busy A38..