Atherstone

Monday 22 September 2014 – Atherstone, Coventry Canal

Yesterday was a normal Sunday with lovely sunny weather all day and the Grand Prix to look forward to in the early evening.  Braidbar No 85 (Skye) passed in the afternoon but I was unable to call out to them.

Today was a miserable start with low cloud and mist but it soon cleared and we have had another fine sunny day.  A boat was coming out of the Glascote locks as I approached then a long run to Atherstone.  I was doing ok until I came up to a boat chugging – the steerer turned and saw me and I was behind him for just over a mile and it took 1hour 15 minutes!  When they finally pulled over and I managed to pass there was another just pulling out from their mooring, but fortunately they were looking for a water point and let me pass.  Finally as I approached the bottom lock I found I was 4^th in a queue, however, that did mean there was some help through the locks with C&RT volunteers at the top five.  I passed Braidbar No 127 (Marmite) at one of the locks and we had a quick chat as both boats were at Poynton at the same time.  There was also the narrowboat with the glass roof (now five years old).

All the moorings in Atherstone are occupied so I am out in the peace of the country with just the nature sound to enjoy – and the trains as they zoom past slightly faster than four miles an hour.