We've travelled quite a way since the previous post. Last night we stayed at Norbury Junction. We got there in time for lunch at the pub. We both had the pies but this time asked for the 'light bite' version. It was still more than enough, but we didn't shirk our duties and both had deserts. Well I ask you, how often do you see fruit suet pudding and custard on a menu? They also had prosecco so I was a very happy bunny.
We stopped on our way and got our cratch cover mended. Tony works under the name of Bethesda Covers and is really good as well as very reasonable. He got us sorted in next to no time, so all we have to do now is to try to avoid knocking the front edges against moorings, bridges or locks. We don't do it a lot to be honest but when we do the cratch fittings are quite badly placed and they are the first casualty.
I'm sure that I've put a photo of this on the blog years ago but it still fascinates me. This bridge has a road going over the top level, but has a telegraph pole half way down it. Once again this is at the end of a cutting with plenty of trees overhead and rocks alongside. Also lots of horse flies but so far neither of us has been bitten.
As we were coming past the long term moorings before Norbury Junction we spotted this little beauty sat happily on a boat! It was entirely unperturbed by everything going on around it. Absolutely beautiful creature. (Ian if you're reading this, I'm pretty pleased with the balance of the photo, what do you think?)
This little family came to call at the hatch last night! I gave them some porridge oats which they enjoyed until Paddy realised something was happening and started barking so here they are making a retreat. We saw them again this morning, mum making sure that they get plenty of walking exercise!
As you can see it was a lovely mooring, with a decent towpath and well placed rings. How lovely!
Today we came through a short tunnel. You could see where the navvies had cut through the rock for quite a distance and then obviously this chunk of rock was just too much, so they went through it rather than try to take it all out. We spend a lot of time marvelling at the amount of work that went into creating the environment that we spend our lives on, The embankments along this stretch are huge and when you remember that this was all done before mechanical diggers or anything else were around, you just have to admire them. Telford obviously let nothing stand in his way, if the ground was too low, raise it and if it was too high, dig it out. Amazing.
They seem to have quite a problem here with Himalayan Balsam here. Although it's very pretty, it's pervasive and is like Japanese Knotweed in as much as it's removed when it can be, but it's a pretty hard war to win.
I spotted this dog clamouring along the top of the boat and at first I thought it was a goat! Seemed perfectly happy.
How's this for cute? I don't think I've ever seen such a tiny boat, it was in really good condition as well which is nice.
This is our somewhat uninspiring view from the hatch tonight. We are moored about a foot out from land as there is a rock cill just under the water but the good moorings a couple of miles back were full and there were no more moorings shown this side of Autherley Junction and we didn't want to start on the Staffs. and Worcs. until tomorrow really, so here we are. It was quite annoying really because there was a boat moored in a large space and if it had been about 5' further forward or back we could have got in either side of it. There was no-one obvious onboard to ask so we just had to continue on, I have walked Paddy up to the bridge in front of us and it reliably informs me that the buildings that can just be seen are Bilbrook. I'm none the wiser either. We've just had a boat go by and there was a horrible graunching noise as we were pushed against the side. As John says at least we'll get up early in the morning as the first boat going by will get us up and moving pretty quickly!
Anyway we now only have the stop lock in a couple of miles time and then we are heading north again strangely enough before we get to Great Haywood and turn back south for a bit until we get to Rugeley when we go north, all of it in a generally eastwards direction. Well I know what I mean anyway.
I've got some washing drying at the back, undercover as it doesn't look nice enough to get the washing line out this time. We've only had a couple of drops of rain today but the sky looks heavy.
I've been getting on well with my knitting and crocheting. Mittens are finished, a hippo was completed today and I've also done a highland cow. I've just cast on the final Christmas stocking for this year (I hope) and am contemplating what animal to do next!
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