Tuesday dawned bright again and we were off by 6.45am. The day proved busier than before and the locks were getting busy by the time we were down the bottom. We had thought there might be a problem getting off as the pound had dropped 6 inches or so overnight, but it wasn't too bad
The day was hotting up as we came through Polesworth and we were now making my old stamping grounds round Tamworth. Not too many Canaltime boats at Alvecote, and though there was a queue at Glascote, the folks very kindly insisted we went through first, recognising a boat with "special needs." J Over the aqueduct at Fazeley and through to Hopwas, where I met former parishioners, to my amazement. Then to other old friends as we met with Mary Arkless at Whittington briefly, promising to meet again that night, wherever we stopped We had thought of stopping at Fradley, but again it was far too early and we were going well. So we joined another short boat in ascending the 3 locks there and pootled onwards. Here the canal was perceptibly busier, though it was still a very pleasant and warm afternoon. Eventually we stopped at Armitage and the Plum Pudding for the evening meal. It's worth saying that each pub was very helpful, especially to those who resemble chimney sweeps and need a very good wash after the day. Ian Cardinal "History will be kind to me for I intend to write it. " Sir Winston Churchill
