Date - 04/02/08 Day - Monday Start - Newbold End - Newbold Last night it started to rain at about 10 pm and it rained all night, however this morning the sun rose to a clear blue sky and very little wind and warmer than yesterday. We set off through the Tunnel of Light at quarter to ten, how they justify the cost of having lights on all day with about 4 boats going through I don't know. The best of it is they switch them off when it starts to get dark. One thing I noticed was that the north brick portal of the tunnel is now in need of some attention with a large crack in the brickwork.. We saw lots of Kingfishers flashing along in the sun shine and also lots of Kestrels working along the banks. We passed the entrance to the new Brinklow Marina but I refuse to slow down and sound my horn. Maybe the marina owners should erect mirrors so boats leaving can see both ways along the cut before they barge out onto the main line, or maybe one of the crew members could go to the bow and act as a lookout! The state of the cutting between Brinklow and Ansty is now in a worse state than last time we passed through with more trees having slipped down into the cut. Lots of willow trees are now bursting out with their catkins opening out a sure sign of spring coming, also the mallards are well paired up. We stopped for water just prior to Sutton Stop lock before locking down to the junction to wind. I noticed that The Greyhound pub now is not only none smoking inside but they have also band smoking on the brick paved area out front so customers can sit outside to eat and drink in a smoke free atmosphere. As we took water it started to rain but it didn't last long and by the time we set off it had stopped completely. On our return journey we caught up with two " Community Wardens" in their reflective waistcoats walking the towing path from Sutton Stop to well past the Elephant and Castle where they crossed the canal., I have no idea what their powers are or what there function is. After leaving Ansty we looked across to the new Brinklow Marina, although it must be on a level with the canal it looks to be higher and quite wind swept. As the afternoon was pleasant we pushed on to moor for the night at 1720 hrs by the Barley Mow at Newbold. -- Brian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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