Friday 24th August 2018



There is a very narrow section of canal in Rugeley just beyond bridge 66. The last time we were through here was in February when Brenda was doing her practice run after her helmsman’s course. Then, we met another boat coming towards us and, with moored boats on the other side we had to move right over into trees and bushes and did damage to the paintwork. Obviously we did not want that to happen to Bridge Street so we left the mooring at 6.40am, with everybody else asleep, to get passed there early before anybody else was on the move.

We cruised very slowly, in tick-over, as the engine is so much quieter to the water point just outside Rugeley. We took on water and then moved a 100 yards and tied up for breakfast.




        


                                  Rugeley Power Station,                                                     

 Spode House and Hawkesyard Priory,

                        dominates the landscape for miles                      
      now known as Hawkesyard Hall, a restaurant and spa



We then walked the mile or so into Armitage as we heard there was a fishing tackle shop there. We called into the church of St. John the Baptist as we wanted to see the organ. This had come from Lichfield Cathedral, was said to be enormous and deafen the organist. It was certainly out of proportion for the church. We tried to get photographs but it was difficult to get a decent angle.

There was a lady having bell ringing lessons while we were visiting. The chap teaching her spoke to us and was very interesting. He then allowed Eva to ring the chimes for 9.30am. What a privilege.





                                             



Back at the boat we moved on and ambled down to Fradley Junction, mooring just above the first lock.

At Armitage we passed the large Armitage Shanks/Ideal Standard bathroom-ware manufacturers factory and at last left behind the railway that was been with us since Runcorn.     

           

                           
 Armitage Shanks Factory                                                            
  At last left the railway behind



At one point we had to move right over to allow another boat to pass. Our rear end finished up in an apple tree overhanging from a garden. We had great fun quickly grabbing some of the best ones. I hadn’t been scrumming probably since I was Manny’s age.

We only did the one lock today, Wood End Lock, in a very rural setting. The wind was beginning to pick up and caught the boat really badly just as she was entering the lock.

At Fradley we walked down to the pub, the Swan, rightly famous or at least well known on the canals. It is a great place to watch the boats.

In the evening, after showers, we returned to the pub where we had booked in for our dinner. Manny and myself polished off a mega mixed grill, between us! The wind had really started to blow and the rain came down ever heavier. Luckily it had gone off when it came time to return to the boat but it has turned cold with it.



Day Total: 1 lock; 8 miles; 0 Tunnels; 0 Boat Lift; engine running hours 2.9

Overall Total: 163 locks; 333 miles; 15 tunnels; 2 Boat Lifts; engine running hours 189.3










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