A very windy night with the back doors rattling in spite of the extra catch I fitted. WE left early at 07:45. Cruising along it is evident that the towpath is is very poor condition in places with totally overgrown vegetation, deep mud and occasionally total collapse. This latter prevents access by mechanised mowers, so probably the reason for the other problems. Evidence of DEFRA cuts? The grass banks at Ansty, previously giving the village an attractive well kept look were also overgrown. At Grimes Bridge we came up behind a slower boat just off its mooring and followed it all the way to the other side of Newbold Tunnel, the tunnel resplendent with its multicoloured interior lighting. Passed Tony Haynes' boat Dreamcatcher at Stretton Stop with its large SOW banner. Then we came across Lapworth at Falls Bridge - no sign of Sean. We found a mooring on the TESCO side at Master's Bridge and went shopping. Not a pleasant experience. It was heaving (well it's Friday I suppose). Good ATV from Sutton Coldfield and 3G phone. Then I did something outrageous. Waxed one side of the boat! It will rain now!
My guess is that tatty towpaths means the residents don't have a good Residents' Association as we do!
Enjoy your holiday.
Posted by: Rosanna | July 08, 2007 at 12:19