Tamworth

We are within spitting distance of Fazeley Junction which puts us a day ahead of our (computer) plan and all within or nearly within our daily cruise time.   Leaving Harthill we reached the top lock of the Atherstone Flight in about 50 minutes.  It was interesting to see that waterway contractors AR Rothen seem to have massively expanded their base with new wharfage and a large collection of nicely traditionally painted work boats and mud flats extending waterside for quite a way.   Perhaps these all go out to work during the winter works programs.   We had a good run down the lock flight though all were against us bar two when we were waiting for upcoming boats.  It seemed to take us much longer than usual though.  The length between the bottom of the Atherstone locks and Glascote Locks does seem to have a major problem with offside vegetation obscuring sight line through bridges and curves, also narrowing the channel in places.  I did actually get a granite bush strike at bridge 48 (Bradley Green). Later, after Poleswoth at the M42 bridge the approach was partly obscured revealing an opposite direction boat at the last minute and not helped by a moored boat.  In contrast, the towpath is in pretty good shape throughout.   At Glascote we enjoyed one of those rare experiences when everything just clicks.  A boat emerging as we approached with an advance crew from a boat ascending below to help and a “free ride” down the next lock thanks to a generously crewed boat which we passed in the middle pound.   We are moored on the approach to Fazeley just before the Tame aqueduct.