Coventry Canal:Kings Orchard Bridge

Some rain later yesterday evening and slightly misty first thing today.  Set off early as usual.  There are always one or two intrepid souls about at this time, perhaps hoping for an undisturbed passage up the locks, now behind me.  Then very few until around 11:00 when it gets busy.  For me this was at the time I arrived at Glascote Locks.  There are just two, going down and the first lock was busy with one coming up, so that gave me time to grab a drink and change into lock operating mode, then of course the lock was ready for me, so no trouble there.  However, the lock below had obviously previously been used by a boat ahead, so was empty.  There was a boat waiting to come up so that takes priority.  Nothing for it but just to wait, although it is helpful to give a hand if you can which is appreciated (and can make the process faster).   Now there was a boat coming behind, and because I was having to wait, they had time to descend the lock I had previously left.  By the time the upcoming boat in front had done its thing I was able to enter the lock but now found another boat waiting to come up.  So I had crew from the boat behind and crew from the boat waiting below to help me and I got a free ride.  All that took 30 minutes.   Pressing on past Fazeley, the section nearing Hopwas had serious vegetation issues with the canal being reduced in width by reeds, the worst on a bend in front of a bridge hole (DunstalI) was so grateful nothing was coming the opposite way because it would have been a right mess. There were similar problems in the Hademore area.  Then suddenly entering Whittington everything is pretty with domestic property and gardens on the offside.  The Plough “Country pub and Dining”, just past the canal junction and railway bridge, looks to have had some investment which is paying off.  Nice car park, attractive outside dining, and colourful umbrellas and really busy looking.  I’m moored just past the entrance to Kings Orchard Marina a little further on, for the only reason that I have stopped here before and I can get to Fradley before it gets too busy.