Tamworth

Today we reached familiar territory again. Our journey took us along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, through Curdworth Tunnel which must be one of the shortest tunnels on the canal system. It might even be the shortest, it is only 57 yards long. After that we made our way down the eleven Curdworth Locks which stretch over two miles of canal. We were following NB Hermione for the first eight, as her owner was a single handed boater I told him to leave the bottom gates and I would close them behind him when I reached the lock to fill it for us. Kindness and courtesy pays off because he very kindly set the ninth lock for us even though he was stopping at the pub for the night.

As I was waiting for the tenth lock to be ready for us a boater from the moorings spotted Morgana's name and came out to say "I'm guessing you must be pagan with that boat name". I had already spotted triple moon symbols in his window so I wasn't surprised. Apparently he is one of the organisers of the Mercian Gathering, a pagan meeting that takes place annually near Nuneaton.

Once we were though the locks it was about four miles to our intended mooring at Tamworth. It was quite a shock to us to suddenly keep meeting other boats, we had over a week with no traffic and now there was loads. It was a bit like going from a country lane onto a motorway! We passed under this unique footbridge near Drayton Manor. The towers have spiral staircases inside!

We then passed this very autumnal looking cottage as we approached the junction, the Virginia creeper was a glorious colour. We have noticed that the trees are beginning to show some hints of orange and gold, with a few leaves drifting down into the cut.

After a close encounter with another boat who's intentions were unclear, but provided much amusement for the boaters moored at the waterpoint, we were back on the Coventry Canal. From there it was just a short distance to our mooring. On our way we saw 'The Little Chimney Company' butty, his stainless steel chimneys look really good, I think he might have a customer when I can afford a new chimney!


Today's journey 8.4 miles, 11 locks and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 697.8 miles, 570 locks, 49 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1899.5 miles, 1656 locks, 105 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels