With the promise of rain around mid-day we were both up before the sun this morning with the hope of reaching Fradley Junction before the promised wet stuff starts to fall.

 

So we left our mooring at Hopwas at 07.35 and oh boy did it feel cold and it was windy, but we both dressed for the occasion (it is defiantly autumn) although even then the cold got through to me. The river Thame which ran in the valley to our right had broken its banks in several places with the result of flooded fields the length of the valley. Passing the woods on our left with its red signs, warning of danger, I am not sure whether it is military or not, but best keep out.

On passed Fisherwick, toward Whittington with some nice looking houses lining the canal side, with nicely laid out gardens and lots of moored boats. From here it is just a short run to Huddlesford Junction where the main train line crosses the canal and on to Streethay Wharf where our friend Stuart Fletcher has some premises for his boat maintenance business. Once passed the wharf the canal runs alongside the A38 dual carriageway toward Derby with its fast traffic going about its hustle and bustle of life, where the sound of rubber meets the road. Along this straight we came up behind a canal craft hire boat with its crew happy to move along at tick over, so we tucked in behind them and followed them to Fradley until we reached the water point where we pulled over.

 

 

With the water tank topped up we headed for the Trent and Mersey turning right and pulling over for the lock, which Sally prepared for us. Through the lock we moored up opposite the BW yard and cafe, and within minutes the rain started (someone is looking after us, as this is not the first time this has happened). It does look like we will be here for a couple of days as the Trent is closed at Alrewas due to the heavy rain and flooding.

 

Lastly today, how about this for a small push-chair (or not).