Days 15 - 21. Wed 8 - Tue 14 July

Moored at the small and excellently run King's Orchard Marina for a few days to allow us to collect the car and attend the funeral of an old friend in London.  On Monday, we were ready to continue our trip.

.

Heading out of King's Orchard Marina

Boat on long term mooring at Huddlesford, where the now derelict (but to be restored) Wyrley & Essington Canal joins the Coventry.  Naturally, it's known locally as the 'Curly Wyrley'

There's something endearing about tiny narrowboats

Not sure why it says 'Ogley', when it's Huddlesford - anyway, we're headed to Coventry

Handsome canal cottage at the junction

The sinister gnomes of Whittington

Catnap brushing through reeds on both sides, hope we don't meet anything

One of the fuel boats which tour the canals througout the year selling diesel, gas and coal

Haha

Eccentric shed contender - skis and a notice which says "No parking except for Bob"

A sign of the times, canalside pubs are sadly quiet

What a cheek!

Canalside terrace with graceful oak porch

You never quite know whether another boat's coming...

...until it appears

Whichever boat is nearer the bridge has right of way

...so we go ahead and the other boat waits

Once through the bridge and we're OK to pass

If it's narrow, we may be quite close

Here it's fine, plenty of space

It's brightening up and a few more people are out on the towpath
 

One of the small villages along the canal with moorings for passing boats

That way if you want to pass through Brum

Colourful scene at Hopwas

...and colourful boat signage too

A grey day mostly, better weather ahead