29th August to 1st September

I drove to Newbold, part of Rugby, and got a bus to the railway station. I got the train before the one I'd planned as it was running 40 minutes late. I needed to change at Coventry to get to Nuneaton but had to get a rail replacement bus. The display showed that I had missed it and had an hour to wait but the station staff had realised that the late train would need a service and rustled up an extra bus. Although slower than the train, this got me to Nuneaton just as my bus to Poleswoth was arriving at the bus station. Phew, there would have been a 70 minute wait if I'd missed it. Left home at 5.30pm and arrived at Polesworth at 9pm. Quicker than by boat, I suppose.

Saturday dawned as a beautiful warm and sunny day. I had to go through the 11 locks at Atherstone but it was no hardship despite having to set the first six as very little coming down the locks. I stopped half way through to go to the very convenient Co-op for provisions. Then on again until I reached Hartshill. Sat out on deck with the radio, a book and a Strongbow. The first proper relaxing boat day I can remember since I started out (although that may be because I was having to go and fetch the car each evening instead of relaxing and chatting to fellow boaters). Good old English weather.

By Sunday the sun had disappeared behind a haze. However it was still a warm morning and I started out, through Nuneaton, through Hawkesbury Junction (by now it was raining) and, after a quick lunch stop at The Elephant & castle pub, I carried on and moored at Brinklow. Did 7 hours cruising today which is more than i usually like to do but I am only 4 miles from Newbold and the car.

Monday morning I cruised the last 4 miles, moored on a 14 day space, loaded up the car and came home. Note: need to get some new trainers. This pair have no tread and i slipped down the steps of the boat knocking my side/back. Ouch. So I am nearly back to base. I estimate 3 more days to get to Weedon. Could do it more quickly but why should I?

I have seen a lot of places this summer that I had never been to before and there are several that I would like to visit again, perhaps, spend more time exploring. I will add a couple more entries on this blog including the distances travelled before the season is over.