Friday 4th March 2016 – 444.37 miles
Up at 7am today. Leisurely start to the day – we sat chatting and drinking tea.
Our nephew Luke stopped by to say hello – lovely to see you Luke and thanks for the hand warmers. Maureen dropped us off at The Hare and Hounds pub at Minworth just before 9am.
Another good day – the weather was not too bad. We had a bit of everything today – sunshine, snow and rain.
It wasn’t long before we left the houses and businesses behind and found ourselves in open countryside again. The canal continued onwards through Curdworth where we met Peter Wall who stopped to chat about our walk and he wished us good luck – thanks Peter. Further on we came across a narrow boat which was leaning at a strange angle and sitting deep in the water.
The boat belongs to Paul and he and his friend John had been trying to pump the water out to no avail. We left them waiting for someone to bring a bigger pump – hope all turns out well Paul and John.
The canal followed the M42 for a while then turned away and headed towards the Kingsbury Water Park – a large area of small lakes and grassland a haven for birds.
We met John and Mandy out for a walk. Their son has cycled from Lands End to John o’Groats and John was one of the support team. Good to meet you both and thanks for your words of encouragement John and Mandy.
A mile or so further we met Matt who owns one of the many narrow boats moored along the canal. He invited us in for a coffee – as you know, we never refuse a cuppa! We spent nearly an hour drinking coffee and eating chocolate biscuits, talking about canals and narrow boats, and our walk too. Thanks for the lovely coffee Matt.
Buying a canal narrow boat is now on our bucket list!
We reached Fazeley Junction where the canal splits and to the right was the Coventry Canal and we turned to the left towards Fradley.
Only a few more miles along a muddy towpath before we left the canal at the Lichfield Road Bridge at Hopwas – our destination for today.
Had a lovely evening drinking wine and eating amazing food – thanks Steve and Alison. X
Lovely to meet you both today we have both lost our dad’s to prostate cancer so we know what a fantastic job Macmillan nurses do to support the family Good Luck with your expedition John & Mandy Kingsbury Water
Thanks for taking the time to ask about our walk. Enjoyed talking to you both about yours and our experiences. Cheers, Dave and Dot.
It was great to see you both today, looking remarkably well! Lovely to catch up and spend a pleasant evening together. Enjoy your walk and stay safe! Xx
Just eating the last of the bread pudding near Rugeley. Thanks.
Hi Dave and Dot. I haven’t posted a comment for a few days but have read your blog every day; of course! This part of your journey is very interesting, an eclectic mix of rural, urban and industrial . Great stuff as always.
Hi both. Just finished reading your blog about the trip to date. I will keep checking on your progress and do not forget the first 300 miles are the worst! Have fun. Peter
Cheers, thanks for reading the blog. Over 456 miles so far. Still enjoying the walk.
We managed to raise the boat in the end & at the mo it’s stil afloat. It was lovely to meet u both & we wish u both a safe & summer like onward journey!!
Great news about the boat. We really felt for you that day.
Hiya! Hope you are getting on well, I am Paul of the boat further up the page, we managed to get the water off, now I will sort the other problems out, good luck!
We hope you have some good luck from now on.