We spent some of  the day at Shugborough Hall and  some of the day at the local farm shop.  We are just about to have a BBQ in the delightful evening sun and there is no time for a proper blog.

The Update:

Here is a picture of the sunset just so you can see why today’s blog is rather short.  The wine may have also contributed!  I have also been reminded that the Sloe Gin, which had excellent legs but left us without any, may also have been an influence.

Today’s theme is: (with apologies to Sarah and Toby for not choosing their favourite songstress)

Lazy old day, Rolling away, Dreaming the day away.  Don’t want to go, now that I’m in the flow, Crazy amazing day.

And here is a picture from the lovely Shugborough Gardens.

This entry may (it’s by no means certain) be enhanced tomorrow.

Soon after leaving our mooring just past Wood End Lock we entered the land of the potters.  Armitage Shanks and Spode perhaps bring to mind slightly different aspects of this trade. After a chilly start the day turned pleasantly warm and inspite of this being a somewhat industrial area there were many stretches with pleasant views across the countryside.  During the chilly bit Peter was allowed to take to the tiller again.

Shopping in Rugeley was convenient and easy but the Farm Shop at Haywood Junction was a lot more interesting.  The award winning Plum Porter and Guniess and Porter cheese went down very well.

We moored up close to Shugborough Hall and enjoyed an excellent supper of herby loin of pork accompanied by a bottle of Nettie Viognier.  This was followed by cherry pie with custard.  You can see how we are enjoying our evenings.  Please note the beautiful new tablecloth.

En route we acquired a handsome antique boat hook which had been wedged in the bed of the canal awaiting King Arthur (aka Pat) to pull it out with superhuman strength.

Tomorrow is Derby Day at Epsom but for us today is Dhobi Day!  We washed Boat, Bodies, Bras, Briefs and Boxers.

There was a very pleasant section near Hopwas Wood Bridge which looked lovely in the morning sun. The ladies both seemed to enjoy it.

Apologies to Sarah and Toby who, having expected perfectly regular daily blog updates, couldn’t get to sleep last night without their “hit”.

Shortly after leaving Boon’s Wharf we passed the water point at Hartshill and memories of “camera gate” came flooding back.

Between locks 9 and 10 we picked up an interesting companion at lunch time.  He tapped on the window to ask if he could share our meal and was rewarded with some spicy chicken.

On our journey we passed a floating one way sign – slightly worrying as we were going in the wrong direction and only managed to take a photo after we had gone by.

Our overnight stop was in a very pleasant spot just past Dunstall Bridge where we enjoyed a glass of wine and plate of cottage pie par excellence.

The water iris are looking particularly beautiful at the moment and here is one for everyone to share.

Thought for the day:  It’s always best to share.

Thought for the day:  Say you love someone every day.

Travelled in the twilight zone today between Rugby and Nuneaton.

The highlights revolved around Hawkesbury Junction.  First, under Pat’s tutelage, Peter managed a hole in one  and second the very fine lunch at The Greyhound.

Not everyone managed the turn so well.

The low point was Peter’s arm in the weed hatch removing a plastic bag and length of fishing line.

Romy gave the May blossom the brush off.

We met The Admiral at Charity Dock.  He declined our invitation to come on board as he was not prepared to walk the plank.

Thought for the day:  We try not to take ourselves too seriously (especially where (in)sanitary matter is  concerned).

Stopped at CliftonCruisers as we were triple lining.  Emptied back end filled front end and Oliver then sat perfectly trimmed.

Called in at Rugby to visit the supermarket and The Range.  Pat threw his bag in the canal, fortunately before it contained any shopping.  He could have been given a compliment but all he got was a pat on the bag and a wet back when walking back.

Thai green curry for dinner accompanied by Sarah’s very fine rhubarb gin.

When the rain came guess who was granted permission to take the tiller?

Met up with Pat’s brother Ian this morning and he travelled with us to Braunston.  He really enjoyed being on a canal he visited for the first time in 1980.

Judith had helmed yesterday so well that it was hardly worth an entry and the rhubarb seemed more important.  Today she really hogged the tiller. She kindly handed over to Romy for a spell just before leaving the tunnel but judging from the look on Romy’s face she didn’t enjoy it as much as Judith did.

The “Tunnel Buster” lit up the walls of the tunnel very well but it was not appreciated by oncoming vessels when directed straight at them.

We were very lucky to avoid the Bank Holiday queues that built up in the opposite direction at Hilmorton.

Compliments today to Toby for the excellent beer provided on board.

Thought for the day: “If you compliment someone  each day they will feel great and so will you.”

Peter made an excellent exit from the marina.  Romy helmed superbly through Buckby locks entering several alongside another boat.  Judith did a fantastic job stewing rhubarb.  Pat manoeuvered using his extensive skills with great aplomb, to squeeze us in to refuel at Rugby Boats.

We were all so pleased with ourselves that we all had a gin and tonic.

The latest version of the “Small Person Step” has now been completed.

It is made from a rather beautiful piece of solid oak and has some sturdy folding legs. Smiley and Springy have been testing it and both said they thought it a bit Bah-my.

I can’t wait to see it in action.

Coming along nicely is the highly adjustable tunnel illumination device based on the Olight SR mini and designed to brighten up even the darkest moments.