Slowly through Rugeley

Tuesday 26^th September; Woodend lock to Shugborough

I took Meg out just as the forecast rain arrived around 8 and luckily we were back before it got heavy.  Which it was, on and off, mostly on, till about 10 – again as forecast.  Around 9 o’clock a workboat went by – were they going to be clearing the fallen tree we had been warned about yesterday?  While we waited for the rain to stop, I had another look at the stoppage notice that came through yesterday and confirmed that it’s not today – it’s in 2 weeks’ time.

Hurry up, we're waiting

Eventually we set off, the rain gone.  The work boat may have cut the fallen tree – the stumps looked fresh – but judging by the pile of wilted foliage on the bank, boaters had been the ones to clear enough space to get by.

A bit more room now

We didn’t really recognise the countryside – it was almost like exploring new waters.  On the way this handsome buzzard was sitting on a fence surveying his territory.  Unfortunately, when I clicked the shutter he had just turned his head away, or I would have caught him in profile.  But at least I got him before he flew off.

On the approach to Handsacre there is a lot of housing which must be new as fencing is still around one edge of the site.  I always like to think of how excited a young family would be the first time they looked out of the window and saw a boat going by!  Finally we reached the area round Plum Pudding which we did remember, along with the toilet factory of course.

I think these are basins

I strode ahead along the Armitage Tunnel narrow section and luckily the single hander approaching saw my signal and pulled over.  Then we took the first mooring in Rugeley that was long enough for us, and stopped for lunch behind Aylestone¸ an ex-Ownerships boat, as was our old Padworth.  They were on their way to Tixall Wide for the night before making sure they were tucked up in Great Haywood marina before storm Agnes hits tomorrow afternoon.  After lunch we carried on through Rugeley, with the bends and moored boats making for slow progress, and out into the country again.  Boats started coming towards us after a while, probably all having come down Colwich lock, which was deserted when we arrived.

A large crack is visible where the balance beam must have broken, now encased in an iron frame to hold it together.

 Running repair

We selected a nice sunny mooring on the approach to Shugborough Hall and took Meg off for a walk before the sun disappeared.  We walked out into the parkland for a bit, and on the way back went into the little grove opposite the entrance to the Hall.

Yew tree

I think this is a redwood

Of course I had to make sure I had at least one photo of Essex Bridge across the Trent, and then it was time for Meg to have a game of sticks in the water before we headed back.

Fun in the Trent

10 miles, 1 lock, Armitage tunnel