Drizzle, locks, and more drizzle

8.5 miles, 9 locks and 6 swing/lift bridges

On Wednesday evening it rained - just as Robin was about to go out to fish. Its not easy to stop Robin when he wants to go fishing 'though!

Thursday was election day, although we sent our postal votes off before we left. It was grey with alternate rain and drizzle. We decided to go on anyway as our mooring wasn't particularly nice. We met a variety of different and difficult locks on our way.

This lock has vegetation growing up the sides

And this one has pretty, if rather ridiculous, scalloped edges.

For several miles the canal goes past a series of old gravel pits; now fishing lakes and nature reserves. We saw and heard birds of every kind as we pottered along. While we were waiting at one lock a score of swifts zoomed around our heads while a cuckoo called just behind us.  

We went under the M4 but apart from that it was mostly a narrow green corridor.

Looking back at the M4

The road ahead

By five o'clock we had reached Frouds Bridge Marina where we will stay for a few days. Our water has a brown tinge, indicating that our water tank needs attention. The plan is to empty, clean and repaint it. Hopefully the weather will co-operate.....