Move along; nothing to see here.

Sunday: 5.5 miles, 0 locks and 1 breakdown
Monday: 14.5 miles, 3 locks and 1 tunnel

On Sunday we stopped at Braunston, mooring at Midland Chandlery to buy oil filters and other various bits. Business done, we nipped across the canal and went to the café boat for a late and very nice breakfast.

Braunston café boat

We set off again but got only a few yards when the engine cut out. There was a bridge, a boat coming the other way and one behind but everyone coped well and we got Harold safely moored. Robin identified the problem (a blocked fuel pipe) but couldn't clear it. It turned out that he just wasn't blowing hard enough. We waited about an hour for the Canal and River Rescue engineer who took just minutes and a big breath to shift it and we were on our way again. Our fuel tank needs cleaning - a job that has just not been got round to. Robin bought more stuff to put in the tank in the meantime at the still conveniently near chandlery. Our breakdown spot was near this sad little Sea Otter all burned out. It could have been worse.

A sad sight

 We went on for another few miles, wanting to make progress but also aware that there are long stretches along this canal where you can't moor. About 4.30 we found a good bit and decided to take advantage. Robin and Scooby went for their walk and as soon as they got back the heavens opened.

It was still drizzling on Monday morning but there's no peace for those on a route march. Jo cleaned the boat and did some laundry (as it was raining). This bit of canal was busy but boring. High hedges and the industrial areas of Rugby. The rain stopped but the skies stayed relentlessly grey. The Hillmorton locks provided some excitement. They are singles but with two side by side. A notice proclaimed it to be the busiest lock flight on the network.

After a stop for Scooby, on we went to the Newbold tunnel; short and not particularly sweet.

At Stretton wharf we passed the furthest point we have ever been on this canal before. From here to Middlewich is uncharted territory for us. After a while some countryside appeared to our left and we could see across to the towers of Coventry.

The M6 confirmed our position in the country and we moored three miles short of Hawksbury junction. We plan to make a diversion into the centre of Coventry tomorrow, it would be rude not to having come all this way.