Penkridge.

Well we made it and we stayed. The canal was really shallow and when we gave way to a boat leaving Penkridge lock we got stuck on the bottom, Paul had to walk the gunnel to push us off a boat that we just happened to have got stuck next to. I was actually allowed to give the throttle a bit of thrust and we MOVED with me at the helm for all of 6 inches before himself scurried back to take over. Every one we passed said how low the water was and they weren't kidding.

After using the services we finally moored up above Filance lock on the 5 day moorings. We have spent a good couple of hours chatting to a very nice chap who was cutting his hedge (tow path side) he said in the 40 years that he had lived in his bungalow BW have only cut the hedge twice. It is on his house deeds that the tow path side of said hedge is the responsibility of BW we reckon he should send them a bill for the years that he has looked after the thing. It must have taken him all day to cut this hedge as he was chatting away to us and whoever walked by. He gave us directions into the village and we popped in to go round the market. Paul managed to buy a naval jumper (old issue navy blue with fabric elbows) he has been looking for one for simply ages well now he has one. Funny because my first husband was in the navy and had these jumpers as part of his uniform so it is a touch of de ja vu for me. Wonder how long it will take for me to shrink the thing.

When we got back the guy was still cutting his hedge so I made him a cup of tea we then spent 15 minutes chatting about the best pubs to stop at. As he was packing up his stuff he asked us if we would be back in the area and we answered probably in a couple of months “ well if you need to hook up to the electric just knock on my door and I will poke a cable through the hedge”. Well how generous is that, not that we will take him up on his offer but we were very grateful all the same. There are some kind folk around!

Just been summoned to the back of the boat with the camera as a fish has been caught, thank heaven for that. Lets hope he has a few more before the evening is out.