Familiar boating

It's quite pleasant, after the dramas of Hatton, the Stratford and the BCN, just to plod along waterways we know so well. With a fair bit to do (by our standards) we made a decently early start, ie before half seven, and I steered the long level pound through Handsacre, Armitage and past Hawkesyard Priory into Rugeley.

Hawkesyard Priory

Sheila kept a bright lookout on the bow through the various twiddly bits, and the radios continued to show their worth, especially at Armitage Tunnel. Meantime, I gave myself over to philosophical speculation, narrowboating style. This included pondering deep questions such as why does the landlord of The Crown at Handsacre advertise "Fresh Cobs daily: selection of fillings"?

Would anyone buy an unfilled cob to eat with their pint? Or does anywhere sell cobs with just the one filling? ("Sorry, it's cheese today - if you wanted ham, you should have been here yesterday.")

Why does Hawkesyard Priory disfigure itself with tatty banners over the magnificent archway? Today's was promoting the use of the place for weddings. I mean, fair enough, they have to make it pay its way, but surely they would do better with more tasteful adverts rather than something that looks like it was nicked from a cheap pub?

And finally, (this one from Sheila): why, whenever we see Waterlily, are they either going in the opposite direction, or else the crew is nowhere to be seen? My explanation is that Nev is carefully avoiding us so as to be able to drink in peace ;).

After a good shop, we came on to Bridge 69 for the rest of the day, where we've frankly been loafing. The sun has finally come out and warmed the place up, so Sheila is crashed on the bow, and I'm in here typing away before getting a shower and then joining her.

It's pork steaks with garlic marinade tonight, fresh from the Rugeley butcher. Hum - possibly another reason for Nev to avoid us, all that garlic we eat...


Quick afterthought: I've added another permanent page, this one warning about the Staffs and Worcs con man.