Tixall Fix, Shugborough, Fradley and Huddlesford Junctions

Left Acton Trussell on Sunday 17 June and went on to deep Deptmore Lock - luckily boaters behind were able to open the gates to let me out - so I didn't have to climb the long ladder.  This lock house has now been re-occupied and at last has electricity - perhaps they even have road access now!  Went on through low Radford Bridge then had to remove chimney to go thru Br 99 - never had the chimney up this long!  On to Tixall lock - such a sweet, low little one and then to moor at Tixall Wide in sunshine - time for a Tixall Fix!   Was joined by the boat following me - who said they remembered my article on disabled boating in Waterways World in 2004 - what a memory!

Spent a lovely 2 1/2 days here - even got to wash and polish one side of the boat and to paint the poles and planks at last - just the stripes to do!

On Wednesday went to use facilities then moored at junction.  I went to Shugborough Hall in the afternoon to have a quick tour of the house, visit the restored walled garden and enjoyed the new walk the far side of the lake (I love this place too!).  From this mooring I also made use of the bus to Stafford (main shops and Sainsbury's) and the farm shop at Great Haywood.  Still very mixed weather.  Joined by Liz and Andy on nb Snowgoose also recently repainted - and a new phrase below her name - 'a l'eau c'est l'heure' (Allo sailor) - she used to belong to some lovely friends now in Spain.

On Friday, son Steve, wife Julia and dau Lauren, 7, arrived for the weekend - unloaded car in the dry!  I was given some lovely early birthday presents. Saturday we went for a spin round Tixall Wide - dry with odd showers - but very windy so boat leaned quite well as we turned!  Back past our mooring, down thru the lock to moor with a view of Shugborough Hall.  By 11.30 we were entering the grounds of the Hall.  We spent a good time 'downstairs' where Lauren was given jobs to do in the kitchen and laundry.  At the school/play area she tried on a maid's outfit and went to offer her services back in the laundry!  After a delicious lunch we caught the little train to the farm and play area.  We walked back to the main building and finished off the downstairs area before walking round the gardens and back to the boat for a much needed cuppa.  A lovely dry day - but it rained well overnight.

On Sunday we had a short walk round the village and back down the canal, then played some noisy games before lunch.  After that the family had to drive back to Devon - it was a short but good and busy weekend.

Monday 25 June, fairly windy with sunny spells and warm all day.  Cruised to Wolseley Bridge and visited the Wildlife Trust garden, then went nextdoor and round the large garden centre - always lots of good ideas for presents, as well as plants.  Moved on to moor in Rugeley.  After lunch a quick walk round town.  Sadly the lovely one and only butcher has gone - so had to use Morrisons.  Also popped into Wilko and the greengrocer.  Set off at 3 to go through the rest of Rugeley, then the Ash Tree, Spode Hall, Shrewley Tunnel and the Plum Pudding.  On through Armitage (Bogland! to those who have passed all the toilets stacked outside) then Handsacre.  I had intended to moor on a nice sunny rural curve in the canal - but 2 boats there!  Continued on to moor at 5.15 (late for me) on rings just before Kings Bromley Marina - in the shade!

Tuesday 26 - Sunny 6-8am, then cloud all day.  I had a leisurely start and put on a load of washing before setting off.  Just over 2 hours and 3 locks later I turned onto the Coventry Canal and took on water before mooring - again in shade!  Bit of trek from here to empty cassettes too.

Wednesday 27 - might have stayed 2 days at Fradley but not in shade and weather 'outside' warm, so set off through more countryside, thru Streethay beside Ryknild Street and then on to moor just before Huddlesford Junction - now warm and sunny and can dry my washing outside.  Pm was very hot and muggy, the evening was even worse - slept with all windows open - for the first time this year!

Thursday 28 - jobs on board today as rain due. But what a shock - we had horrendous thunderstorms at 11am and 1pm, then hot sun 3 onwards.  In Birmingham, not far away, they had 1/3 of the month's rain in 1 hour - resulting in flooding, people stuck in cars and some waist high in water!  Was going to move on tomorrow as I want to get to Hopwas for a birthday lunch with my daughter from Lancashire on Saturday.  Then I was told that the moorings there are closed for the weekend - due to the Olympic Torch going thru on Saturday!  BW said they knew nothing about the moorings nor did the council - who closed them?  Will probably go anyway - apparently, according to a boater, the moorings (under trees) just before the village are in use.  The Plough pub at Huddlesford has now re-opened but the food is more steak and chips etc - I rather fancy returning to the Tame Otter (as it is now known) at Hopwas (after about 10 years!)