Fazeley to Mercia Marina

The market in Fazeley was organised by the RCTA (Roving Canal Traders Association) and was a great success, the people of Fazeley were friendly and welcoming, we had a flying visit from James' Uncle Dave and Aunty Liz, which was a complete surprise as they live in Scotland but happened to be on their way to France stopping over nearby at the campsite at Drayton Water Park. They had heard there was a floating market in Fazeley and popped over to see if we were attending it - what a lovely thought. We also managed to get to our favourite Indian restaurant in Fazeley again.

On the Monday after the market we headed off early so we could get in a few days pen making before the next market at Mercia Marina in Derbyshire.

James with Dave and Liz

The river section at Alrewas

Moored at Alrewas

The dreaded weir

Looking back

Stop of at Burton

26 miles and 11 locks

TOTAL 240 miles and 172 locks

Norbury to Fazeley

Norbury festival was held over the May Day Bank Holiday, Jess had come up to visit and was soon helping get set up selling. Unfortunately the weather wasn't too good but that didn't stop people browsing and buying. The weekend was soon over and we slowly made our way back down the Shroppie to the next market at Fazeley.

Back at Stafford and the flood water gone

LJ at Stafford again

Goslings out for a walk

Back at Great Hayward Junction and me on the bridge as look out

Eggs for sale with honesty box

Lovely spot just above Fradley

Enjoying the lovely weather

Lovely Blue Bell wood

61 miles and 19 locks

TOTAL 214 miles and 161 locks

Tixall Wide to Norbury

As I haven't been updating the blog recently I am just going to do a few quick blogs to get it back up to date. We have had a very busy May attending four festivals/markets, now those are done we have a few weeks before our next one, so we are both able to get up to date with everything. James has been doing a good job keeping up with demand on the pens and as we have also been doing a lot of travelling he's been trying to do as much as he can on the move.

Moored at Stafford

River at Stafford

The flood plains

Moored at Penkridge

The roundhouse at Gailey Lock

Tight squeeze past the hire boat base

Hailstones at Gnosall

Trying to avoid a very muddy towpath

36 miles and 14 locks

TOTAL 153 miles and 142 locks

Rugeley to Tixall Wide

6 miles and 2 locks
TOTAL 117 miles and 128 locks