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

Fazeley to Fradley

We decided on a walk into Tamworth on this visit, the last couple of times we've past through Fazeley we hadn't ventured into the town. We walked along the river which was running fast, then under the dual carriageway bridge, murals have now been painted and it really has brightened it up, I do hope the graffiti stays away. The castle and gardens were looking lovely as usual along with the rest of the parkland and was certainly being enjoyed by a lot of people. The town itself hasn't changed although we did notice there are a good few empty units in the Anker Shopping Centre now.

As we were conveniently moored opposite the CRT office at Peel's Wharf we asked them if it was ok to arrange a delivery there, James needed some more supplies for The Pen Maker's Boat. So with the order being despatched the same day it arrived the following day, we popped across to collect it and was surprised it had been opened, apparently it was opened in error as they thought it was for some there with the same surname, even though it had our boat name straight after the surname! Never mind it was complete and saved us having to use the Post Restante service at the Post Office, which is usually very good but we have had a problem with one in the past so it puts us off using ones we haven't used before.

Whilst James was getting on with pen making I managed to get a few outside jobs done, we had a lovely sunny day on Thursday so I managed to get quite a bit done.

Thursday evening we went to our favourite Indian restaurant, Kudos, and they didn't disappoint, it was delicious but the portions were huge and believe it or not we couldn't manage it all, we came home with a 'doggy bag' - not for Dudley though.

Very flooded, on one of my evening strolls with Dudley

River Tame with a very fast flow

Yesterday our intention was an early start but it was raining and windy so we put it off for a few hours, that few hours turned into a few more and we finally headed off around 2pm in the lovely sun.

hmmm, which side to moor, do we want to stay 48 hours or 2 days - such a decision

Swans nesting

Approaching Huddlesford Junction

Leading up to Ogley Junction on the Wryley and Essington when the restoration happens

We reached Fradley just after 6pm, I had walked some of the way with Dudley then took over steering whilst James went and prepared dinner so it was ready as soon as we arrived. The moorings before the junction were full so we just tagged on the end  but it was a bit shallow at the sides, never mind we were only staying overnight.

10.5 miles and 0 locks

TOTAL 102.5 miles and 123 locks

Kingsbury Water Park to Fazeley

After the gorgeous weather on Good Friday the rest of the Easter weekend was usual Bank Holiday rain and along with it wind, another named storm, this time Katie, had hit. In between the showers we got the occasional bit of sun and did manage some nice walks around the nature reserve.

On Tuesday we moved off, passing a field of swans and then made our way through Drayton Manor Footbridge before stopping briefly for supplies at Fazeley Mill Marina. We arrived there at 1:30pm and according to their sign they are closed between 1pm and 2pm for lunch so we expected to wait, which wasn't a problem, but the lady there soon appeared and went about getting us a couple of bags of coal and gas whilst leaving us sorting the diesel. They always seem friendly and helpful whenever we have stopped there.

We were soon on our way again turning left at Fazeley Junction and onto the Coventry Canal, stopping opposite Peel's Wharf.

LJ taken from outside the CRT office at Peel's Wharf

From the towpath with Peel's Wharf behind

3 miles and 0 locks

TOTAL 92 miles and 123 locks