24 April 2013 - Hopwas to Little Haywood

The decision had been made last night for me to return to Reading as it is my lovely sisters birthday - and also about time I saw Mum.  After much research Stoke on Trent to Reading on Saturday seemed best - not least because the station is quite close to the canal.  This gives us three days of quite heavy travelling to make it in time.  So - an early start this morning is essential!

Get up at 7am, had breakfast and were set to go soon after 8.  Then we looked out of the window.  A huge transmission mast sat on the hill overlooking us, with all manner of dishes and antenna mounted thereon. Might this not indicate a good internet connection?  The connection was so good I almost didn't need a computer!  Right - lets contact Jess in NZ.  A quick text message sent and we were soon having a lovely chat with Jess via Skype in her hostel in Keri Keri. So despite our best intentions we didn't set off until 10.30.

The wind was up again during the morning.  At one point came a cry of "stop the boat!".  I slammed it into reverse and rammed the bow into the bank (better than brakes!).  Annie legged it own the gunwhale to the bow, picking up the boathook as she went, then leapt the gap to the bank and ran back down the towpath.
She had spotted the mat that lives in the cratch at the bow, taking off and landing in the drink.  It was swiftly landed and we continued on our way.

Wood Anemones carpeting the woodland floor at Hopwas Hays Wood

Stop the boat!

Old caravan holding up shed.  Could be towed by the Series1 Landy holding up shed from the other day

Moored up in Little Haywood, just coming into Staffordshire.  Beautiful spot but set between two railway lines so we get stereo Virgin trains.