Birthday Boy - Monty - six today!
now back to the journey:
Tuesday 24th April 2018
Hopwas to Fradley Junction
8.25 miles, 1 lock, 1 swingbridge
We had a leisurely start and bade farewell to the Hopwas resident swan as we left mid morning.
Monty and I walked the first mile and half and waited for Chris to catch us up at Tamhorm Farm Bridge
Looking through the bridge heading north the cut really is very long and straight.
Then it was past the largest expanse of poly tunnels we have ever seen in this country. We wondered if the wind turbine generates electricity to heat them? I cannot see an expanse of these without thinking of Adam Macey. You will either know who I mean or not - I suspect there are no shades of grey!
They are empty at present, but I am sure there is something underground waiting to sprout in the very near future.
After that I retreated inside to clean the floor and do a few other jobs. By this time the rain had started, so I prepped the sausage casserole ready for tonight's dinner. I had to think of something to warrant staying in and keeping dry.
Sadly staying dry until we moored was not an option as when we arrived at Fradley Junction there was a water tank to fill up. Once the water was flowing, Monty and I walked round the corner to see if there were any moorings to be had. Surprisingly there was a choice. Quite rare in this very popular location.
Once the tank was full we went through the swing bridge, turned right and headed for the lock. Someone was smiling down on us as there was a volunteer lock keeper ready and willing to help. By this time the rain was truly persistent.
We went to dispose of rubbish and and yellow water and the volunteers packed up and went home - I really do not blame them. I love this wonderful insect hotel situated near the rubbish disposal point. Full marks to whoever designed and made it. I am not sure it will look quite the same with a new logo!
We then shimmied across to the other side to moor up, clear the catkins off the roof (collected at the water point), then in for lunch and batten down the hatches with the fire on and the clothes airer deployed full of very wet clothes.
So what was our fault? Well possibly the rain. We have only ever been to Fradley once before and that was August Bank Holiday 2014 when it was so wet we stayed for 48 hours. August not withstanding the fire had to be lit to dry us out and warm us up.
Postscript - I really love the new T-studs on the side of the bow. To be able to moor up from the towpath and no more clambering on the bow is just wonderful, especially in weather like we had today. Thank you Jaq for the idea.
6 comments:
God old Hopwas! You are making very good time despite the rain. I am so PLEASED you like your bow T studs as much as I like mine. Good on you for getting them. Now we need to work on Ken. Sue needs a pair of bow T studs too.
Love Jaq xxx
There is a lot of asparagus grown along the canal, and there certainly used to be some in polytunnels. Perhaps Adam should start thinking about asparagus instead of strawberries!
Debby
Now then, Jaq, there is a challenge!! Jennie xx
A lady in the know then Debby! As far as we could see all the very many tunnels were empty and as the asparagus season is mid April to mid June, I would have expected to see some signs of cultivation. It may have to remain a mystery! Jennie
Jennie, Jaq,
Sue has the additional T studs but on Cleddau they are covered by the cratch. Much against my view - just two more things to trip over!!
If you think it rained in Fradley try Pembrokeshire yesteday the town half a mile across the river was invisible for most of the day.
Ken
Okay I think you win on the wet stakes, Ken. I hope today was better and you enjoy the rest of your stay.
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