Day 91 - onto the Coventry Canal at Fradley Junction.

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3 locks, 411 in total.







We had a beautiful run into Fradley Junction this morning – a mild breeze as we pottered along the the sun-dappled canal. There was one lock on the way, then 2 more just before the junction where we turned right onto the Coventry Canal, with the T & M continuing straight on towards Nottingham.







The locks at Fradley Junction are some of the busiest on the canal network reputedly although we only had a few boats queuing in front of us. There are plenty of moorings here and it can be difficult deciding where to wait in line for the lock without risking losing your turn; our standard method is kicking me off the boat before the queue to recce the situation. There was nothing here before the canals and the canal companies built offices, wharves and The Swan pub plus some cottages for their workforce. These buildings are now used for a chandlery/gift shop and the cottages are still in use. British Waterways, now Canal & River Trust, also use an old wharf and workshop for a cafe, carpentry shed and boater facilities – toilets, shower (cold!), Elsan disposal, etc. This junction is a very popular place with walkers and gongoozlers (those who watch the boats at locks) and CR&T have made the place very welcoming. Fradley Lake, right next to the canal, is good for fishing and has a bird hide. There were plenty of birds around whilst we had lunch at the cafe – chaffinches and sparrows were happy to eat from the tables. (Being August, there were also quite a few wasps.) All in all, a lot of boats in a small area – almost bustling but very comfortable.







We keep seeing the same boats and trying to decide where we last saw them – although we did part company with some as we turned onto the Coventry. As they say, it's difficult to hide on the canals. I think we were lucky to find a mooring within reasonable reach of Fradley Junction; we're a little overshadowed by trees but it's cloudy now anyway and I think rain is due in the morning. Last night we misjudged the morning sun's position – all the other boats warmed up quickly and Dunlin was still in the shade and cold as we set off after breakfast; so many things to consider each day!!

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Photos

This morning on the T & M
Looking backwards from the boat, in case some smart Alec notices the position of the shadows!

Small boatyard and dry dock....
.... there used to be so many little places like this, before the big marinas took over.

Woodend Lock - T & M
Another place where there's no room for the balance beams.

John turns onto the Coventry...
...The Swan pub in the background.

The lock entries and bridges were delineated with white paint.
The extra definition is quite helpful.