A beautiful and fabulous day

Saturday 21^st September: Long Itchington to Radford Semele

A quiet night and a sunny start, so what more could we ask for?  We have had a fabulous day today.

It started with a visit to the little shop you get to via the alley just below the bottom lock.  Between some derelict garages and up the road, and I was met by a loud and large Rottweiler in an empty shop!  All he wanted to do was lick my hand, then the lady who came to sell me my Saturday paper wanted to chat about her son going back to uni for his third year.  Even so, we were away at about 9.30, once more in glorious sunshine (though I think this may be the last of it ….)

laden crab-apple tree

NB Hobnail had passed us before we left and was waiting for us at Bascote Staircase.  What a pleasure it is to share locks with cheerful steerer and crew who operate locks in the same way as you!

staircase

We shared with them all the way to Radford bottom lock.  There were several signs on the lock beams saying that the Elsan point at Fosse Wharf was closed; the reason given is that the road (Fosse Way, only a B road but very straight) is too dangerous for the lorry driver to stop and empty the cesspit.

Dave and the lady steerer (I’m afraid we omitted to ask their names) made a perfect skilled pair as they moved from lock to lock.

At Fosse bottom lock there is clear evidence of a boat having omitted to check their speed before entering a lock.

On the way to Radford bottom lock, we passed this strange construction.  We have often wondered what it was for – does anyone know?  It looks as though it should be some lovely swings, but it’s not.

what?

In spite of the bright sunshine, the faint moon was still visible in the intense blue of the sky.

At Radford bottom lock we said goodbye to our lovely locking partners, and moored for lunch a hundred yards or so beyond the bridge where the ‘Charity Dock outpost’ hangs out.

Widebeam dayboat from Saltisford Arm

After a relaxed lunch, we decided to give Meg a lovely walk and we set off toward the Greenway at bridge 331A, dropping off some rubbish at the lock as we passed.  The Greenway is on a national cycle route, which we followed as far as the footpath leading towards Offchurch village.  We walked into the village via the little church of St Gregory’s.  It’s small, with a little organ and small but lovely stained glass windows.  It also has a small door …. they warn you about the steps down into the church, but not the low headroom – I’m only 5’4” but still managed to bang my head.

Then we walked down the hill to the Stag, a pub where we had a drink once about 20 years ago.  Meg was thirsty, and it seemed rude to take her into their garden without slaking our own thirst …. so we did, in their shady garden filled with young families enjoying a quiet Saturday afternoon.

Our circular walk took us back down the footpath towards the Greenway, where we had spotted some excellent blackberries.  We quickly filled our container as we walked down the path. 

Back at the boat, and having discovered the lack of phone signal, we moved a few hundred yards closer to Radford Semele where the tree cover was absent and a signal was obtained.

 

As the afternoon started to cool, Dave replaced the shower pump which had failed on our last trip.  As you might expect, it was not straightforward – but we do now have a working pump!  A beautiful evening to finish a lovely day.

3½ miles, 10 locks (including Bascote Staircase)

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