Classic Coventry Canal.

This morning the Hurricane heating didn't come on! Oh, here we go again I thought. As it wasn't raining I went down the engine hole to have a look to see if the fuse holder had come apart. I checked that and then checked that the two on/off switches were both on. One wasn't so of course it started as soon as it turned it on. Whilst down and dirty with the engine I checked the oil and had a look around to see if I could trace the wiring. I had the instrument panel off last night and all looked well. I checked the wiring bundle above the gear bow and when I pulled it seemed loose. All looked fine when I checked the wires into each block so pushed it firmly together and hoped for the best. I am pleased to say that the pressure gauge has been rock steady today.

The black sausage thing next to the Beta Marine writing is the bundle in a water proof jacket. The wire leading from it had a bit of a bight in it. I think Dave the Hurricane engineer had stood on it and managed to pull it slightly apart.

It was lovely when we set off but was quite breezy. There were a few boats moving about and it was fun watching others dodging the moored boats at exposed spots.

I like these Coventry Canal mileposts that are understated plain stone but practical. The numbers are from Hawkesbury Junction (13) to Fazeley Junction (14).

This was a nicely sheltered spot and there are loads of places like that on the Coventry.

Hartshill Wharf was built in the 1840's and has the covered dry dock with clock and weather vane, blacksmiths shop and the stable block, cart shed and hayloft are listed.

We got to the top of the Atherstone flight and stopped for water. Just as we finished the rain started and lasted until we got to No.7 lock. This boat just popped out so I let the wind blow the bow round and popped straight in. Helen took over the helm and we nipped down the flight in a couple of hours. By the time we got to the last lock the rain had started again and the wind really picked up so we decided to tie up and have lunch just by Bradley Green Wharf.

The weather did sort its self out and we set off again. The Coventry is a lovely canal and was a pleasure to pass through the country despite the wind.

This looked like a project for the future. Grendon Wharf seem to specialise in old boats.

It seems that in time the above boat could end up looking like this.

We were thinking of stopping around Polesworth but decided to carry on and fine a nice mooring a little further on. In the end we passed Pooley Hall and moored just close to Alvecote Marina. This gave us the opportunity to go and have a look at the ruins of Alvecote Priory. The Priory was Benedictine and was founded in 1159 as an out station of Great Malvern Priory. It was founded by one William Burdett as a penence. He had returned from a crusade and accused his wife of being unfaithful and stabbed her. He paid for it with a priory.

This is the original entrance doorway.

She doesn't look to bad at this distance and in this light.