Free flow from Fradley to Fazeley.

 Boats were passing us both ways before we set off, so we thought we would be following a line of boats. It didn't turn out like that in the end.

The sun was out and the wind was down as we crept up to Junction lock about 0930. There was a good few enjoying coffee and bacon banjos at the cafe and the keepers were ready and armed with windlassie. We were to turn left so of course we needed to swing the bridge.

Some trees have been lopped so there is a better view of the hangers from the airfield. Officially it was known as RAF Lichfield, but seems to have been always known as Fradley. It opened in 1940 with three runways and was very busy. It started out as where new aircraft were flown to from the manufacturers and prepared for the operational units. From 1942 operational missions were flown by bombers from here including the 1000 bomber raid. After 1943 most of the raids were for dropping propaganda leaflets or bombing German airfields in France. After the war many aircraft were broken up here and many readied for sale to other air forces. No further use could be made of the base in 1958 and it was sold off in 1962. The hangers were utilised for storage and now there is an industrial park and the number of houses seems to be growing year on year.

The canal passed Fradley has trees growing along the sides and with the low sun the sunbeams shining through the branches make it a magical place.

Helen is bundled up against the cold despite the sun. When not in it glow it was pretty cool I must say.

As we approached Huddlesford these gongoozlers were watching the boats go by and were hypercritical of the wake they were making if going too fast! As we got closer to Whittington we came across a procession of boats coming towards us. All a bit of a shock to the system after our northern sojourn where it was rare to see more than one moving boat in a day.

Before arriving at Hopwas Woods there are some lovely spots to moor, with a slight rise between the cut and the railway. The polytunnels at Fisherwick have gone and the asparagus beds have gone too. I wonder if they ony have so many productive years before the land use needs to be different. There was a field of plenty of asparagus closer to the woods. The polytunnels are removed over winter.

Hopwas Wood was busy with walkers but there weren't too many boats moored there. We weren't stopping today but kept on going.

As we got closer to Fazeley we came across the little chimney boat that had installed our new flue and built a new double skinned chimney for us.

The chimney boat must have inspired me as after stopping at Fazeley and having a bite to eat, and then going for a bit of shopping I set to cleaning the stove out and blacking it all ready for the cold night ahead. It has been warm in the sun, but is getting cool tonight. After the stove I decided to stow the anchor and chain and lifebelt under the dinette. All a bit of a commotion but it was achieved. Then is was cleaning up the bow deck etc. It is nice to sit down to right the blog.