We decided to head off early this morning to make up a bit of time. I got up to make the tea and left Helen in bed. I got underway just after 0800,. No locks today, so no rush for Helen.
You can't not take a picture of the tele'wag pole tat still hand about on this stretch. There aren't many of them about anymore, but when we were kids they were everywhere.
Past Nuneaton s this sign post to Vulgaria ahead and Fradley the other. It looks like there is a sentry box, or boarder post for each direction!
There was still a work boat at Marston Junction fixing heavy rubber fendering to the newly installed piling. I'm not really sure if they are there to protect the cladding or the boats as most 'contacts' should be bow on. We managed to meet a boat at the blind bridge just to the south of the junction, Bridge 15, but all well.
There was a hire boat just leavng the stop lock as Hawkwsbury Junction so we were glad to be heading straight on to Coventry Basin. It looks like the Greyhound is a little smarter than the last time we passed this way, seen under the bridge at the 'new' junction with the Oxford Canal.
I'm sure we have sat on one of these in Rugby. For a concrete bench It adds a touch of class. No tv or coffee table though!
Halfway down toward Coventry I saw this animal run across the tow path, hesitate and then leap into the water. It had something in its mouth and headed across the cut. It was heading straight for the boat. In the water it was very long and just collided with the boat before recoiling and passing round the stern!
As we passed there seemed to be several bronze art piece along the tow path. This was is to celebrate the Daimler factory on the off side of the canal. It was where the first car was built in Britain in 1897. The only bit of the factory remaining is the power house that has been converted to flats. This bottom (top) end of the canal has been tidied up a,ot with lots of new buildings and the canal and tow path looking much cleaner.
We stopped for water just before the Basin and I went ahead to see what the situation was, as Monday was the first day of having to book moorings in the basin. There was room and the floating market is starting at the weekend. We thought we would risk it as we are leaving on Wednesday and moored up across the end of the two arms so we can easily get out if we need too. It is a handy berth as there is a bloke that keeps watch over your boat, what ever the weather. He was just visiting from Etruria!
As soon as we had had a bite of lunch we were off to explore. We were underwhelmed at the 'presence' of the 'City of Culture', there din't seem to be much signage for it. We realise that there has been COVID and the start is delayed and there is an effort to stop crowds but in Hull you would have to be blind not to see it was our year. There were a few volunteers in Godiva Square but they didn't seem to have much information and guided us to the shop. They didn't have much information, mainly merchandise and we were directed to the Tourist information office that was near the station. We recognised the bloke in the shop as we had worked with him in Hull. Small world. It wasn't too easy to find. There there was little about the City of Culture either but we got a few leaflets and planned a walk.
This is the narrow courtyard of the Ford's almshouses that were erected in 1509. They were badly damaged in the air raid of November 1940 but were repaired using the original timbers between 1951 and 1953. It is said to be the most perfect example of timber framed architecture in the country. The carvings are still very strong.
This is the sort of City of Culture 'thing' you get. A short street that seems nothing when you walk past, but becomes a photographic magnet and emblem of the culture at the time.
This is the ruins of St. Michaels Church that became the Cathedral in 1918. On that November 1940 night it was ruined, and left as you see it today. It is used as a venue. The undercroft was used as a place of worship until the new cathedral was built in the 1960's.
I try my best to like the new Coventry Cathedral but it doesn't do it for me. It is not up lifting for me, although the 1960's style is worth looking at as there isn't that much of it about.
The side or lady chapels are also very distinctive. We headed to the pub for a couple of pints that we enjoyed especially due to their rarity over the past few months. We then headed for our tea.
On the way for a Pizza we passed this little guy using his super powers to leap off tall buildings, even if it was from only one step up!
More planned for tomorrow, with visits to museums etc, but it was good to get back to the boat for a sit down.
2 comments:
I remember being in Coventry with you another time, and Helen, David and I went to the old cathedral site with our friend Lesley - can't remember where you were, Tony!
I have the same thoughts as you about the new cathedral - distinctly underwhelmed!
Glad to hear that the towpath in to Coventry is tidier now, as it was literally a tip when we were travelling into the city last time.
Big hugs to you both, Mxx
Hi Both, Thanks for your comments. I hope that you aren't going to say about our summer now you are going into winter. We know ALL about that over here, so you will get NO sympathy!! Helen, nor I, can remember where I was when you met up in Coventry. It may have been that I was off home to check up on my Mum, but can't remember at all. I think the canals generally are much tidier with less rubbish about since the payment for plastic bags. They have just gone up from 5p to 10p so lets hope that more rubbish is removed. All we need now is money back on plastic bottles and they will disappear too.
We are sorry to hear about David's latest news. I'm sure you will both take time to enjoy life to the full. It sounds like you had a cracking time over the summer in your mo ho, just taking it easy. It has been a big relief for us to be able to get away on the boat. We hope to see you both over here again next year. Cheers for now, Tony and Helen.
Post a Comment