Huddlesford Junction

On Bank Holiday Monday we left Great Haywood quite early (8:15) because it was quite busy, but some boats went through the lock before 7:00. As normal there was a queue at Colwich Lock but only three boats long so it was it wasn't a long wait. We recall waiting over an hour at this lock going north over the summer holidays.

The weather was better, sunshine but no rain; but it wasn't particularly warm. The run through Rugeley was pleasant and many streets were preparing for their Diamond Jubilee parties.

Preparations for a canal side Jubilee Party, Rugeley

There is always something new to spot along a length of canal, this time in Rugeley it was a mock (well I presume!) speed camera.
Rugeley Canal Speed Camera

Spode Hall, Armitage


The opened-out, and then covered by a modern road, tunnel at Armitage

We stopped for lunch along Ravenshaw Woods in sunshine and then joined the queues at Woodend Lock where we met NB Tia who sold us some Ecover. Fradley Locks can be very difficult when the canals are busy but going in our way it was fine. Two BW persons (a volunteer and a member of seasonal staff) we giving assistance at the top lock and moored up boater opened the pedestrian swing bridge for us - all very smooth.

Fradley Top Lock with assistance and gongoozlers

We moored up at Huddlesford Junction visitor moorings. It was quite and eventful moment since I saw the space sometime ahead and was in the process of getting into the space when another boat came around the bend and tried to moor up in the same space! Luckily the space was big enough for both us. The other boat even helped with our lines.

We finished the day by polishing one side of Albert and then watching the Diamond Jubilee Concert on the TV.