Internet at last

After over a week, we have an internet signal.

We left Stratford on Avon last Tuesday and headed up the Stratford Canal. The canal is 25-1/2 miles long with 54 locks.

 The bridges on the Stratford canal are very narrow, some, like the picture above have rubber strips running through them to prevent damage to boats. Also, unique to this canal, the bridges have 2 spans with a 1 inch gap between. The gap was designed for horse drawn boats. As the boat went through the bridge, the rope could be fed through the gap, allowing the horse to continue without the need of untying.

Also unique are the lock keeper cottages. This particular one sold fresh eggs, herbs and vegetables.

Our first night after leaving Stratford, was spent at Wilmcote. This is where Mary Ardens house is. (pictured above) 

Mary Arden was the mother of William Shakespear.

We continued our cruise to Wootton Wawen. crossing the Edstone Aqueduct

The weather has changed and we have continued under the threat of rain every day, so very few photos.

We finished the Stratford canal yesterday and joined the Worcester Birmingham canal at Kings Norton junction.

Shortly after we went through the Wast Hill tunnel 2726 yards long. Stopping shortly after at Hopwood for a well deserved pint.

We have so far covered 96 miles, 72 locks, 7 swing bridges 3 aqueducts and two tunnels.

Tomorrow we will be at Tardebigge. 36 locks in under 4 miles. Hopefully the weather will improve giving us a photo opportunity