A hot one!

 After reversing for water on the Coventry Canal, we left Fradley Junction about 09:45 - the temperature on the roof of RnR is already 29.5 degrees  ...

 ... and not long after pulled over to let this boat through the bridge - hey, its Tina and Colin - enjoy the Weaver guys!

 The hedgerows and towpaths are blooming gorgeous! These lovely white flowers were like a carpet of snow in the heat!

 There were boats all over the place!

 More down there too!

 Hopwas Hays Wood on the right - a military firing area

Crossing Fazeley Junction ...

 ... and ascending the 2 Glascote Locks - the only ones today - the temperature on the roof now is 39 degrees - hot, hot, hot indeed!

Passing Laplander at Samuel Barlow's ...

... and under the M42 ...

 ... past Pooley Hall ...

 ... when a short time later ...

 ... came working boat Kestral towing an 'engine-less' working boat

 10 past 5 and we're here for the night ...

 ... just before bridge 50 ...

... and the sun is still strong and very hot!

Early start tomorrow - 11 locks to ascend at Atherston and 13 miles to Hawkesbury!

Georges glasses ...

... he had always 

wanted

gold rimmed specs like his brother ...

 ... unfortunately the budget didn't stretch that far.

a busy Fradley Junction in the sunshine when we arrived at about 3pm today!

I can see clearly now ...

 ... said George - and it wasn't only because the rain had gone!

We've caught up with outstanding jobs whilst moored here in Rugeley ... realigning belts on the engine, filling the cupboards, laundering the duvets, lovely surprise Sunday roast at our son Mark's ... and yes, collecting Georges new specs!

 Saw this huge ...

 ... bear-like cat ...

 ... across the canal, going ...

... from garden to garden.

Not far today

 Forgot to mention on yesterday's posting that whilst taking on water at Great Haywood yesterday NB Trundle passed us, the lady on board calling to me to 'keep up the blog as she really enjoys reading it'. Thank you guys!  She also asked me to say 'hello' to Seyella - so 'hello'  Mags and Geoff!

 Never notices this before - it's on the T&M a short distance south of Colwich Lock ...

 ... and there doesn't appear to be any buildings close by - anyone know what it is?

 Rugeley Power Station and Wolseley Bridge over the River Trent

 Just after Brindley Aqueduct we see Mr and Mrs Swan and family ...

... and a short distance away this Mrs Swan is still awaiting the happy day!

Currently moored by the railway bridge in Rugeley, we're waiting for George's new specs to arrive, hopefully tomorrow.

Last night and this morning ...

 19:30 last night and the last of the day's sunshine reflects off the weather-vane

on Acton Trussell Church ...

 ... and this morning contrary to last night's forecast - it was raining when these two youngsters came for breakfast (nb: wholemeal bread of course!)

 A dinky little green/glass house

 Stafford Boat Club - I wouldn't mind mooring here, it's always so tidy and quiet!

 Lots of vegetation along the towpath as I walk with Molly ...

 ... on the approach to Radford Bank

 Yes Molly, they're called Bluebells!

 This pitched tent near the Mini car showrooms has fascinated me for a while now - I wonder if it's 

'lived-in'?

 The old adage - ne'er cast a clout 'till may is out - is certainly ringing true this year although I'm not sure if it relates to the May Flower (Hawthorn as above) or the month of May! Either way hopefully it won't be long now!

 End of my walk today and here comes my lift

 Youngsters having a day out at Tixall

 We saw BW boat Scorpio at Gailey earlier this week, she is being taken by BW volunteers to Etruria for the Jubilee Canal Festival

 The 'Bass' Boat moored just below Shugborough Lock ...

 ... we'll moor down there just on the bend ...

 ... past the very patient swan still sitting on her eggs ...

... where we'll have a good view of Shugborough Hall - (love this place!)

3.5 hours, 5 miles, 9 locks

 Not a lot to record today - we left Gailey at 09:45

 ... saw the Goodyear Balloon above Otherton Lock

 and this boat outside Otherton Marina Boat Haven near Penkridge ...

 ... it does't appear to have a tiller ...

 ... on either end!  Notice the expired licence did you?

Such a shame - it's been like this for the past couple of months that we know to.

Arrived at Acton Trussell at 13:15 and as I speak George is loading the BBQ!

Warm weather, BBQ what more does anyone need?