I walked to the back of the boat today and was surprised by the sight of this snake between the boat and towpath.

Yesterday Hilary was picked up by stepsister Wendy and was taken to see her Dad in Worcester where she bought some of these flowers for their garden.

Today as we cruised to Fazeley junction and we passed a boat well known to us, she is called Montseny and was the boat completed just before ours was started and rescued from J.M. Clarke Narrowboats Blisworth.

 Today we said Goodbye to Jackie and John and started our journey down the Trent and Mersey to Fazeley Junction, after this we make our way back to Birmingham.

Just in case you thought we didnt watch it until the end.

 This evening we had a Eurovision Song Contest evening on the towpath as we eagerly wait for Engelbert to strut his stuff.

Hooray the first BBQ of the year with Jackie and John, although the photograph makes it look summery, but earlier in the afternoon the umbrella in the back ground had to be rescued by another boater from the canal as a gust of wind made it take off like a rocket.

Yesterday we found a football in the canal and last night as she began to chew it we thought she would burst it, but in fact she only chewed enough of the outer skin so that she could carry it in her mouth and play ball.

We crossed the river Sow via the Sow aqueduct just before we entered Tixall wide, so called because the owners of Shugborough Hall would only let the canal pass their property if the canal looked like a lake from their windows..          

Today we visited Penkridge market and because of the heat we had a late cruise and deciding to moor in open country.

This is me enjoying the fore said ice cream after this Hilary managed to empty all book shelves as she misjudged the following two locks, so she is a professional boater now.

On our travels today we saw this round house at one of the locks which incorporated a small shop where ice creams were bought, I have also updated Water explorer as I had forgotten to do this

On the trip to Coven last night we encountered some very thin canal as the rock proved too hard to cut a full width canal, so it is an area that has passing places.

After saying farewell to Rita and Scooby we set our course for Great Haywood and started cruising on new waters on the Staffs and Worcester.

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Yesterday we said a sad farewell to Rita and Scooby as they head their way to Preston.

Tonight we have moored at Brewood and tonight we have had a cards night with Rita and Scooby as tomorrow we go our separate ways as they make their way to Preston.

Today we left Compton after tasting the delights of orange chips,we are now cruising new waters to Wheaton Aston to re fuel stopping over at Brewood.

Hilary and Cassie at the Wolverhampton 20th lock of the day, just two more before we moor at Compton for the weekend

Today we have travelled through the Industrial Heartland of the U.K. and are currently moored in Wolverhampton  ready to face a flight of 21 locks tomorrow.

Yesterday was market day in Birmingham and we just managed to return to the boat before the heavens opened with a hail storm.

On our trip to Birmingham Scooby expressed a wish to have a Balti meal in the famous Balti Triangle, Monday night we found a great restaurant and had a great night.

 The first picture shows the bronze bull outside the Bullring shopping centre ready for the forth coming Olympics, the second picture shows a replica covered in jelly beans and is situated in Selfridges.

We have been moored in the basin since Friday very close to the pubs and clubs on the waterside.

As we approach Birmingham  Cassie had a great time barking at the trains as we followed them into the city centre.

Heading on we pass the Cadbury factory/Cadbury World.

As we approach Kings Norton Junction we encounter this interesting stop lock as we leave the Stratford Canal and enter the Worcester and Birmingham

As we continued our journey to Birmingham we moored outside and visited the Bluebell pub which offered cider's and real ale.

These are some of Rita's pictures of our visit to Mary Ardens House, this evening we have had a meal on The Maisibert with Rita and Scooby and tomorrow we continue our journey into Birmingham.

When we left the pub last night can you remember where we parked the car!!!!!!

Yesterday we celebrated  Cassie's birthday 4 years old, we also dropped into Mary Ardens House and watched the May day festivities

We have travelled from Stratford upon Avon and now heading our way to Birmingham and taking advantage of any dry periods.

 After a look around the market we found Shakspere's birth place.

 Lunch time was to be had in the Thai Boat House which is overlooking the Avon

Today Cassie has had her birthday present which was a make over at the canine beauty parlour.

We have now reached Stratford upon Avon and the picture shows The Royal Shakespere Theatre.

On our trip to Stratford Upon Avon Rita and Scooby have pointed out what wild garlic looks and tastes like.

Who say's pets do not take after their owner's.