Day 63 was a late start as we wanted to buy oil to complete the oil change and diesel and the marina office didn’t open until 10am. Finally got going about 1130. A real day for wild life. Saw a number of chub in the marina whilst we were filling with diesel, there were loads of damsel flies, demoiselle and dragon flies (Brown Hawker?). Rarer to see damsel flies on their own rather than as a mating pair. Highlight of the day was two grass snakes, one smaller swimming in the canal and a larger one on the tow path! Moved off T&M and onto Coventry canal at Fradley junction. Early stop as we were following a boat which was going very slowly and appeared to have had a good lunch (or maybe too much of a celebration). Getting quite hot, sat in the shadow of the boat. Lovely supper of spatch-cocked poussin with vinaigrette veg and D voluntarily ate salad for lunch! Canal quiet from lunch time on can’t think why.

Day 64 and another beautiful start to the day, actually quite pleasant at 8am but quickly warming up. J had an unexpected cold shower first thing. Soon after we set of we met another boat coming the other way who told her to look out for the irrigation unit close to the canal. As she approached she realised the timing was bad and the whole length of the boat got soaked, well the plants did need watering. There could be worse things coming across from the offside as we passed a military firing range soon afterwards! Saw a fox on the towpath close to Glascote locks in the middle of Tamworth in the middle of the day. D saw a black backed seagull trying to feed on a dead pike being chased off by a crow. Getting really hot in the afternoon so stopped after doing the first two locks of the Atherstone flight resolving to start early tomorrow to get them done when it is cooler. D melting…..

Late addition, late boater came past us at 2145! great sunset