Shugborough to Aston

I think you might describe this morning as 'crisp'.  For the first time this year the lines (ropes) were frozen and took just a little persuasion to untie.  We set off just before eight am heading up through our first lock at Great Haywood aiming to get on the service point at the junction.

 Company, interested in us but fascinated by Floyd..

 

 As we approached the junction, Nb. Damper Van was just coming through from Tixal, Joe held off and let them turn right/south in front of Yarwood before we went and secured a spot at the services.  There was already an early bird boat filling with water, a hire boat out of Mercia Marina, with a couple of experienced boaters aboard, Carol and Sue, who turned out to be avid narrowboat blog readers. 

 Sue and Carol heading off, water tank topped up

.

 Bon voyage Carol..

 

 Yarwood serviced we set off on our eight mile, four lock, journey.

Spot Yarwood

 

Turning into Aston Marina just ahead of the rain we got ourselves moored up and I went and did the necessary, paid up and got security tabs etc.  So now we have a few days of shore power to condition the batteries and a safe place to leave Yarwood while we travel south to see family and importantly, my Mum on Mother's Day...she doesn't know, it's a surprise!

And who is this below?

We will be catching up with Paul and Elaine tomorrow when they get back from their gallivanting...