Here comes the sun

The canal moorings at Coxbank and in the village are usually very popular at this time of year, but those above the top lock somewhat less so. Mainly due to heavy shade from the trees.

Having walked the Audlem towpath for over 20 years, I have never seen so many boats moored in this cutting above the top lock. At 10 o'clock on Sunday morning it was almost full. No marks for guessing why!

A narrowboat, being steel, acts like an oven. From experience, in an air temperature of 30C in the summer sun it is difficult to keep the inside of the boat below 40C. The mind boggles what it would be like with the outside temperature approaching 40C.

We've already chickened-out from our summer trip and left the boat in Warwickshire until the heatwave passes.

A cool spot with deep mooring and village facilities close will be hard to find, hence the village's temporary encampment.

It's an ill wind... The farm shop at the top of the locks should do a good trade!

Dave Martin