05-09 Sutton Stop Hawkesbury Junction on the Coventry canal

Thursday 7th May:   Today was a definite improvement on the last two days but  although the wind had dropped we still managed to get wet with minor showers during the day.  We got going reasonably early and cruised down the Ashby through Market Bosworth and on to Sutton Cheney where we stopped to water up,  dispose of rubbish etc.  Moved the boat forward onto a vacant 24 hour mooring and went into Sutton Wharf to order some lunch.   At first we sat outside and watched a hire boat with Swedish crew arrive and turn but no sooner had we started our lunch then it started another downpour!   Friends John & Sue arrived by car at this point and managed to get wet just getting a parking ticket.   After a coffee together Bridie went off with Sue in car to do a bit of much needed shopping (not too many possibilities once north of Stoke Golding within easy walking of the canal) while John & I moved the boat on to moor up in Stoke Golding for the night.
 
Friday 8th May: General Election results to listen to during breakfast this morning! Set off about 9:30 first stop Ashby Hire base for 57l of diesel and a couple more bags of coal, second stop at bridge 23 for a bit more shopping at the farm shop and then at noon a third stop by the Limekiln where the A5 crosses the canal at Hinckley.  Only passed one boat during this time although once we set off towards the end of the Ashby we passed about five boats before reaching Marston Junction where we turned left back onto the Coventry and headed the short distance towards Sutton Stop (a stop lock at Hawkesbury Junction where we meet the North Oxford canal).  We passed another 5-6 boats in this section and managed to moor up just before the main moorings which appeared to be full.  Another shower of rain started just as we were trying to complete our manouvers .

Saturday 9th May:  Stayed put today apart from a minor adjustment of our mooring moving the boat onto the 7day mooring.  Weather still not brilliant but mainly dry and slightly warmer, at least less wind to make us feel cold. My sister joined us for a meal at The Greyhound Inn at Sutton Stop, which was well worth waiting for.  It was extremely busy with pre match drinks and meals for those attending a local Rugby match between Tigers and Wasps at the Ricoh Stadium which is close by.After lunch we took the dogs for a walk and ended up back at the Greyhound to use their WiFi.