We are now starting to lose all that altitude we put on at the Tardebigge flight. There was a gap in the downpour today, so we took advantage of it to continue along the Stratford Canal until we start going downhill again. Although there is a lot of urban development around here, the canal remains for the most part a leafy sanctuary.

After four locks we moored up for lunch. We checked the weather radar and forecast. There were still a few more hours without rain. We decided to forego another visit to Packwood House and make some more time along the canal.

The only catch is that once you start down the Lapworth locks there is nowhere to stop for nine locks, so we were committed even if it started raining again. As we were pulling out another boat came past us, so that they would be going down the flight ahead of us, and all the locks would be empty when we got there, so we would have to fill them before we got in. However, the couple in the boat ahead of us very kindly started the locks filling again after they were done with them. It was a little more time and effort for them, but it made things much easier for us.

Here’s the view back up the locks we came down.

A volunteer lock keeper helped us with the last few locks. Paula asked him about the local pub, The Boot. “It’s a gastropub, it’s a bit pricey. The Navigation is cheaper if you want to walk down to the Grand Union.

The gastropub sounded just fine for us. We got a table in front of the fireplace, listened to the locals swearing about the weather, and ordered appetizers until we were stuffed.

And then dessert.