15^th May

Left the mooring with an overcast sky and a strong cold wind blowing from the north. Made good progress through the locks as the boats moored in the pounds of the Atherstone flight had not yet started to move. Passed Nb Elysium Days who were just preparing to leave and gave us a cheery wave. It was only at the last 3 locks that we encountered 2 boats coming down.

Moored up in Atherstone at 10.00 am for coffee and homemade biscuits. At about 10.45am Nb Elysium Days passed us on route to Brinklow.

Faced Timed Jean and although the mobile signal was not too good still had a reasonable reception, not as good as with Graham last night.

Went exploring around Atherstone and whilst chatting to one of the market stall holders he told us that we were the first potential customers he had had all morning and trade was really slow. Unfortunately we did not buy anything.

Finally did our grocery shopping and headed back to the boat for lunch.

In the afternoon we caught the bus into Nuneaton, a journey which takes about 25 minutes and takes you through Mancetter and by the canal at Hartshill British Waterways yard. Now we know why there are always a lot of boats moored there.

Nuneaton was very quiet and the shops and arcades seemed empty of people, M & S had closed their store about a year ago although there were still several big name stores there.

Whilst we were walking back to the bus station the heavens opened up and we had hail and torrential rain for about 5 minutes. Fortunately we were able to shelter but the roads and pavements were flooded.

The best feature about Nuneaton was their very impressive Millennium Island which contained a fountain in the shape of a Dandelion Clock.

We returned to the boat, lit the fire and had a couple of zzz whilst the weather decided to have a few more downpours.