Civil Insurrection

Lady Gillian and various agents have informed me that as I travel East I am entering Roundhead country.  As a Cavalier this worries me greatly, but I cunningly disguise myself as a local.....however this business of chasing and fetching balls does not suit my disposition.  Surely one should have flunkies to do this menial work?  I do however seem to be getting an overpowering urge to climb oak trees.

Braunston

Braunston - 24/25th April

Braunston was one of the main crossroads of the Grand Union and the Oxford Canals and the junction is spanned by its graceful twin Horseley Iron Works towpath bridges.

Even now it is a hive of canal activity, although what the old working canal folk would have made of the modern day leisure boaters can only be imagined.

The crew stoke up with yet more tea, bacon sarnies and cake at the Gongoozlers' Rest Cafe.  I am appalled by their incessant need for refreshment at any opportunity.

Hatton Locks to Braunston - 23/25th April

And so to Royal Leamington Spa - 23rd April

This is very me....regal gardens, pump rooms, classy architecture.  Pity the public have to see me with my scruffy crew.  Still once Charles ascends to the throne all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will be taken to The Palace and I will have uniformed flunkies to minister to my every need.

Also there are many signs of Spring.

Lapworth Junc. onto the Grand Union - 21/22nd April

Sunday 21st April

My admirers, The Forsythes of Stretton-on-Dunsmore, took me for lunch at a lovely pub where the staff made much of me.  Lady Gillian painted my portrait some years ago and it now hangs with my old masters (well in his office).

Monday 22nd April

I make an early morning inspection of the Hatton Locks, a flight of 21 locks over 2 miles.  I hope my crew are up to this.  I worry about their age and fitness, but you just can't get young staff these days.

Well they survived it, but are now demanding a pay rise.

Wilmcote to Lapworth Junction - Saturday 20th April

Over the Edstone Aquaduct - the longest in England (754 ft long and 30 ft high). Doesn't seem natural to a dog to be floating over a road, railway and river.

Modern art or careless driver - I'm not sure......or maybe last year's flooding.

One of the historic split bridges (allowing the boatman to pass the rope through without unhitching the horse when passing the bridge) and a barrel vaulted lock keepers cottage, unique features of the Stratford Canal 

Via the Stratford Canal to Wilmcote - Friday 19th April

Bancroft Basin at the start of the canal

Gosh, these locks are a bit narrower than the river ones - not enough space to swing a cat - not that I'm that kind of a dog.

17 locks in 4 miles can take a lot out of a dog to say nothing of the crew.

Stratford upon Avon - 18th April

Me and Thesps' HQ plus some goose acquaintances.

The bright lights of Stratford