When we set off at 0817 the sky had greyed over and the UK was under a yellow weather warning for rain. We had a target. 7 hours cruising on the winding Wyrley and Essington canal to The Fingerpost at Pelsall. We had do this same cruise last August to the IWA Festival of Water and contrast was startling. I persevered at the tiller as the rain started. Gentle and deceiving at first then turning into a very heavy squall. The Met Office predicted 10-16mm of rain per hour. I am sure they were not wrong. Our whatsapp interboat communications indicated that some boats were having trouble with submerged obstructions and rubbish on the prop. Sonflower's draft is fairly shallow and we avoided the obstructions and it took 5 hours before we needed go down the weed hatch.to clear a life preserver from the blades.
As we got nearer our destination the sky cleared and that change in the reed beds was evident. These have established thenselves and leave room for a boat width in places as in the photo. The reeds make great places for coots to nest and also trap the floating drink cans.
There were a large number of coots and moorhens with chicks in various stages of development. We also saw goslings and cygnets along the way.
All in all a succesful cruise. Since mooring we have had one thundery shower and bright sunshine. Such is June.
14 miles 0 locks, 6.5 hours.
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