Wootton Wawen

On our return to Stratford-upon-Avon we decided to head back up the Stratford Canal rathee than head on to the Avon and then up the Severn. The wind and rain have returned and although the rivers are ok at the moment both of these are prone to sudden rapid,rises (Tewsksbury this time last year was under several feet of water). So,back up the Stratford we go and yet again encounter lock 53! This is the only lock that has ever defeated Jenny. With the help of our stern line being tied to the metal beam we eventually got the gate closed. The lock then slowly filled - almost as much water leaked from the bottom gate as filled from the top gate! Some volunteer assistance would have been more than welcome at this flight that rises out of Stratford! Things improved from then on and we climbed the Wilmcote flight with the help of Howard and Alan,cheery CRT volunteers who made our ascent of the 11 lock flight a quick and painless experience. Thank you to you both. It is always a very pleasant sight to see some help and to share a small part of our journey with these willing folk. Wootton Wawen is a little village with a Craft Centre, Farm Shop, very pleasant Tea Room (where we are at present taking advantage of their WiFi) a village store, pub and the the oldest Saxon Sanctuary in Warwickshire. We have spent a lovely afternoon soaking up the history of this amazing Church. Our onward journey takes us through remote parts of the Warwickshire countryside so we are hopibg the rain stays off so we can enjoy it and Jenny can do some more blackberry picking to go with the windfall apple we have acquired!!!