Nuneaton and the North Oxford

Another glorious day for cruising. What a shame it had to be through Nuneaton !! We got away from our mooring around 9am this morning and headed into what can only be described as a rubbish dump. It started off with collections of plastic bottles both in the canal and on the banks. Then the odd chair, shopping trolley, bicycle, push chair, tyres, telegraph pole, television. 

All the 'T's'  Tyres, telegraph pole and television. 

How some of it actually got there is nothing short of a mystery as it often seems so inaccessible, but there it certainly is and the folks of Nuneaton should either be ashamed or embarrassed. Why do people do it in their own backyard. For boaters it just encourages us to keep going and therefore the town doesn't profit from any passing trade etc etc. Does anyone actually moor up in Nuneaton ??

This garden shed took my fancy though

The turn onto the Ashby Canal at Marston Junction was oh so tempting. We love it up there, but it will have to wait for another day unfortunately. 

Marston Junction

More rubbish as we passed Charity Dock and then on to Hawkesbury Junction, turning easily at the 180 degree junction and into the stop lock before taking on water and getting rid of refuse. 

Hawkesbury Junction

We then enjoyed an afternoon cruise down the North Oxford. Not the most picturesque stretch of water it has to be said, but nevertheless enjoyable. We've moored for the night at All Oaks Corner with plenty of other boats, having a quick chat with the folks on nb Achernar and Tony and Jacqui on nb Timewarp with their collection of tiller pins - just a shame he doesn't have any chrome ones. 

At 5pm, Louise cracked open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate my official retirement.....Cheers !!