Another wander.

I went for a circular walk yesterday around the village of Great Haywood primarily to purchase a newspaper. The catholic church of St. John the Baptist had a very interesting tower but, as with quite a few of these buildings, trees obscured the best views.

These cottages in the main road caught my eye in particular the inlaid stone bearing the name Robins Nest on the left hand cottage.

I Googled it to see if I could find out who Robin might have been if there was a Robin but all I found was that it sold in 2001 for £142,950, I bet it’s worth a bit more now.

After crossing back over the canal I wandered across the bridge over the river Trent

and into the grounds of Shugborough Hall, there was a marquee in the grounds obscuring the building itself so I didn’t venture too far in, this little cottage was just by the entrance.

Returning to the boat past Haywood Lock and Lock House Restaurant and tea rooms.

Today I finally met up with Rod (N.b. Tilly Mint) . We first made contact through a non-boating forum 18 months or so ago when Rod announced that he was buying a narrowboat and retiring, almost exactly the same time as I was and we have kept in contact since then so it was nice to put a face to the name today, I went along at looked at Rod’s boat.

Interior Tilly Mint

It's nice to have the chance to look inside other boats as it gives you ideas on layout, Tilly Mint is more open plan than Quinquireme and a very nice comfortable layout without fixed seating, something I may well do in the future. We chewed the fat and then we went to the local Clifford Arms for lunch

Unfortunately due to a gas leak at the pub they were not serving food, so we had a couple of beers then returned to Quinquireme and exchanged a few more experiences and ideas, a very enjoyable way to pass the day, thanks Rod it was lovely to meet you and I sure our paths will cross again, happy cruising.