Tixall Wide

We're on our way up the Trent and Mersey Canal to meet Vicky's Dad and Stepmum at Stone, but we took a little detour onto the Staffs and Worcester Canal to moor at Tixall Wide.

The good weather seems to be bringing all the boaters out on to the water. For the first time in many months we found ourselves in a queue for a lock, with 3 boats ahead of us! Luckily there was space to moor and wait. Will lent a hand at the lock, chatting to the other boat folk, including vloggers Julie and Martin on Rhapsody in Blue. Vicky stayed with the boat, letting the dogs have a pootle up and down the towpath.

Once through, we cruised for a while then pulled up for a bite to eat, letting thr rush pass us by before the next lock. We sat on the stern while a pair of Treecreepers chased one another around a wide oak trunk, a Jay hopped from branch to branch on the opposite bank and a grey squirrel took time for a drink and quick wash on the narrow sandy shore. Spring really is a great time to be on a boat!

From here it wasn't far to Haywood Junction and on to Tixall Wide. This broad stretch of water lies within sight of the impressive Tixall Hall Gatehouse. The hall itself was demolished in 1927 but rumour has it that Thomas Clifford, the owner at the time the canal was built, gave permission for it to pass through his land only on the condition that it was made to look like a lake, so as not to spoil the view! Another possible explanation is that the canal was routed via an already existing lake to make the job of construction easier.

Whatever it's origin story, the broad stretch of water is very picturesque and very popular with boaters. There was only one space left by the time we arrived, but Will executed an impressive 180° turn and guided Rainboat straight in to it.

That evening we saw 6 buzzards flying together and later on, a large murder of crowds circling up a thermal like a helix. Canadian and Greylag Geese loved the expanse of water and the wide band of reeds bordering the far bank. They would fly away to forage during the day and return with a ruckus as the sun dipped, flapping their wings, spraying water as their webbed feet splashed down and honking loudly as they reestablished their positions.

Will cycled to Haywood Junction most days, lunching at the Clifford Arms, and shopping at the farm and refill shop there. Beside the towpath we spotted a wooden plaque engraved with the names of boaters and boats who had been locked down here during the early days of Covid. There was also a touching memory garden with small plaques dedicated to two Basset Hounds who had loved staying here on their boat 🥰Baca lagi