I periodically check the British Waterways web site for moorings coming up for tender (you have to bid for them). Well, I checked yesterday and much to my surprise and excitement I found there is a mooring at Fradley Junction being advertised. Fradley is at the junction of the Trent and Mersey and the Coventry canals. It is a beautiful place, well away from the A38! It has water, pump out (for the loo) and a really good pub - what more does one need in life! Well, electricity and there isn't any of that, but more important than any of the above is that there are no fences, no stupid notices and nobody to tell me what to do! It is about 5 miles from Barton and so work would be within commuting distance by bus or cycle and it's close to Lichfield for shopping. It would be a lovely place to run quiet days from because of its peace and beauty.
So, in a fit of excitement I have put a bid in - the only one so far. It would be a not so minor miracle if I got it at the price I have bid, but then if I get it, I'll know it was meant to be and if I don't - well, ditto. If I do get it, I'll have to pay the annual price up front and then, as long as I pay up each year, it will be mine for the same price for the next 3 years.
Bonny and I visited the mooring this afternoon and even in the rain, it looked wonderful! It is opposite a nature reserve with a circular walk and the towpath in both directions offer lovely walks too. There is the pub I mentioned, but also a cafe and little shop. The mooring is on the canal and not tucked away from canal life in a marina. it is within the flight of 6 locks and so there's always something to watch!
I'll have to wait to see if I get it, but not for long; the bidding closes on 23rd November and the mooring agreement would start on 8th December! I must admit that I really hope that it is meant to be!
I haven't got a picture of the mooring, but here is a picture of don't Panic moored in Fradley woods, just above the flight of locks.
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