Coot combinations

Among the water fowl chicks common on the canals, the ducklings must be the skittiest (just see them go when they can't find mum) and the moorhens the cutest, but the coots must take the prize for being the most dishevelled.

I'm sure she doesn't think they look like she's put them through the tumble dryer. In fact, coots are obviously so delighted with the thought of yet more of the little critters, that they are willing to prepare enthusiastically for the happy event even on a day as hot as today.

He'd bring a bit of flotsam, or something garnered from the bank, and pass it up to her.

She would give due consideration to where it might fit, presenting her best side to him (and to the camera) in the process.

Then she'd find a place for it, or discard it disparagingly. He didn't seem upset by the rejects, just went and got another from B&Q the bank.

So that was our entertainment for the day, shortly after we said farewell to our urban hideaway (just back round the corner to the left).

Then we did 20 locks at 90 in the shade. No doubt a canal connoisseur would have found lots to enthuse about, but we were just glad to be making progress down this interminable flight. The most interesting part was as we came through a couple of locks as close together as those at the Bratch. In the distance is an old glassworks – a bottle kiln that now houses a museum. We passed it later on, but it didn't look as though they encouraged visitors from the canal side.

So tonight we're back on the Staffs and Worcs, at Stourton Junction, where we came through on our journey down to Stourbridge. It seems a long time since we passed this way and then found ourselves stopping in Kinver and talking with Wilson's about the possibility of a pram cover for the stern. That's now done and dusted (see yesterday's post).

And, yes, I did find a way of folding it today so I could get up and down via the roof and help with the locks. If coots can combine, so can we.