Bodymoor Heath to Hopwas

Douglas Diary Summer Holidays 2018

Curdworth to Hopwas

We actually walked for miles last evening (Max’s idea he wanted to see the Aston Villa football ground! ) and it was getting dark when we returned wet to my long kennel. My bearded one did not walk with us electing to stay on guard by the fire in his arm chair and get on with some jobs whatever they were.

Anyway on our return, it was decided by the domestic department that we would go out to the Dog and Doublet for supper. I of course had my Chappie and sat under their table. The pub’ was extra dog friendly and there were about five of us.

Today it was cloudy calm and not cold. I took Max and my bearded one for their walk and we went for a long way to Middleton Lakes which is a bird sanctuary, I liked that. This is quite new and the lakes are recovered gravel pits.

We moved off at a leisurely pace this morning passing through just three locks. Here we stopped for rubbish disposal and water fill up. We hold 250 litres and so this can take quite a while. My long haired one thought this a good opportunity to give me a grooming, I like that (see photo).

All completed and we set off again and it was not long before Captain bearded one decided that it would be a nice spot to stop and paint. He and my long haired one got out their easels and painting kit and spent a relaxing hour or so as the sun struggled to break through the overcast. Max and Diane and I meanwhile went off to explore the Middleton Lakes and Bird Sanctuary again. We came back after about two hours in time for their lunch, (I got nothing) but I was very tired and went to sleep.

After lunch we cruised on past Fazeley Junction to our evening’s destination, at Hopwas. Here there is a house called The Tame Otter – a play on words to the effect that we are close to the River Tame. Anyway, his friend Mr Doombar lives there and it is also one of my favourite spots although inside they are not dog friendly.

I expect I will be on guard again but actually probably not as it has become a nice evening and I suspect when they go and visit Mr Doombar  I can go with them and sit outside under their table. We will see. I will report tomorrow.

Love Douglas x