Pieces of Eight

We walked from Wilmcote to Stratford early afternoon, which was quite an adventure as they are currently working on several locks, replacing the huge gates.  In addition part of the tow-path has suffered serious subsidence so it's closed at the moment with a signposted detour through nearby extremely muddy fields . After chatting to a few hardy cyclists and runners we decided to follow their example and clamber around the fences and on and off a work-barge, rather than the recommended detour.
On the towpath, we met a couple who each had a parrot down their jackets (as you do).  The parrots looked very comfy and happy at being taken for a walk in the fresh air, and were both wearing leads just in case they decided to make a fly for it.