Land of the big boats

We headed out into another wet morning, happily it wasn't too long before the sun came out.

We pottered into Kidderminster and pottered out again after a spot of shopping. Then before we quite realised where we were, we dropped down into Stourport basin. Where we found an excellent chandlers. We are now flying the flag.



We actually managed to get a BW washing machine to work but decided its worth the extra couple of pounds for a service wash. We passed the time while we waited by showering and I made a flag pole for the ensign.

Then we entered the land of the big boats.



The lock keeper wasn't too sure about it.



We reached the point of no return and headed into the last lock that would take us down to the river Severn.




The captain surveyed the conditions,





With everything OK we hit the big water!





Tomorrow we sail to Worcester.

Stone Me!

Today has been a day of sandstone.

The canal follows the base of a ridge of sandstone for almost 15 miles and at some points you get really close

The day started out very wet. There is an old farmers saying

"Rain before seven, dry by eleven"

luckily it held true for today. There are no pictures of this mornings antics, such as hearing a ringy tingly noise in the engine bay. further investigation found the sump drain pump had rattled itself to bits and was happily draining the engine oil into the bilge.

We passed under the village of Cookley,



Through a tunnel carved from the living rock.



Then on to another lock right up against the sandstone.




This one is a bit special because cut into the cliff is a stable for the towing horses of old.



Though these days its used by a scary fella with a windlass and a fresh hair cut.




The good captain told me to stop messing about and get on with the lock.

We have found another of our isolated mooring spots again. Ready for getting through Kidderminster and onto the river Severn tomorrow.

What a nice surprise!

We set of early this morning, after our very early alarm call from this cheeky little chappie clattering up and down the roof.

Setting off to get through the urban sprawl of Wolverhampton. That meant the end of the Shropshire Union.

Joining the Staffordshire & Worcestershire canal. Its deep clear waters and heavily wooded banks meant it looked and felt more like a river out in the countryside than a canal passing through a large town. After worrying about being hemmed in by factories and housing it came as quite a surprise.

The Staffs and Worcester is a beautiful canal very green and quiet and full of interesting features and silly names.

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Here's one for all you Family Guy fans.

Shortly after this bridge we engaged stealth mode and went off to do some shopping, deploying the footpath rover to carry home the supplies.

We carried on through the countryside and locks planning to stop early before the forecasted rain arrived. Which it did just as we entered the last lock of the day. Mooring up quick sharp we got below decks while the thunder storm raged above. After a couple of hours we moved on to a beautiful spot and decided it was so nice we would stop here and have a rest day.



The new neighbours took little interest in us.

Birthdays and bilges

Hello from sunny Wolverhampton,

Yesterday new crew were enlisted for a very special birthday voyage. Replete with picnic and birthday cake.




The new cabin boy tried to abandon ship,




The rest of the crew seemed to enjoy themselves.





We said goodbye to them at Wheaton Aston and settled in for a thunder storm that never arrived.

In the morning we gave the engine a service. Topped up the gearbox oil, thanks support crew, then changed the oil and filter. Then the good captain donned her trusty boiler suit and went below to clear the bilges.



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There was a bit of background action too, Mabel was pushed into the cut by Daisy.



The fire brigade came along and fished her out.



It all ended happily and the farmer got shouted at by the firemen to take more care of his cows.


We couldn't take much more excitement so headed for Wolverhampton. If you have ever gone to Telford on the A5 you'll have passed under this rather fine Thomas Telford bridge. Here's what it looks like from the top.




We are now moored up just outside Wolverhampton ready for an early morning dash through the town.

Service day

Hi gongoozlers,

Not many miles done today but plenty of jobs done.

We set off from our over night moorings and passed through even more cuttings. One bridge is rather interesting as it has a telegraph pole in the middle of it.



Which led us to Norbury junction. Not a junction anymore as the branch that used to run to Telford has long since closed.



Though there is still lots going on there. We had a shower and dropped our laundry off for a service wash, and had an ice cream in the sun. There was also a very good chandlers where I got some ropes and grease.

We then sat on the boat and waited for the washing while we watched the boats go by. A couple of hours later we collected the washing, filled up with diesel, cheapest we've seen so far and headed off in search of solitude.

We moored up just outside of Gnosall, where I put my new rope, chain and anchor together.


The good captain resisted the temptation to push me over the edge and send me to Davey Jones locker. Just hope my splicing is up to the job or when we get to a river this blog may end.

Cut 'n' cycle

Hi everybody,

Today we started with a bit of product testing, here are our results




Then a visit to Market Draytons market.







Where we bought a pair of two way radios. Lack of direct communication has lead to a couple of awkward moments. Now we can keep in touch even out of sight. We also got a shopping trolley, tartan and everything. Practical too, load it up with many bags of shopping and roll back to the boat. It's heavy duty, the bag is contained within a cage. Which given a glance over with my expert eye, should fit a 13kg gas bottle inside.


We had a spot of lunch then set off for tyrley locks to play with our new radios. Roger roger over and out! worked a treat.

Then we plunged into Woodseaves cutting. All hewn from solid rock by hand. Over a mile long and the bridge gives you some idea of the depth.



It was a very beautiful place, woods and water merging into one.



A little spooky too, there be beasties in them there woods



We came through it and the captain got on her bike and headed for the pub.





The anchor Inn a charming little place with only room at the bar for one.

The 15 locks of Audlem

The lock keeper surveyed his day ahead,








and thought to himself "Bugger"