Before setting off, Mike headed back up to the shops to post the birthday card and also to pick up today's newspaper. Following that he completed the usual round of servicing - we could have turned into the basin, as we have in the past, as the fuel boats all left very early. However, we now know that there is a second water point accessible fro the towpath outside the basin which we opted to use. It does mean a slightly longer walk (at least 50m!) to the sani station and refuse disposal . . .
Believe weather forecasts? By last night they had changed so that today was now expected to be wet all day from 11 onwards! So much for our plan yesterday. It was, however, still sunny and warm as we left the mooring we had used for the last couple of nights.
We only have under 2 and half miles to go today - just that there are 21 locks! The Wolverhampton 21 as it is often known is actually quite a pleasure to operate, despite many stories of it being a bit of a dangerous area.
By the time we had descended a few of the locks, the rain gradually arrived but stayed warm enough as we worked our way down the flight. Having seen so few boats for the last four days, it was a surprise to encounter about six coming up the flight - which was a help.
Taking photos in this rain does not work well!
There is not a lot to report about the flight other than that we just about managed to make it in our target of three hours!
From the bottom of the flight at Aldersley Junction it was only five minutes up the Staffs and Worcs to Oxley Moor where we tied up on the towpath for an immediate lunch break.
We have to make final arrangements and pay some money for the engine refit. We also plan on a trip to a supermarket to re-stock the on-board larder.
In the event, Christine did not have her magic box of tricks to set up the planned bank transfer - that will have to wait until tomorrow but we did make it to Morrisons.
Later we walked down the towpath, beyond the junction to take a look at Tunstall Water Bridge. After we had passed this way a week ago, Mike discovered that this carries Smestow Brook, said to be an important tributary to the Rover Stour and one which runs alongside the canal for some distance.
The structure was complicated (two water channels and a footpath) but we were surprised at the small amount of water flow. The bridge was clearly designed to carry rather more but one half looks like it may only be effective in storm overflows.
2.4 miles - 21 locks
No comments:
Post a Comment