It was a generally wet day with the heavier rain early on as we made our way into Birmingham. First we went down the Engine Arm to use the services at the far end. Along the last part of the towpath is a set of around a dozen secure moorings, mainly residential. They did seem rather better than we recall from our previous visits but the service block is kept very clean and tidy.
A couple of the 'locals' chatted to us and were most helpful - others waved. This meant that this time we found out what to do about drinking water and one person offered to help connect us up. Although we were only there for a brief time, it really did feel that we were welcomed as part of a boating community.
Before leaving Mike cleared the prop from a bunch of heavy duty plastic and bits of string and wire. We went back along the arm very much quicker and smoother than we arrived.
We crossed back over the aqueduct just as a couple of boats were going through on the lower level.
Immediately at the junction are the three Smethwick Locks that took us back down from the Old Main Line to the New Main Line. At one time, to alleviate a bottleneck, new locks were built alongside the original flight but later they were filled in. At the top it is just possible to spot the entry to the parallel Lock, But only if you have been forewarned.
As we arrived at the flight a boat was already just going down ahead of us. They kindly drew a paddle to refill the other two locks after they had passed through.
Alas, the lock keepers office by the top lock has been hit by arsonists and looks in a sorry state. A pity as it is quite a well proportioned structure.
Beside the pound between the middle and bottom locks a large site is being cleared for re-development. No doubt next time we pass this way there will be houses here.
Alongside the bottom lock there used to be two pubs - the name of one has long since disappeared as the building has been turned to other purposes but the New Navigation is sadly being left to become derelict. At one time it must have been quite an operation as the building is rather sizable.
Back then onto the New Main Line and we sped along, passing the turnings to arms that were once the Old Main Line before Telford straightened out the canal. Three of the loops are still navigable and one of them is now used for the moorings at Sherborne Wharf where we are planning to leave the boat whilst we return home.
There was plenty of space at Brindley Place and we moored up. Mike went to check in at the new offices for Sherborne Wharf. Earlier this year they moved alongside the main line and re-opened the Fiddle and Bone pub/restaurant.
After a quick lunch Mike set off to collect the car from Napton Narrowboats at Autherley Stop Lock. He was fortunate that a train to Wolverhampton was leaving within a few minutes after he arrived at New Street Station and when he reached Wolverhampton and found the stop for the Number 4 bus he only had two minutes to wait for the next service. Fortunate as, being a bank holiday, the Sunday hourly frequency was being operated instead of the normal weekday 7-8 minute timetable! At Oxley Moor it was a short walk to the boatyard and then a drive back to park the car at Sherborne Wharf for the night. We will move the boat around the corner in the morning. Meanwhile Christine had continued with packing and cleaning.
Christine had also spotted on line that Cotswold Outdoor were having a good sale so she persuaded Mike to go and see if he could replace the pair of boots which were rapidly disintegrating.
As we walked through to the shopping are we saw most of the Great Hoot owls on display. An urban art project on show during the summer, they will be auctioned for a charity this October.
Not only did Mike manage to find a suitable pair of boots - the sales person insisted on doing a full foot measurement - but Christine also bought a new lightweight rain jacket.
On the way back to the boat we looked at almost all of the eating places trying to decide where we might eat out this evening. At the moment it looks as if we will be having tapas.
Yes we did! Sorry, but forgot to take photo until we were half way through. The food was very tasty and we were served by a very pleasant young lass, working here to help pay for her car whilst she studies law at Birmingham University.
3.6 Miles - 3 Locks
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