We were booked in at Oxley Marine for first thing this morning - just across the canal from our overnight mooring. By the time we arrived, about 9 am, they were already hard at work on a couple of other boats needing attention. David was set to work to remove the existing throttle/gear control to see if it could be repaired. Once examined, it seemed that a pin had sheared and that the unit is so constructed that it is not intended to be repaired. Other parts were also worn.
So, a new unit was advised and David despatched by motor bike to Penkridge to collect a suitable replacement. It was not long before the bike, rider and part were back. Whilst it was being fitted, we walked to Morrisons for a paper, milk and one or two other items. By the time we returned to the boatyard, the work was done but coffee was a priority. Once the mug was empty we could pay and prepare to leave.
Now that looks exciting, doesn't it?
Whilst we were moored Mike chatted to Stephen Carter, the owner of nb Chyandour, until last year vicar of Netherton and member of an internet group to which Mike subscribes. We knew from previous emails that he was planning to have work done on his boat at Oxley later in the year. What we did not previously know (or had forgotten) is that in retirement he is now one of the new team of waterways chaplains who are doing some really useful work in many parts of the canal system, mainly with people who live permanently on the water.
Initially we thought that we would stop before the Wolverhampton 21 for lunch but it was still a bit too early so Plan B was to go up a couple of locks first. Still too early so it looked on the map as if another three was needed for a suitable mooring but Plan C was to stop after another 2!
Just a pretty picture of the turnover bridge just above Aldersley Junction.
After lunch we set off once more and were soon followed by a boat coming up behind us who, we eventually, discovered was a scout group from Dulwich (the part of London where Mike spent his teenage years). They seemed mainly to be university age but with a common factor that most went to Dulwich College, the big brother to Alleyns, the school that Mike and his younger brother attended.
In the end some of the lads (there were ten altogether on the boat) helped do our locks - mainly so that they had something to do! The one that mainly helped Christine go ahead and set the locks is currently studying law.
Our net time, omitting the time for lunch, to come up the 21 locks was around 2 hours 45 minutes, which is not bad. Anything over three hours is hanging about!
After we had set off up the flight, Mike noticed that increasingly there was a large clunk (technical term) when reverse gear was selected, most times anyway. He phoned Oxley when we were at lock 14 and the problem recognised. A small adjustment is needed and 'I will send someone as soon as possible'. By the time we reached lock 10, Phil was marching down the towpath. Match day for Wolves meant that he had had difficulty parking and had walked down from the top lock. As the pounds are short and not convenient to pull in (which is one reason why we had kept going) Phil made the adjustment as we came through a couple of locks - a flying repair if ever there was! He departed, satisfied that it was now all OK and reported that this can easily happen as a matter of settling down after installation (the problem was not happening immediately on leaving the boatyard)
At the top of the flight we stopped briefly at Broad Street Basin to use the sani station and to dispose of rubbish. After some debate we eventually decided to move on but it was not immediately clear where we might find a church for the morning and left with research still to do. It was a pleasant late afternoon and as we cruised along, Mike made a quiche for the meal tonight. We will report tomorrow on whether out church search proved successful or not!
We did notice that the towpath has had some careful attention this year and in many places the edging grass is almost up to municipal park standard! (Actually quite a bit was more impressive than this photo captured!)
Even though we were on the Main Line and the water is remarkably clear, the reeds have grown well and our progress was surprisingly slow.
6.1 Miles - 21 Locks
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