It's been a month since my last blog entry but life has been a bit 'full on' so I hope I'm forgiven.
Ray's surgery went well, and he is now well on the way to recovery. He was in hospital a bit longer than we hoped because he developed a slight chest infection but as he was in less than two weeks I suppose that's fairly good after major surgery.
While he was in hospital I didn't seem to have any time to myself, so much of my time was spent travelling back and forth. When we are both here we share the workload but there was no less work to do on board but just me to do it and only half the time to do it in.
Just to add to my stress Gwynnie decided to go missing for four days. It did result in an example of social media at its best however. I know many people don't like Facebook etc. and there are many things about the whole social media thing that aren't good. However, Tracey, one of my fellow traders put messages out on Facebook and managed to contact the University and because of that Gwynnie was found, she had gone visiting the Uni, possibly followed my scent because I walked through there to get the bus. Some students had felt sorry for her when it was cold and wet and fed her, and even took her into their flat one night. In the four days she was there she became quite well known. Well, she is a very sociably cat. I had tried calling for her in the Uni grounds but it covers a huge area. When someone spotted her photo they got in touch with Tracey, who let me know so I went over and after being pointed in the direction where she had last been seen by various students we were reunited.
The Hobbins clan came to visit while Ray was still in hospital and then last Saturday they and the Bristol Jones came for a visit. We spent some time at the Christmas Market and then managed to all cram onto Morgana for a while. Ray wasn't up to the trek round the market but enjoyed seeing everyone.
Once Ray was back home we moved back into the center of Birmingham which is where we are now. We are probably going to move in the next couple of days as we now have a nearly four week break before Ray's next hospital appointment. Ray isn't yet back to normal but is beginning to be able to do more each day. He took the tiller for our trip to the boatyard and services today, but I was the one hauling 25k sacks of coal onto the top of the boat and replacing the gas cylinders.
Even though we have permission to 'overstay' I don't feel comfortable with it. There is residential mooring available near here. CRT operated an auction system for moorings so we have no guarantee of getting it but we are considering bidding for it. We will have to remain in the area for at least 3 months, probably 6 months for Ray's chemotherapy so it would be good to have a base.
Since my last post we have travelled 5.4miles and 2 tunnels
This year we have travelled 436.1 miles, 420 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 28 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2514.7miles, 2181 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 99 tunnels
Monday, 25 November 2013
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Not going very far
In the weeks since the market we haven't travelled very far. Ray has had three hospital appointments which have kept us a bit tied down. We were expecting his surgery to be on November 5th but we got a phone call from the surgeon's secretary on Thursday asking if he wanted to take a slot that had become available next Tuesday. We virtually jumped at the chance, as far as we are concerned the sooner the better. we have arranged for Ray to have his chemo at City Hospital rather than Sandwell which is much closer to the canals. With walks and buses the trip to Sandwell from anywhere I would be happy leaving the boat unattended and being on my own on board is about an hour and a half.
After the market we moved back onto the 14 day moorings for about ten days. while we were there Keith, Leesa and Ellie came to visit which was lovely. Our cat population also increased by four as Nimue had her kittens. Then we went and investigated mooring spots on the Soho Loop, which is the closest bit of canal to City Hospital. There is quite a nice spot by a park which might become a regular stopping point when Ray is having regular visits to the hospital.
After a couple of days there we headed back into the city centre to pick up diesel and coal, then took a trip out to Edgbaston where we are now. It is a bit noisy on this stretch as the railway line parallels the canal but there is space for the cats to have some freedom, it is close enough to the centre when we need the services and only about a 20 minute stroll to Tesco and Morrisons. Since we have been here we have taken one trip back into the city for the market.
Since my last post we have travelled 8.8 miles and 6 tunnels ( well, the same 2, three times)
This year we have travelled 430.7 miles, 420 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 26 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2509.3miles, 2181 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 97 tunnels
After the market we moved back onto the 14 day moorings for about ten days. while we were there Keith, Leesa and Ellie came to visit which was lovely. Our cat population also increased by four as Nimue had her kittens. Then we went and investigated mooring spots on the Soho Loop, which is the closest bit of canal to City Hospital. There is quite a nice spot by a park which might become a regular stopping point when Ray is having regular visits to the hospital.
After a couple of days there we headed back into the city centre to pick up diesel and coal, then took a trip out to Edgbaston where we are now. It is a bit noisy on this stretch as the railway line parallels the canal but there is space for the cats to have some freedom, it is close enough to the centre when we need the services and only about a 20 minute stroll to Tesco and Morrisons. Since we have been here we have taken one trip back into the city for the market.
Since my last post we have travelled 8.8 miles and 6 tunnels ( well, the same 2, three times)
This year we have travelled 430.7 miles, 420 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 26 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2509.3miles, 2181 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 97 tunnels
Sunday, 6 October 2013
All change on our plans
Well, real life has caught up with us a bit over the past few weeks. Family and close friends know that my beloved Ray has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, I strongly suspected that was going to be the diagnosis so my thoughts have been with him and his health not with blogging. The prognosis seems positive but he has both surgery and chemotherapy to face over the next few months. this also means that we won't be moving very far as we have to remain within reach of Sandwell Hospital.
Anyway ,to update you on our travels. We headed back through Kidderminster where we stopped for one night and topped up on groceries then we continued to retrace our steps to Wolverley Court Lock where we picked plums and made plum wine, then back towards Stourbridge but without the diversion into the town this time.
Then it was back up the Stourbridge and Dudley Locks and the concrete jungle of Merry Hill, ever onwards to Windmill End were we met fellow traders Justina and Mark. After a pause to pick blackberries and rowan berries it was back into Birmingham, where the blackberries became jam and the rowan began their transformation into wine.
Once we were there I attended the National User Forum of the Trust and Ray at last went to the doctors as I have been telling him to do for ages. Luckily we have had the launching of the Association of Continuous Cruisers and the Floating Market to distract us.
The weekend of the market was fabulous, the weather was kind and we all made some good sales. It was good for cyber friends to become real friends and we are all keen to do it again next year. This week everyone else made their way in various directions towards where they intend to spend the winter. If our plans hadn't changed we too would be on our way towards Leeds.
We have spoken to various people at the Trust and they have been very understanding, we have basically been given permission to overstay although as soon as we have a reasonable gap between hospital appointments I hope to go for a little cruise, staying in one place doesn't suit me.
During September we travelled 28.3 miles, 39 locks and 4 tunnels
This year we have travelled 421.9 miles, 420 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 20 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2500.5miles, 2181 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 91 tunnels
Anyway ,to update you on our travels. We headed back through Kidderminster where we stopped for one night and topped up on groceries then we continued to retrace our steps to Wolverley Court Lock where we picked plums and made plum wine, then back towards Stourbridge but without the diversion into the town this time.
Then it was back up the Stourbridge and Dudley Locks and the concrete jungle of Merry Hill, ever onwards to Windmill End were we met fellow traders Justina and Mark. After a pause to pick blackberries and rowan berries it was back into Birmingham, where the blackberries became jam and the rowan began their transformation into wine.
Once we were there I attended the National User Forum of the Trust and Ray at last went to the doctors as I have been telling him to do for ages. Luckily we have had the launching of the Association of Continuous Cruisers and the Floating Market to distract us.
The weekend of the market was fabulous, the weather was kind and we all made some good sales. It was good for cyber friends to become real friends and we are all keen to do it again next year. This week everyone else made their way in various directions towards where they intend to spend the winter. If our plans hadn't changed we too would be on our way towards Leeds.
We have spoken to various people at the Trust and they have been very understanding, we have basically been given permission to overstay although as soon as we have a reasonable gap between hospital appointments I hope to go for a little cruise, staying in one place doesn't suit me.
During September we travelled 28.3 miles, 39 locks and 4 tunnels
This year we have travelled 421.9 miles, 420 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 20 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2500.5miles, 2181 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 91 tunnels
Monday, 2 September 2013
Busy doing a few things
I can't believe it has been over two weeks since I wrote anything. We haven't done anything exciting, just a few bits and pieces.
We travelled through the Netherton Tunnel on Saturday 17th and moored opposite the old wharf at Windmill End on the Dudley No 1 canal. We had considered going through Gosty Hill tunnel to Hawne Basin but it is so low it would have meant taking everything off the roof which we weren't in the mood to do.
We stayed at Windmill End until Tuesday and spent our time collecting blackberries and apples, we now have a gallon of each wine brewing. On Tuesday we travelled to Merry Hill for a shopping stop and overnight stay. Too much of a concrete jungle for my liking, I was glad to move on.
On Wednesday we moved on to The Fens Branch, a short length of largely unexplored canal that is only navigable as far as the Stourbridge Extension Canal which is a mere 300 yards long where we spent a couple of nights. After that we made our way down through the Stourbridge Sixteen and along the Stourbridge Arm to the town. This had brought us to the start of the bank holiday weekend and with a bead fair at the Bonded Wharehouse on the Sunday we weren't going anywhere for a couple of days.
The weather on Bank Holiday Monday was so good we succumbed to the temptation to move.There was very little other boat traffic on the Stourbridge Canal but once we were on the Staffs & Worcester we encountered traffic and queues at the locks but we managed to reach Wolverley. We took a stroll and went to meet Tracey and Ray on board their floating cafe, Tea Junction. We have been Facebook friends for a while but it is the first time we have actually met.
Last week I was really suffering hayfever type symptoms, I'm a little better now but it has slowed us down and caused a change of plans. We travelled down to Stourport but rather than heading onto the River Severn we have turned round and are heading back to Birmingham the same way as we came. We are moored at a little spot that was totally overgrown when we reached it on the way down but Ray took a scythe to the undergrowth and it is now a nice mooring spot It has the added bonus of the remains of a tree that fell across the canal, some of which is now cut up and on our roof ready for the winter.
Over the past couple of weeks we have travelled 28.1 miles, 41 locks and 3 tunnels
This year we have travelled 393.6 miles, 381 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 16 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2472.2miles, 2142 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 87 tunnels
We travelled through the Netherton Tunnel on Saturday 17th and moored opposite the old wharf at Windmill End on the Dudley No 1 canal. We had considered going through Gosty Hill tunnel to Hawne Basin but it is so low it would have meant taking everything off the roof which we weren't in the mood to do.
We stayed at Windmill End until Tuesday and spent our time collecting blackberries and apples, we now have a gallon of each wine brewing. On Tuesday we travelled to Merry Hill for a shopping stop and overnight stay. Too much of a concrete jungle for my liking, I was glad to move on.
On Wednesday we moved on to The Fens Branch, a short length of largely unexplored canal that is only navigable as far as the Stourbridge Extension Canal which is a mere 300 yards long where we spent a couple of nights. After that we made our way down through the Stourbridge Sixteen and along the Stourbridge Arm to the town. This had brought us to the start of the bank holiday weekend and with a bead fair at the Bonded Wharehouse on the Sunday we weren't going anywhere for a couple of days.
The weather on Bank Holiday Monday was so good we succumbed to the temptation to move.There was very little other boat traffic on the Stourbridge Canal but once we were on the Staffs & Worcester we encountered traffic and queues at the locks but we managed to reach Wolverley. We took a stroll and went to meet Tracey and Ray on board their floating cafe, Tea Junction. We have been Facebook friends for a while but it is the first time we have actually met.
Last week I was really suffering hayfever type symptoms, I'm a little better now but it has slowed us down and caused a change of plans. We travelled down to Stourport but rather than heading onto the River Severn we have turned round and are heading back to Birmingham the same way as we came. We are moored at a little spot that was totally overgrown when we reached it on the way down but Ray took a scythe to the undergrowth and it is now a nice mooring spot It has the added bonus of the remains of a tree that fell across the canal, some of which is now cut up and on our roof ready for the winter.
Over the past couple of weeks we have travelled 28.1 miles, 41 locks and 3 tunnels
This year we have travelled 393.6 miles, 381 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 16 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2472.2miles, 2142 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 87 tunnels
Friday, 16 August 2013
No news is boring!
Sorry about the lack of news, that's because there has been no news. Well no good news anyway.
Our fridge has died, we had it re-gassed at the beginning of May and were hopeful that all was well as it appeared to be holding pressure. Over the last four weeks it has been getting progressively warmer and now it is back to the same state it was in before we had it 'fixed'. Like everything that is electrical for the boat it is about three times the price of a 240volt one, about £600 which we don't have at the moment so we will have to resort to more frequent shopping trips and using the cold box.
Our progress has been slow even by our recent standards, neither of us have been in the best of health, not ill exactly but definitely below par.
We spent a couple of days at Lapworth, then moved on to Knowle, where we adjourned for another couple of days. Whilst we were there Nimue managed to get herself stuck on the wrong side of the canal, after dark of course which excluded the simply solution of paddling Merlin across. Ray tried to encourage her home by walking towards the nearest bridge, calling her as he went but she only appeared to follow him part way. She must have got the idea though because she eventually arrived home at about three in the morning.
From Knowle we carried on as far as Catherine de Barnes, pausing enroute to buy a gas bottle,a clear indication that the weather has been warmer, it has already lasted a week longer than normal.It's all the salads we have been eating. Our next stop was at the top of Camp Hill locks, then a couple of nights by Aston University before the trip back into the center of Birmingham.
We have just spent a couple of nights on the moorings at Brindley Place before heading out to the Netherton Tunnel today.
We went for a wander round trying to identify some of the sites mentioned in Samuel Barfield's obituary where he did work of note, some I am sure no longer exist but the Chamberlain Memorial stands outside the Museum and Art Gallery and the style will be familiar to anyone who remembers my picture of the Clock Tower in Leicester.
Our visit coincided with a food fair which made it hard to get a clear shot, if I had know about the fair I might have skipped lunch, as it was I had to pass on the temptation to try a goat curry or a kangaroo burger.
Our plan is to head down to Stourport, then onto the River Severn and back to Birmingham via the Droitwich Canal and the Worcester and Birmingham.
Since my last post we have traveled 25.9 miles, 36 locks and 3 tunnels
This year we have traveled 365.5 miles, 340 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
In 2012 we traveled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we traveled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we traveled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have traveled 2444.54miles, 2101 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 84 tunnels
Our fridge has died, we had it re-gassed at the beginning of May and were hopeful that all was well as it appeared to be holding pressure. Over the last four weeks it has been getting progressively warmer and now it is back to the same state it was in before we had it 'fixed'. Like everything that is electrical for the boat it is about three times the price of a 240volt one, about £600 which we don't have at the moment so we will have to resort to more frequent shopping trips and using the cold box.
Our progress has been slow even by our recent standards, neither of us have been in the best of health, not ill exactly but definitely below par.
We spent a couple of days at Lapworth, then moved on to Knowle, where we adjourned for another couple of days. Whilst we were there Nimue managed to get herself stuck on the wrong side of the canal, after dark of course which excluded the simply solution of paddling Merlin across. Ray tried to encourage her home by walking towards the nearest bridge, calling her as he went but she only appeared to follow him part way. She must have got the idea though because she eventually arrived home at about three in the morning.
From Knowle we carried on as far as Catherine de Barnes, pausing enroute to buy a gas bottle,a clear indication that the weather has been warmer, it has already lasted a week longer than normal.It's all the salads we have been eating. Our next stop was at the top of Camp Hill locks, then a couple of nights by Aston University before the trip back into the center of Birmingham.
We have just spent a couple of nights on the moorings at Brindley Place before heading out to the Netherton Tunnel today.
We went for a wander round trying to identify some of the sites mentioned in Samuel Barfield's obituary where he did work of note, some I am sure no longer exist but the Chamberlain Memorial stands outside the Museum and Art Gallery and the style will be familiar to anyone who remembers my picture of the Clock Tower in Leicester.
Our visit coincided with a food fair which made it hard to get a clear shot, if I had know about the fair I might have skipped lunch, as it was I had to pass on the temptation to try a goat curry or a kangaroo burger.
Our plan is to head down to Stourport, then onto the River Severn and back to Birmingham via the Droitwich Canal and the Worcester and Birmingham.
Since my last post we have traveled 25.9 miles, 36 locks and 3 tunnels
This year we have traveled 365.5 miles, 340 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 13 tunnels
In 2012 we traveled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we traveled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we traveled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have traveled 2444.54miles, 2101 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 84 tunnels
Sunday, 4 August 2013
A slow boat to Lapworth
After spending the weekend in Birmingham we carried on with the next leg of our exploration of Birmingham's canals.
This week has taken us out of the city and onto the Stratford Canal. The most exciting thing this week has probably been the weather. We have had brilliant sunshine, high winds, thunder, lightening, rain and hail. The only thing missing has been snow.
On Monday we actually sheltered under a bridge for about fifteen minutes to shelter from a hailstorm, we didn't travel far, only about seven and a half miles but that was far enough once the rain started. Tuesday was another lazy day with only just over five miles travelling but that took us to a quiet spot so we could get some more painting done so we now have a shiny boat on both sides.
After a fairly busy but static couple of days we moved to part way down the Lapworth Flight yesterday and then a bit further down in the pouring rain today. After nine locks I was soaked through, couldn't see because of the rain on my glasses and decided to give up for the day. We are now moored below lock 14 at Lapworth and will probably stay here tomorrow as the rain is supposed to be even worse. The contrast in the weather is amazing, yesterday we treated ourselves to icecreams because it was so sunny and warm and today the rain has been torrential at times.
On our way down the flight we spotted this boat, the colours and badge will be familiar to the 'Jordan' side of the family but for the uninitiated it is the Watford Football Club colours, must be a serious fan!
Next week will be heading onto a bit of the Grand Union that we haven't visited before and back into Birmingham.
This week's journey has been 17.7 miles, 13 locks, 1 swing bridge, 2 lift bridges and 3 tunnels
This year we have travelled 339.6 miles, 304 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 10 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2418.5 miles, 2065 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 81 tunnels
This week has taken us out of the city and onto the Stratford Canal. The most exciting thing this week has probably been the weather. We have had brilliant sunshine, high winds, thunder, lightening, rain and hail. The only thing missing has been snow.
On Monday we actually sheltered under a bridge for about fifteen minutes to shelter from a hailstorm, we didn't travel far, only about seven and a half miles but that was far enough once the rain started. Tuesday was another lazy day with only just over five miles travelling but that took us to a quiet spot so we could get some more painting done so we now have a shiny boat on both sides.
After a fairly busy but static couple of days we moved to part way down the Lapworth Flight yesterday and then a bit further down in the pouring rain today. After nine locks I was soaked through, couldn't see because of the rain on my glasses and decided to give up for the day. We are now moored below lock 14 at Lapworth and will probably stay here tomorrow as the rain is supposed to be even worse. The contrast in the weather is amazing, yesterday we treated ourselves to icecreams because it was so sunny and warm and today the rain has been torrential at times.
On our way down the flight we spotted this boat, the colours and badge will be familiar to the 'Jordan' side of the family but for the uninitiated it is the Watford Football Club colours, must be a serious fan!
Next week will be heading onto a bit of the Grand Union that we haven't visited before and back into Birmingham.
This week's journey has been 17.7 miles, 13 locks, 1 swing bridge, 2 lift bridges and 3 tunnels
This year we have travelled 339.6 miles, 304 locks, 7 swing bridges, 15 lift bridges and 10 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2418.5 miles, 2065 locks, 118 swing bridges, 76 lift bridges and 81 tunnels
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Back in Brum
On Thursday our time was up at the Black Country Living Museum so after winding and mooring alongside a hireboat who had inconsiderately moored on the waterpoint we topped up our watertank, got rid of our rubbish and moved on.
Our journey on Thursday was very short, we retraced our route back as far as the aqueduct by the Netherton Tunnel where we moored for the night. Then on Friday we dropped down through the Brades Locks, pausing only to remove a segment of plastic safety fencing and onto the New Line. From there it was a straight run back into Birmingham where we have moored about fifty yards from where we were moored before.
Yesterday we took a trip into the market, where I was pleased to discover that the herb stall that I remembered from a previous visit still exists, she just isn't there every day. Next time we are here on a Saturday I'll make a list of what I need.
Today we heard that there are problems at the Minworth Locks so the canal is closed there, with the Wolverhampton Flight still closed that is two of (what I think of) the main five routes into and out of Birmingham closed. Thankfully that is the way we came into Brum and we are heading in a different direction.
Our recent journeys were 8.8 miles, 3 locks and 1 tunnel
This year we have travelled 321.9 miles, 291 locks, 6 swing bridges, 13 lift bridges and 7 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2400.5 miles, 2052 locks, 117 swing bridges, 74 lift bridges and 78 tunnels
Our journey on Thursday was very short, we retraced our route back as far as the aqueduct by the Netherton Tunnel where we moored for the night. Then on Friday we dropped down through the Brades Locks, pausing only to remove a segment of plastic safety fencing and onto the New Line. From there it was a straight run back into Birmingham where we have moored about fifty yards from where we were moored before.
Yesterday we took a trip into the market, where I was pleased to discover that the herb stall that I remembered from a previous visit still exists, she just isn't there every day. Next time we are here on a Saturday I'll make a list of what I need.
Today we heard that there are problems at the Minworth Locks so the canal is closed there, with the Wolverhampton Flight still closed that is two of (what I think of) the main five routes into and out of Birmingham closed. Thankfully that is the way we came into Brum and we are heading in a different direction.
Our recent journeys were 8.8 miles, 3 locks and 1 tunnel
This year we have travelled 321.9 miles, 291 locks, 6 swing bridges, 13 lift bridges and 7 tunnels
In 2012 we travelled 876.9 miles, 675 locks, 55 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels
In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels
During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels
Since Ray retired we have travelled 2400.5 miles, 2052 locks, 117 swing bridges, 74 lift bridges and 78 tunnels
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