The Droitwich Canal was only reopened in 2011 - it's so wonderful that people make it their life long ambition to reopened disused canals so the likes of us can enjoy them. We arrived in Droitwich Spa at lunchtime on Friday - who would ever pick up a map of England and say let's go to Droitwich Spa for the weekend - you wouldn't unless you are travelling on a narrowboat and want to experience all the navigable waterways.
Rob had gone ahead of us the day before so told us where there was a great place to moor in a little basin just a five minute walk from the centre of town, oh and they had their annual Salt Fest going on all weekend. The town has been the site of a settled community for over 2000 years. It owes its existence to the natural brine springs which emanate from subterranean beds of pure rock salt 200ft below the ground. Dissolved by underground springs, artesian pressure forces the salt to the surface as brine. It's density and buoyancy are only rivalled by the Dead Sea.
We supported the fest on Friday night where they had some bands playing in the marque in the park and Lucy joined us on Saturday to see the market stalls and enjoy more bands in the evening. Sunday was beautiful and sunny so another wonder around the town and shops then Lucy left we did the return trip of about 4 hours back down the Droitwich Canal with Rob. Unfortunately our engine is still causing terrible vibration so we left a message for Jason from the boatyard in Worcester and he called us back on a Sunday - we were impressed. We agreed to moor at the first opportunity back on the River Severn in a place called Holt Fleet where he will come and meet us on Monday morning to check things over.
A quick drink in the pub (compulsory as we are using their moorings!) and an early night for all.
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| Leaving Worcester at 7am on Friday. |
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| In the first lock - we're not used to them being this big lately! |
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| Out of the first lock waiting for the second lock to fill before joining the River Severn again. |
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| It's so peaceful on the river at this time of day. |
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| The cathedral from the river. |
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| It was very bizarre looking up from the river - this car was above our heads! |
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| Back to manned locks - it reminds us of being on the River Thames. |
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| We're now on the Droitwich Canal - and have caught up with another boat - that will make locking easier. |
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| Farmer Giles! |
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| This made locking very easy - This couple had a family of four on board - all of whom had never been on a narrowboat before so they wanted to do all the locks - very handy for us! |
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| Sharp bend through here - caught Steve unaware!!! |
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| Duck Church! |
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| Moored up in the basin in Droitwich Spa. |
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| The High Street. |
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| The buildings are all leaning into one another where the road sunk over a salt mine. |
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| Inside the museum. |
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| Brine storage tank. |
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| The museum and information centre. |
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| Information stone. |
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| Junction 7 - the band on Friday night. |
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| Enjoying another beer with Rob! |
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| The Romans! |
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| Leaving Droitwich on Sunday afternoon. |
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| Back through the tunnel. |
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| We must have slowed down for about 20 fisherman - not that we could see them until we were right next to them! |
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| Back out onto the River Severn. |
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| Not sure who this weathervane reminds me of! |
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| Holt Castle Tower. |
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| And moored for the night. |
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| Aerial up but still no TV reception - we have gone a week and a day without - I think Steve has read four books! |
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