Tuesday 22 September 2015

Guess what – the sun was shining this morning – not really – it was raining!!  We set off about 9.30am – big day today – 24 Locks in two flights.  Thank goodness I had Lou helping me – we both ache tonight!!  We started off on the Stourbridge Canal, we stopped at Glasshouse Bridge and went in search of a shop to buy some supplies.  Back on board we completed the rest of the flight of 16 locks and turned right at Leys Junction where we joined the Dudley No 1 Canal and stopped for a quick bite of lunch onboard. 

Set off again and completed the 8 Delph locks, even though there is a bridge called Nine Locks Bridge and a pub called the Tenth Lock – we feel like we did 10 rather than 8!  We passed another boat half way down which was handy as the last few locks were in our favour.  Amazing how high we feel we have risen today and the views from the top were fantastic.  Although some of the areas that we have passed have been less pleasant but all in all an enjoyable day.

We called it a day at 5.30pm then Steve, who has manful, realised that he had lost his wallet.  We called his parents, the car hire company and Tesco in Dudley to see if he had left it at any of those – no – so Lou made a shepherd’s pie whilst we made all the calls to cancel cards etc.  We are now at Merryhill Shopping Centre which is where we got the cab to on Sunday to sort out Lou’s phone.  It took 15 minutes in the cab and 12 hours by boat!!  Now we are here I am going to buy a net before we move off tomorrow!  

This morning I called The Dudley Canal Trust about going through Dudley Tunnel – it is 3154 yards long but all passage must be booked in advance as internal combustion engines must not be used in this tunnel due to very limited ventilation, headroom is also limited.  The Dudley Canal Trust operate an electric tug which can tow us through or “escort those wishing to leg through” – think we’ll be looking for a tow if we are allowed.  The lady in the office told me that we need to complete the four locks leading up to the tunnel where there is a gauge which we must put our nose in to see if we fit (she did say that no hire boats fit) if so we can book the tug, if not we have to turn round and go to Birmingham via Netherton Tunnel which is 3027 yards long and is much wider therefore we can navigate this with no problem.  Guess we will have to wait and see.

Leaving our mooring near Middle Bridge.

View to the right.

View to the left.

Aqueduct.

Passing the Stourbridge Arm.

She's really got the hang of things now.

So much development going on near the canal. We went shopping - Steve lit the fire (there's a reason I am telling you this!)

The Glass House.

Looking up the flight.

Dove House.

Making progress up the flight - there's the Glass House in the background.

Magic mushrooms.

Very realistic - funny the things people put on their chimneys!

The locks are very deep here - quite spooky when you are at the bottom.

Come on Steve get winding.

It takes two baby, it takes two baby, just the volunteer and Lou, you know it takes two....

This lock wall was having a leak, I mean had a leak!

Entering the Dudley No 1 Canal.

This is the bridge where we nearly lost the chimney - whose idea was it to light a fire...?

Simple Simon says "stand on one leg" - come on Mrs Moorhen join in.

Oink!

Nearly at the top of the Delph Flight, well half way!

And looking back down.

Merryhill Shopping Centre by night.