Cruising on the Staffs & Worcs
After 30 days, 200 locks, 231 miles of canals and 216 miles of rivers we are back where we started. We were slightly delayed as only 2 miles and two locks from home we encountered a queue of about 10 boats. A tree had fallen across the canal yesterday, but the C&RT workmen only turned
Back on home waters of the Staffs & Worcs. After two days of early starts we had a lie in this morning and a leisurely breakfast at about 9:00. Then at 10:00 we went to the Black Country Living Museum. This is a large site of reconstructed buildings depicting life in the Black Country from
A really great day today. Only four locks, but got our exercise by going for a 5+ mile walk through Cannock Chase and then back via the Shugborough Hall estate. The footpath goes right through the estate, so we didn’t have to pay (though we couldn’t go round the house itself !). Then back across
A misty start, and rather chilly at first, but it soon warmed up and we had a great day. Busy with boats, meeting somebody at most locks. Whilst queueing at Gailey lock we bought a new tiller pin from the boat following us.
We have spent the last two days doing various assorted maintenance jobs. Saturday was painting day. We touched up the side below the gunnels where there were chips caused by workmen with strimmers flicking up stones. The front well deck also got a new coat of paint and also the locker at the back where
A bit of a lie in this morning, we didnt leave Worcester until just before 9 o’clock. A fairly pleasant trip up the river. We shared all the locks with a Alvechurch hire boat. The family on board normally live in Thailand and were on holiday to show the children some of the British countryside.
We left Tytherington in three cars at 7:45. Heddi and I in one each and Jan & Mike in theirs. In the little car park near Splatt bridge we moved various stuff from one car to another and then all piled into my car. Leaving the other two cars behind we headed up to Kinver.
The weather this morning is a complete contrast to yesterday. The sky is mainly clear and the sun is out. A slow chug back to our home mooring. When we arrived there were two boats in our space. Some workmen were installing new pilings below Hyde Lock by the by-wash outflow. They had moved Tony’s
We are moored right on the border between Worcestershire & Staffordshire. The line goes down the middle of the table, so I had last night’s meal in Staffordshire, while Heddi was in Worcestershire! We hadn’t visited JH since mid March and are not planning to again until the first week of June. So we thought