tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39926023480268737462024-03-18T02:59:37.430+00:00Harnser's Travels<p>This Blog will be the travel log of Narrowboat Harnser as we cruise the system. We are not continuous cruisers but just spend as much time as we can on the boat.</p>
<p> All the comments in this blog are my personal opinion and do not represent those of any official body or notices.</p>
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<p>Maps used on this site are with the kind permission of Waterway Routes . </p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.comBlogger2200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-19155107969646479672024-03-12T19:17:00.001+00:002024-03-12T19:17:46.052+00:00Back Home<p>Heavy rain over night and first thing this morning but not to heavy when we set off at quarter past nine. We have never moored in this spot before and found it very quiet. It wasn’t long before we reached Glascote locks, we expected these to be against us as a boat passed us late yesterday afternoon. To our surprise the top lock was empty, looking closely it was due to the offside bottom paddle being up about 4”. It required the use of a windlass to take it right down. <br />By the time we reached the marina the drizzle was very light and thankfully no wind which made the revers down the marina to our slot relatively easy.</p> <p>If you wish to see the complete journey on Google maps then its <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1sZoDuBms3fQPTgcfCE2hU038zqe9Sm0&usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> you can also see all the trips we have made this year.</p> <p>This trip we have covered some 116 miles, 118 locks in some 60 hours, we also did several tunnels, some 4 times and some only once.</p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14SRGRdcBJxPRZ1V_8y7aFpwDuqCFoDkl"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11lBFGmpE3P0S89mgdW4jspGyFyVrudqQ" width="426" height="242" /></a> <p>3½ miles, 2 locks in 1¾ hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-90297329211997298902024-03-11T17:27:00.001+00:002024-03-11T17:27:49.912+00:00Fazeley Junction<p>Bit of a grey morning but no rain, we set off a little after ten and headed for yet another tunnel, that makes 6 this trip, one of them 4 times. Today it was Curdworth tunnel and we had to wait as a<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yd3t88HEUll8AP3bieblDA7wIGe-G34a"><img title="DSCF9059" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9059" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uNlXh-BBmu6eKCZATuk23zgFpabw7Aao" width="426" height="321" /></a> boat was coming the other way. Hopefully this will mean Curdworth locks are with us. Curdworth tunnel is another snug one with a towpath, but in this case it has a very slight bend and bump in the offside south end. <br />Sure enough Curdworth Lock No.1 was with us, but it was the only one. The rest needed turning probably due to the 6 inch square hole in the top of the top gate. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1X0qttyGhzAe-5yWBPmUc0GPNIU5WJ9ue"><img title="DSCF9061" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9061" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vPFNcVN5fySlggaGL18ByFei3Mw6efvj" width="426" height="321" /></a></p> <p>There wasn’t much activity down by lock 4 on HS2 with only a couple of vans on site, nothing at all on the offside.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1WlID3cUWgRBjPH6ZZcKQ9rH45V-BveUL"><img title="DSCF9062" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9062" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OFoIHc0cBm44nLYoRbJrjtwFq_iQwf6Z" width="426" height="175" /></a> <p>When we reached lock No.10 we could see a boat ahead just entering lock No.11, maybe we have followed them all the way down the flight from Lock 2? <br />Passing <a href="https://debbies-day-boats.co.uk/marine_boat_service-in-tamworth-and-birmingham-boat-repairs-painting_servicing_coal_gas_on_canal/" target="_blank">Debbi’s Day Boats</a> Midland Marine Services were grit blasting a boat ready blacking, there are not that many yards that do blasting so its worth remembering, I don’t know if they can do the base plate as well.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13KgX1QSJhaTXJQS_6Af_CsGUAbTjhAlS"><img title="DSCF9069" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9069" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gwmmgdur8IafiucdQG869aBRGRc52Nvi" width="426" height="217" /></a> <p>At Fazeley Junction we reversed up to the water point and filled with water before passing under bridge 77 onto the Coventry Canal and moored for the night.</p> </p> <p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Q-fYVVl21unP-Qz2Sgz8lCU70cKmujJW"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rZCnO12h9hlMLLKkkPODgu6Em3hdgipR" width="426" height="265" /></a> <p>7 miles, 11 locks in 5 hours.</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-21874939888841126392024-03-10T15:03:00.001+00:002024-03-10T15:03:14.974+00:00Wiggins bridge, Curdworth<p>It started raining during the night and it still hasn’t stopped. One of the boats opposite set off about 8am going the same way as us so he had over a two hour start on us. <br />We set off in light rain through the old gauging lock and down to Salford Junction where we turned right on the Birmingham and Fazeley canal. Things looked up along here as we met a boat so maybe Minworth would be with us and lo and behold it was. But the good times were not to last, below the lock the single hander who had been moored at Star City was just pulling away so we would be following him down the next two locks. At the bottom lock CRT as so keen on looking after the infrastructure that have wrapped this paddle gear so it doesn’t get wet.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1axLwyz8UTgfvEEv9ovPZL2DfzmDu24ue"><img title="DSCF9057" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9057" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zcyMytO4ucZr5ePA_vubkdDKu8Nl-NUB" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>We chugged on for another half an hour or so to moor up in the rain just before Wiggins Bridge and Curdworth, I was going to moor in front of the Cuttle Bridge Inn but the road is just a little bit quieter here. </p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jgzJtsyXfvFh0aK0WM2MqFkFgD4n66r5"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13nVzbvDKLAmBq7mUlgFZ11HmAfYuLCLV" width="428" height="240" /></a></p> </p> <p>5 miles, 3 locks in 2¼ hours </p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-91626599161315505682024-03-09T18:45:00.001+00:002024-03-09T18:45:38.523+00:00Star City (sort of)<p>Last night looking for something different to eat we went to <a href="https://mooncatbar.com/" target="_blank">Mooncat</a> and I must say it wasn’t what I expected. The food was nice and the music great, but I wasn’t expecting the entertainment supplement on the bill, I was hoping for a nice quite meal in a Japanese restaurant. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Vac0lwJdedyGk9rUl9EL4smQUjZMY-HM"><img title="IMG_20240308_195329" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="IMG_20240308_195329" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YdgjRgvpYfGjhFpAuz9kXQuXxTKcoPEe" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>This morning the boat behind set off at 9am, it was gone ten when we left so we were a but miffed to see them at the top of Farmers Bridge Locks, but it turned out OK, they were just filling with water before going the other way. They even opened the gates on the top lock for us. <br />The octagonal high rise building is really taking<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Wmh6b0HHkI84ULtx2gY7MU5H6nIA3MpI"><img title="DSCF9033" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9033" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JTduDHMDrYD-oLBAnn8GMqY5ECl5DFvt" width="420" height="325" /></a> shape one of the many high rise buildings going up in the area. It looks as if they build the centre spine first and then the rest of the building round it. There is another odd shaped one further down that up to 22 floors so far. I am rather a fan of the old painted signage on brickwork as I posted in this <a href="https://nbharnser.blogspot.com/2024/02/minworth.html" target="_blank">blog</a> however this one in Birmingham is less than 10 years old, maybe only 5, I cant see it standing the test of time .<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sgYrxKG5jpzrPciNfetq0ouLX3mJWEZd"><img title="DSCF9035" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9035" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IfeAcBMqJtwPuLqHbyTk634QBPj0tGlp" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>Just above lock 13 you go under a large railway bridge, the side vaults have steel grills over them but not just plain steel ones, something more decorative to which someone has added some paint. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1EG0M7hKhCTyJaaOjRxDBc8mDmo8ECZP8"><img title="DSCF9037" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9037" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Z5uZKrikFmGv78cnKfY0g-0Hw2ZckW5A" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>Down at Aston junction we turned right to the Ashted flight of locks, the first lock drops you straight into the mouth of Ashted Tunnel, not the<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16YIG7F71HdHeFJLI69W9UOopm0m9PvLI"><img title="DSCF9038" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9038" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XMOB-L6OmharmhJb1U8UdHmIqJnZA3mh" width="418" height="326" /></a> <p> largest of bores but it does have a tow path all the way through, it also has its fair share of cobwebs and electric light under them.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FK__QVbAqgo84ELMTbtnmg6GGq2niRRz"><img title="DSCF9039" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9039" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1yP_5Y0uLfzdL5B3CPjr38ZzAkRdwYVGX" width="426" height="338" /></a></p> <p>The development beyond the tunnel is coming on. They have rather a fancy idea how the area will look when they have finished. Boats mooed in the bywash etc.  <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bkIBYPkvp0OnsLG6Lx2wfrcNQrAPuzib"><img title="DSCF9041" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9041" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tyyUBU34WifFYg0HI3BLFyKdxo8tD31D" width="426" height="321" /></a>On the other side of the canal I have never noticed this old property left in the middle of all the new development  before, I suppose its because we normally go in the opposite direction.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jr4RZ4PfPc04eoSsPj_CEnO4Vt_lqsAo"><img title="DSCF9045" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9045" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tEgtpQAGGRCo0oMzPMjkQfxz5EW25-Kj" width="426" height="213" /></a> <p>Another couple of locks and you come to HS2, like it of hate it, there is some interesting civil engineering going on with concrete and rusty steel.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PEuiKtdBC6SFuqQkSZ97uajlcVR7ggUX"><img title="DSCF9046" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9046" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SabNLjVn4a-B_wFuazPSFX1aOQNI5CAq" width="426" height="236" /></a></p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iZB6k-ND0Na55mtYSiyoJBkDr8ytlYIT"><img title="DSCF9047" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9047" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jeee7DH_P5-XxPCo18EWoo8mFO9bcXY1" width="426" height="308" /></a> <p>I wonder if they will put the bridge over without a lengthy canal stoppage. <br />Then it was on to yet another tunnel, tis one is much larger and curved, you cant see end to end. Its Curzon Street Tunnel and it carries the railway over the canal.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qCoIgM8qKH3J__D5Un7fYp2QjFPa-LcE"><img title="DSCF9049" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9049" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Co9G7S0gcISJ_8Whhs57cJNUSMhDTzcB" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>From the end of the tunnel is only a short step to Digbeth Junction and on to Warwick Bar an old stop lock with back to back gates so regardless of which canal were higher, the water wouldn’t flow from one to the other, its also the location of the banana warehouse which is being renovated at the moment. I have seen boat try to go under the lean-to section but there is a solid wall about an inch under the surface.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19S0rQacLcCtVQcbooKKV-89wDCASL-vx"><img title="DSCF9050" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9050" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FCuqbK-l0oQMhk9hG9Ordx1sRg7kxlaI" width="426" height="192" /></a> The next junction was Bordesley Junction, again a left turn and a short stop for lunch on the moorings. Looking at the rubbish dumped outside the flats probably by the people living their I wouldn’t stop overnight. On down the five Garrison locks, again all against us and we come to more HS2 work. Here due to a floating towpath and new piling on the offside the canal is narrowed between bridges 108 and 108a requiring single file operation, its probably about 250 yards  of straight canal but they feel it necessary to have traffic lights to control the traffic. I would guess if they see a dozen boats a week that’s it not 50 a day,all that’s needed is a sign saying one way traffic please wait until the way ahead is clear, you can see from end to end.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1N8XSd9n2yfrd4EreykAoTnUHG7PTXZhQ"><img title="DSCF9053" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9053" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VoXYaamKvC0SJ4mKRnfdif2xjD0a0Aaz" width="426" height="240" /></a> <p>Last time we were this way they were working on the bridge that carries high voltage cables across the canal, the work is now complete and the bridge looks very smart.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1D0WckAGi1-bVDwquuTQuEKlx0kjdkOpg"><img title="DSCF9054" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9054" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iPcU990f-qwhcD3jaMZIBSladN-F48EX" width="426" height="226" /></a> <p>Our planned stop for tonight was the Star City secure moorings, but unfortunately and a first for us, they were full, se we are moored towpath side right opposite. There are a couple of other boats moored here that have been here for moths and haven been burnt out, so hopefully we will survive the night.</p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey  <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pfL9xSEbLfQxbfSOHm22v-ItSkb2RwV6"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Vxk-9QHiWHvi6cDd3c8JaptOizSksceW" width="414" height="249" /></a> <p> 24 locks, 5¼ miles in 4¾ hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-60910016728895805012024-03-08T16:26:00.001+00:002024-03-08T16:28:58.150+00:00Birmingham Oozells loop<p>Early start for us today for two reasons, one the scrap yard opposite starts work at 7-30am and two, we were moored outside Phoenix the BCNS work boat and they have a corporate volunteer day today and will want to use her. <br />Most of the locks were still reasonably full and all the pounds OK. <br />The bottom lock cottage although not looking much like the original still looks lived in and is actually two properties. The chimney pots look to be original, maybe.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Sea2bqGcYf6_LiV5JchRKv9RxupWSLuw"><img title="DSCF9020" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9020" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xgDL9rikA0x8hElKkPLTQiGnGZlZQyEs" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>Down at Oldbury Locks Junction we went left along the Old Main line towards Birmingham. It looks like an incinerator power station they are building by Spon Lane.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zW-6AVdue1kO407g96-E1x0qnlEasE4d"><img title="DSCF9022" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9022" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15iKHborbrEy1BZUkm-8VoeBIE8TIeea4" width="426" height="328" /></a> <p>Back under the gloom of the M5 and all its scaffolding passing under this disused foot bridge, I don’t know if there are plans to restore it and its held together with scaffolding.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fwEcN_sD8gBoyWYbzBLI9HkDML-HVUSX"><img title="DSCF9023" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9023" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1d7vTsmUj20yPHmt-Iw5UMsCK9lYw4Mdi" width="426" height="167" /></a> <p>Next on the agenda was the Steward Aqueduct where it crosses the New Main Line  right beside where the motorway support columns are set into the canal bed. I wonder how much that disrupted the traffic.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tifp2XcG537NhfucGQKrAyplODVVJ4qe"><img title="DSCF9024" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9024" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1H6cASh55NBsiK6AFn-ojQfAw-wwlFYv3" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>It wasn’t long before we were into another tunnel, this one much more modern than any of the others we passed through with a cavernous concrete lining. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1V7FTlKMmN8shi62AeJha1oj5V46vwIfH"><img title="DSCF9027" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9027" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bL6UghAekV8y8RKOlGKLYa9lsB2nll7J" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>As it was still early, well in our book anyway, we decided to take a trip up the engine arm, so once more we crossed the New Maine Line,  this time on the Engine Arm Aqueduct. The Engine Arm is a dead <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Z0hfzE50kbhVmbvvW5i3BWtlyJWFeCOj"><img title="DSCF9028" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9028" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IcoyKH-dF0InGxKuInXFs3lS8P3nHHy6" width="426" height="321" /></a>end but it has a secure 48hr mooring at the end, a service block and a good winding hole, the last couple of hundred yard are all long term moorings let by CRT.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qhZMz0_8RgF0PAe7S7_DGga5An202VSb"><img title="DSCF9029" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9029" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tgqFtSkMAA-Lck9igvIfpXlWgeDYK3ym" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>We retraced our steps back to the Old Main Line and turned right down the 3 Smethwick Locks to take us back to the Main Line into Birmingham, but we weren’t finished yet, rather than straight on it was round the Soho Loop, we have not been round in this direction for some time and the new flats look really big this way as you see the 15 story block first. They are also installing a brand new foot bridge, its almost as wide as the existing road bridge beside it.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1MaApgjBZW0Gi2Ip2CSmXI7k5CqZRPKVD"><img title="DSCF9031" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9031" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XSp4Fj4T-ZzItf8LfzoGnMhtEAYC0qtT" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>At the end of the loop we went straight across the Main line and onto the Icknield Loop, again we don’t normally do it this way round. I wonder how long it will be before the whole island is a brand new housing estate, there are more new shells up and lots of foundations laid. There are still old buildings opposite the CRT yard where the feeder comes in, but how long before they are cleared, the moored boats were all gone .<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ScoQPvx2e3b4gPs3dN8MjHI5szbLGkNx"><img title="DSCF9032" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9032" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vZSoY8MtF_UQuwWZHuk0XDtR6Bv2kh-M" width="426" height="321" /></a>Back to the Main Line and again right into Birmingham and then right at Ladywood Junction and round the Oozells Loop hoping we didn’t meet the trip boat coming the other way. Once round by the Gym we slotted into one of the vacant moorings for the night, there were already two boats here. </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rWOpkxIqEfoTcs80QDH-FHtK6EvJvS0N"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1v4bNBxBn4Dsn8Iu5n-Hi75yNKyzVAWO-" width="431" height="240" /></a> <p>9 locks, 8¼ miles in 4 hours </p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-36553728693296686432024-03-07T17:18:00.001+00:002024-03-07T17:18:57.942+00:00Titford Pumphouse<p>First job this morning was fill the water tank while having breakfast and then when the shop opened we took on 185 lts of diesel @ 84p/lt and emptied the toilet tank for £10.It was then a case of getting off<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cmy-RJU3UcdrbX9bFl_4xlfxXFtNyEj3"><img title="DSCF9007" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9007" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rNtE3pvghqs_T72nF44Y5BjtYSL5oFAi" width="426" height="184" /></a>the leeward bank. in the end I went out through the bridge backwards. It was then back to Gosty Tunnel, hopefully this photo gives an idea how tight it is.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tkq8Oo2l0RRnI5CrFjdlRJ1c2OYNmL8d"><img title="DSCF9010" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9010" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1W9JNv1nOj20ahJPO4tuNxU7KprMqbLlN" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>Strangely the centre section is quite high, I think this was rebuilt following a roof collapse but then you come to another low section with yet another picture, not sure why it says Hawne basin 1 Mile as we have just left there .  <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14r469dw08DsUJzBFh-6jiRl0_UmOgnt_"><img title="DSCF9013" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9013" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1F_zZN1mLceOUpc250clk0rkvMTC7lf4M" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>The road bridge over the disused entrance is finally back in use, only single file with traffic lights at the moment but well used. There is still quite a bit of work to do.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xjUg4kG_J2sYEJj8DV6TDMH2tBkREnfJ"><img title="DSCF9014" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9014" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10slKJNolY7iTl_vbSyUElghM2XbkvcS8" width="426" height="242" /></a></p> <p>We saw our first boat on the move since Sunday at Windmill end Junction where we turned right to go through Netherton Tunnel for the forth time this trip. as you can see a bit more room than Gosty Tunnel. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1o6RRL7dz37ZN2Pldqae3bnECcKX2BorC"><img title="DSCF9015" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9015" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=134kUajI5MrNcEaTMfYRrN1zRzjajfyNb" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>Again the fishermen were sat by the cottages just through the aqueduct. Down to the main line at Dudley Port junction and turn right to Bromford Junction where we went up the three Spon Lane Locks. Coming into the bottom lock the junction is very silted and slipping out of gear saw the boat stop dead, it needed a bit of power to reach the gates. As we were going up the flight there was a large crane ahead working just before Spon Lane junction, I have no idea what they are building.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1i5y2F5jecVcEH2fLkJ0N77VrPskJuNHP"><img title="DSCF9016" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9016" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1h4nJwcbnRNJxusCA3YXvEgJajRTVYEuQ" width="426" height="294" /></a> <p>At the junction we turned through about 300°back on  ourselves, thankfully the turn went well as I had quite an audience from the scaffolding under the motorway. I thought this work was all finished.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fxV2CkeH2ZBKRWCjuQ23cEQWn4mEWcJz"><img title="DSCF9017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9017" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wrtUui2DTRfVLSYhe8VB1kPqd22vrTS8" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>From here the canal is a bit wiggly crossing the New Main Line  on Steward Aqueduct where I spotted the second boat of the day in the distance below us. At Oldbury junction it was another left on to the Titford Branch and up the 6 Oldbury Locks or Crow as it was known. Here we had a very nice surprise, Phil had been down and set the full flight for us, so every bottom gate was open.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Akytz22Ern9A9WCI_7hwA4IMi4AQiiNZ"><img title="DSCF9018" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9018" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bA3V1ly0AzMuqAklvQPQJU1dxvpSRMDq" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>At the top we reversed down behind the old pumphouse on the Tat Bank branch and moored against the <a href="https://bcnsociety.com/" target="_blank">BCNS</a> workboat Phoenix for the night ready for the BCNS meeting tonight.</p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1flFWYtatDpu_qVexXtKh9KNsoxre1eaL"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-BMrSOsCHAp9YDFCo9kXcJJYxMCwgkHk" width="426" height="248" /></a> <p>9¼ miles, 9 locks in 4¼ hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-26003082740937376522024-03-06T19:25:00.001+00:002024-03-06T19:25:10.816+00:00Hawne Basin<p>Well after yesterdays glorious weather today was cool, overcast and slightly misty.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cWgAFyY-T2-Akz74FUYqCdlR3BeYmc-A"><img title="DSCF9005" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9005" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TvIYwtOD05BWftQFM8RWlXkoStEK9GgE" width="426" height="321" /></a>We set off through Tipton to Tipton Junction and turned left along the Old Main Line to Brades Hall Junction with the view to go down the Brades Hall locks and Gower branch to the New Main line. When we arrive there was a group of “Community Payback” people clearing the area and their leader warned us that below the stair case was bone dry and he wasn’t wrong. We did not attempt to rewater it but turned round and retraced our steps to Tipton and took an alternative route down Factory Locks again passing this BCN cottage for the second time.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QgJp8ACgrzoTDnmr7KNwlowy1E-8qwDk"><img title="DSCF9004" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9004" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JTK564IQ8o3ECfm6zU_DxmuxqwoWC9Iz" width="426" height="321" /></a></p> <p>I couldn’t see any sign of the sunken boat but the water is no where near so clear now, or maybe its drifted to one side? <br />At Dudley Port Junction we turned right to Netherton Tunnel for the third time this trip. The junction is quite close to the Railway station of the same name.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bbmSs6zqbDi3etd5sdjikueo47wX4kdN"><img title="DSCF9006" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9006" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1im_k3sa0rQv9b4koNzyfnP7jlWSoirNF" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>Netherton tunnel was, to put it mildly, wet. Once at the other end it was left at Windmill End Junction and down the Dudley No.2 canal to Hawne basin, this meant passing through Gosty Tunnel, the opposite of Netherton Tunnel, low and narrow and less than half the length. Clear of the far end the canal is wide and deep until you reach the end of navigating at Hawne Basin, The bridge over the entrance is even lower than the tunnel. Our reason for come her was to fill with diesel, but due to our rerouting by the time we arrived they were  closed, so we are now moored at the service Quay ready for 10am in the morning. The journey was probably a third longer than it should have been.</p> </p> <p>Todays |Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1puIs9ynyOgDbmV0bfRtonS0Tmnn1pU8R"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1L5kJM5Ffj5g52tN3U_l0WiqT0QUgKh1V" width="426" height="242" /></a> <p>12 miles, 3 locks in 4½ hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-26278897979866524412024-03-05T18:39:00.001+00:002024-03-05T20:26:08.689+00:00Tipton, John the lock moorings<p>Last night I planned to walk down and see if the LED/solar light that was thrown in the canal was working, but as I had my slippers on and it was chucking it down with rain that plan changed greatly. <br />This morning we were woken buy the builders across the other side of the canal, not sure what time they started, they also had tree surgeons working over there kicking up a din, but it was a lovely sunny morning and Diana did a bit of shopping before we set off. <br />A bit of advice to anyone planning on mooring in the Bentley Arm, ether go in forward or pull the boat out on ropes. I had no problem yesterday but today it was an instant ball of weed round the prop. I few thrashes back and forth and we were making reasonable progress, of course we took the obligatory photo under the mirror arch.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ox7wEeEBJBX_fqs61elvvtJHnMUWYgC3"><img title="DSCF8991" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8991" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-8d4xbT3ERDgsDRxZBTilkMlHDBTDjPu" width="425" height="321" /></a>Its now in need of a bit of a clean but access will be a problem unless it can be done from a boat with a window cleaners pole and brush. <br />Back at Horseley Fields Junction we turned left and I didn’t do much better than when we came a couple of days back, you can see where the wall is falling into the cut, its taken part of the signpost with it.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NNFMPsDtwmZQ4pOsZkZ6fbfFj8egVn6R"><img title="DSCF8992" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8992" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TmspJE3ZhTAc251Eqx99zeNARI7zHWNi" width="467" height="292" /></a> </p> <p>I pulled in at the CRT base and cleared the prop of the weed and short length of strimmer cord that was holding it all together. One of the bridges along here on a bend if fitted with rollers to protect the corners of the bridge from the towing lines and also make it easier for the horse to pull the line round the bend, these are a smaller diameter than I have come across on other canals and look as if they are made of iron. I don’t think they rotated that well.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bTtwZHEmAG-NV_GCOjSNMcTjjrAbOmIU"><img title="DSCF8995" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8995" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_30nGm46ge1EGBQQNqzWa-CKIXe9KAKn" width="426" height="386" /></a></p> <p>There is lot of new housing along the towpath side with quite large estates, If I owned this house I don’t think I would be to happy, the end of the property is supposed to be white rendering, but its covered with brown streaks that look like they have leaked through it, its not the only property like it.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pflmSfCf5QMJQE7AW2ENawzEUZ232bS9"><img title="DSCF8994" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8994" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14KD-EoCffy3fvTfMmgSOYrtrE_VlBdK6" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>At Deepfield junction we turned left and made our way up the Bradley Arm, A thoughtful local pointed out it was a dead end. It shows how well used it is(n’t). We didn’t have any real problems, it was a bit weedy for a short section that kept fouling the prop but a bit of backwards soon cleared it and we made good time to the end. Thankfully there was room to wind, last time we were this way there were lots of CRT boats moored here, today just an old wooden<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1blSDqrC9zKV2FssiyaQL5Fvhvz0pxEEn"><img title="DSCF8999" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8999" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zDCW4bi24C_au7iWgJLVuNUndaFIiXq4" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p> sunken boat and some hoppers all beyond the winding hole, I use to be able to get round in the entrance to the basin, but a few years back they piled it and narrowed the canal by about 2 foot. There was plenty of activity in the workshops by the sound of things.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1R4j63kOq42iJVtEwNfRPgiYv2OSerTly"><img title="DSCF8998" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8998" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CCQJKl1H-AAOLbiI704AQQW0yuvSqSHq" width="426" height="265" /></a> <p>On our way back we passed this weed cutter moored just by the winding hole at Highfields. I don’t know why it was there or who owns it.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fEHnosm5rrRrV6nXYrAVLpk2WVCeuv4F"><img title="DSCF9001" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF9001" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14sE1_Bj_TnpIFQYh_78xl_Fr0AaNjIW5" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>Back at the Wolverhampton level we again turned left and headed through Coseley Tunnel, it was just as wet as last time and back to moor at John the Locks moorings in Tipton, where the geese are being extra h=noisy this afternoon, it must be the lovely warm weather, up to 14°C this afternoon.</p> </p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1j8VK3CV42lviHwSiSmaIJ5cMmCMlAB8s"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18zwFQXQHWLn86Q4YWIq5sgHveZvA9hwe" width="393" height="262" /></a> </p> <p>10 miles, no locks in 3¾ hours.</p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-67978697935547578552024-03-04T16:48:00.001+00:002024-03-04T16:48:20.684+00:00Bentley Arm<p>Well we are still moored in the same spot as last night but we have done ten miles today. <br />This was our mooring last night, we are the other way round now and no we didn’t eat in the pub.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FDVpYcITPsEun2nQ56YsosPk22-JTsLK"><img title="Harnser" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="Harnser" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1S-bsRw-PJFWiPpNHXobKBnPrlnMT6hkA" width="426" height="359" /></a> <p>Another sunny calm morning, not so warm as yesterday but by no means cold and it started without a breath of wind, this afternoon it has clouded over and there quite a breeze making it chilly. <br />We slid backwards out of the arm at about ten o’clock and headed along the Wyrley & Essington with a target of Sneyd Junction. Last time we were here they had just cleared the site opposite the branch, now there is a large building there.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fPzM5dJi4Ai-gk7sxIPgjVr7H155zirJ"><img title="DSCF8984" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8984" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pRePpSFzUEmzXJ32rmlo4O6WJjtxiUUt" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>Spring must be here as we passed at least 3 Coots nests and this one was sitting on a clutch of eggs.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hFx9fJUNFcMVpX1Wy2FZjaXeCzUwR3Jb"><img title="DSCF8985" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8985" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JMTreZQ70g0wsAgy34akO3CCrSzVU3uP" width="425" height="321" /></a> <p>There are several shopping trolleys in the cut just along from the shopping complex and also one of the post mounted solar powered outside lights, I was going to retrieve it but I suspect it is attached to the concrete base and would be rather heavy. We didn’t have any great problems navigating, the odd touch of reverse to through the odd bit of rubbish off the prop. I was rather taken with these signs. Its surprising the difference you see in back gardens, <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1puo7xel5udtwdInwMy1QjljRXJgbCf0j"><img title="DSCF8988" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8988" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FNstxKlY9mYunobWo--aVo_I6xLsj6Mu" width="426" height="321" /></a>some make a welcoming feature, others look like builders yards or scrap yards, some are still gardened like a traditional back garden and some hidden behind  high hedges or fences. <br />I winded at Sneyd Junction although there is a winding hole marked by the services about 100M. past the junction through the bridge, looking through I could see a boom across  the arm by the end of the service and thought there may not be room, so after winding we reversed back through the bridge to fill up with water, it went OK once I goy out of the silt. <br />While the tank was filling I had a grovel down the weed hatch and removed a small amount of polly and some weed with fishing line in it from round the prop shaft. I think I had thrown the worst off reversing in the silt and giving it so back and forth welly, I do know we made better speed coming back.</p> </p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gDY861tQFYvc5oqNTS7-giZFdCwxHi-o"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jS0irCIHG9w1X0MSZrIqos8vbf9XHw7U" width="426" height="221" /></a> <p>10 Miles, no locks in 4¼ hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-15084613259717404272024-03-03T16:43:00.001+00:002024-03-03T16:47:38.910+00:00Bentley Arm<p>Well they say what a difference a day makes, last night the pressure started rising, the temperature overnight dropped to <br /> –3.5°C we woke up to frost everywhere and bright sunshine, today its been well up in double figures but turned chilly this afternoon when the clouds blocked the sun out. <br />We said our farewells and headed off a bit later than normal past Windmill end and through Netherton Tunnel, her are the hanging brambles I trimmed back the other day, they still look low but are well above head height.  <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1k_ImkoYA9puuWgEPOdJgbZczLLeaaVeJ"><img title="DSCF8974" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8974" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YrdZxtY3l4JFuoU8aEMsfnObkywcwp0M" width="426" height="311" /></a> <p>After leaving the tunnel you come to the Tividale Aqueduct, this has two arches with a toll island in the middle, looking through I could see a fishing match the far side and the first fisherman was by the cottages, decision, which arch to go through, I picked the left and gently headed for the centre of the canal once through. They were a merry bunch enjoying a morning in the sunshine, only one a bit grumpy like they often are.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XnZOWamzF4EUHtKAws8mggS0KLcF5uK5"><img title="DSCF8975" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8975" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1t4cP97WRxTVlS4YKZqfa2Hq5vdrlVyTz" width="426" height="331" /></a> <p>Down at Dudley Port Junction we turned left along the Main New Line, passing Caggy’s yard I spotted a weed cutter moored up, lets hope its put to work this year.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pEQbgbBAgHID4dnYRm3ZIbkuuFvgkZwl"><img title="DSCF8976" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8976" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ELhjIEWIxwAz-OeaSaF1KYO9ioCzkTlz" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>When we came down a couple of days ago the water was crystal clear, today it was cloudy so I wasn’t able to spot the sunken boat, unless its already been removed. Factory locks were with us and dry walled, we were probably the last to use them when we came down, in the middle lock we shared with a Coot, I didn’t see it as we entered the lock, it wasn’t until Diana started filling that I spotted it by the bows, I finally swam along the side of the boat and had the rest of the trip behind our stern.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eNvKX_pNgAH2T-r_Ewr8NrFVKqn6PzbF"><img title="DSCF8977" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8977" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1KTVNLcb5vTpVzKFpBRI7CPsXPMWD2ad4" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>We carried on along the Wolverhampton Level through Coseley Tunnel which was quite wet at the<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1q81aVQT-mQ-_c5A-n6CtCpSxgoNqZE6u"><img title="DSCF8979" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8979" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1PwlMETuxJMhYCAAw91a-74pQEv7VO7Cf" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>far end, again I trimmed the brambles that were hanging low enough to catch peoples faces. A steady run to Horseley Field Junction where I made a right cock of swinging in, A chap standing by the bridge kindle pushed my bows round as my stern and prop were in sunken branches. The wall opposite the junction is collapsing and of course the bricks are falling into the cut. I managed to negotiate the narrow gauging lock at the end of the Wyrley and Essington canal without fouling the prop, that’s unusual for me, its normally full of crap. We carried on to our mooring for the night, the Bentley Arm by the Nickelodeon pub, but I don’t think we will be visiting there tonight.</p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1knPKluabHmR6Hj5CMbdjBdv-NkU_LBV2"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1fhCB7bDnX0vreY97pqm6TevRMhDmPJYz" width="426" height="319" /></a> <p>10¼ miles, 3 locks in 3¾ hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-48336459825478696352024-03-02T23:03:00.001+00:002024-03-02T23:03:06.269+00:00Withymoor Island<p>I forgot to mention why we are all gathering here, its the Birmingham Canal Navigation Society for the Icicle Cruise. <a href="https://bcnsociety.com/event/icicle-cruise-2024-waterfront-to-parkhead/">Icicle Cruise 2024 – Waterfront to Parkhead | Birmingham Canal Navigations Society (bcnsociety.com)</a> <br /> Last night we planned to eat with the others who were moored here at Weatherspoons but the place was heaving so we looked at the Brierley Hop House but their kitchen was about to close so we went to the Indian Tavern and it was one of the best Indian Meals I have had, so good we had to have a doggy bag. <br />This morning I took a couple of photos or the rest of the groups boats before setting off at ten past ten, <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hTw8mKHkJ30BzCmOI9EYiS7h_JmJpnPL"><img title="DSCF8957" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8957" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1BRHgdG__Opio0Ra8gHlY4hJ_4V2wgHQ9" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>there was no sign of life on the other boats. We slowly chugger to Blowers Green lock and then up the three Park Head locks to the mouth of the <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17c1byJ6pgJ9rZm2Khad9QxaIUdvyfAXD"><img title="DSCF8969" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8969" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1X3J1rTTpSJdquu2GxBZZeStr3tDYwbLh" width="426" height="321" /></a>Dudley Tunnel, we are far to tall to get through and power boats are not allowed anyway.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1wdEqGlT2BcPCBj25pVddkxp_8F0bWFjC"><img title="DSCF8966" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8966" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ls0BENOBNRKMWeADO7ahyj0msD1K_Npl" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>Reversing back to the head of the top lock to wind, trying to avoid the weed which seams rampant outside the channel close to the tow path, to where it was wide enough to wind, we then went down the side arm into Pensnett basin where we moored to <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1npP2d5tTjMAJET2Ne9CSpWhc0oet5vZx"><img title="DSCF8970" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8970" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K17uWvw3HROYDNHW8y84eEXuTKGCINw1" width="426" height="321" /></a>await the arrive of the rest of the boats. We spent the rest of the morning through to about 2pm assisting all the others up the locks. <br />After lunch we set off back down the flight passing under the dis used railway viaduct that is now being repurposed for the <a href="https://metroalliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Connecting-Sandwell-Dudley-Issue-18-vFinal.pdf" target="_blank">Birmingham Light Railway</a><a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xKca5T0vAvjDFq6ev4a6C_UEaw4vUvqG"><img title="DSCF8971" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8971" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17lWBQFhUKF2MaUlPHA9rz_c6hKISOyyy" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>Well we may have been the first to arrive at Park Head but we were the last to leave and with all the boat movements through the lock the level was down several inches above the top lock, but luckily we didn’t have a problem just sliding backwards out of the arm and the forward into the lock, This time we were the ones to receive assistance with the locking. <br />Once down the locks it was turn left and head for Withymoor Island an ex railway trans shipment yard. Here the residents of the island had laid on a meal for us and provided us with an overnight mooring.</p> <p>Todays Journey<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1B33PmN9gkD68_ef2kMFOqhCQ4FcJZs1n"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jhSpaT1dzvgJdRovAd_V0By_9EQzqbtP" width="426" height="242" /></a> <p> 4¼ miles, 7 locks in 2½</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-36288600798829410162024-03-01T15:58:00.001+00:002024-03-02T15:31:30.385+00:00Merry Hill<p>Got up for my normal wee in the middle of the night and it was bright moonlight but by early morning it was raining and blowing, the rain finally stopped about 10am so we were late getting away, but it didn’t matter as we didn’t have far to go. <br />We pushed off and made our way to Parkhead lock and junction. it looks as if the company on the junction have had a recent fire. It seems to happen a lot around Birmingham.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dB3RkwS2KOI2GH2pyWLvPl1Z3iKP5pVy"><img title="DSCF8951" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8951" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bLX--zJnDVzcwxn4Ln8sFJpGxy7FoxGB" width="432" height="316" /></a> </p> <p>We dropped down Blowers Green Lock and were greeted by something I didn’t expect to see this time of the year, the canal covered, bank to bank with a green carpet of weed.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14LtuYUx_v4YxyfyGndm8cSi8qnKt5-vL"><img title="DSCF8953" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8953" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XnvJM5r9M98hFNnCbKA5aq6J6KQISQM3" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>Its very early in the year for this to be around, its very thin, but is it a sign of things to come with problems like they had last year.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1D-UWzBdRpEsey4EuFnPiF48BhCD5Qvps"><img title="DSCF8954" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8954" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sdwXmxzVILrxYm68CjKBIRcKE1OeD9gX" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>A short way before Merry Hill beside the Tata building there is this structure on the side of the canal, there is a similar one towpath side so I take it there was a cable across the canal at some point, but what was it for?<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XmdZJn_u0AhdMyJXQ5xrrTdKWNkRdF63"><img title="DSCF8955" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8955" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qW48ysE9y7syJZBJqYJiQk84cSZlNph2" width="426" height="357" /></a> </p> <p>Once at Merry Hill we winded and reversed back under the bridge to see if any other boats were on the moorings along the towpath, but couldn’t see any one so moored opposite Weatherspoons, there are now 4 more boats here and one a long way up<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=12ckw2ufdoXOGZfl2qxfPg6ikmQDClqDs"><img title="1709306831887" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="1709306831887" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Z2t7UfMyw7VuJVk99nf8wTpUKeZds5Mo" width="426" height="191" /></a>the towpath, I was expecting to see about ten, but its still early.</p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Jvpnpo4wqvENxA8xC-B46AuXzGPqtuuL"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lK-HA-xd4CRc4UPdUXLwzP3ePoQKjsK3" width="427" height="241" /></a></p> <p> 4 miles, 1lock in 1½ hours</p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-23854160635136631012024-02-29T15:09:00.001+00:002024-02-29T15:09:19.007+00:00Windmill End<p>Last night we ate on board, just as well as it rained most of the evening and woke me several times in the night. <br />This morning was fine but overcast and not particularly cold. We had a boat chug by just before we set off to Factory Junction where we turned sharp right to go down the 3 Factory Locks.  For many years there was a narrowboat sitting in the yard by the top lock, since they have left the level of vandalism and fly tipping looks pretty horrendous. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xomd5mvFlCIyZCBpLFg8oFf7LvYtkGI4"><img title="DSCF8949" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8949" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=168sUagGms5eqStWutbp_v94sjyRV_PR1" width="426" height="186" /></a> <p>The old Gauging Station is well on the way to being wrecked with half the roof now destroyed as well as the lean to building at the end. Another historic building left to rot. The top lock was against us but the other two were full and a passing dog walker kindly opened the gate on the bottom lock. <br />There is a sunken boat at right angles to the towpath a short way north of Caggy’s yard, its completely underwater. We carried on to Dudley Port Junction were we turned right  and headed towards Netherton tunnel. I stopped at the entrance and did a bit of gardening to the brambles that were hanging down from the parapet so hopefully now no one will get one in their face. Needless to say we were the only boat in the tunnel and once clear we made our way to the water point at the end of the visitor centre, would you believe there was already a boat there, we have seen 4  boats on the move all week and we  get to the water point and its in use. We didn’t have to wait long until he was finished. Once our tank was full we moved to the other side of the canal to moor for the night.</p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11a_fZL0MOHy_8Vnlo2ARmRTjD2vPJqVe"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OCQSYCw9RdyHErLztV5CxrBLwX4xZV7_" width="426" height="280" /></a></p> </p> <p> <p>4¼ miles, 3 locks in 2½ hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-18964768307287113242024-02-28T17:22:00.001+00:002024-02-28T18:00:08.518+00:00Tipton<p>Last night as we were in Birmingham it had to be an Indian Restaurant, our second visit to Barajee which is situated on Broad Street tunnel. <br />We set off at our normal 10am and within minutes it started raining. As you can see we were the only<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=16vJ465FVF7NKFwNdDp_AK00u3TuC9p9a"><img title="DSCF8943" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8943" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Cfj47oJxKtu6bh-Z_1E2UqmWUCDm1eaF" width="426" height="321" /></a>boat moored down here. As we passed the gym the fire  alarm was sounding and all these bodies in tight clothing spilled out onto the towpath and made their way to the assembly point, I bet they soon felt the chill in the air.We made our way round the Oozells Loop and out onto the main line heading towards Tipton. <br />The view that the new houses had on the Icknield Loop had of the Main Line has now gone as they are building a 6 story block right in front of them. I wonder how many knew that was coming.  <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1lkyvUJYxp7l2kV50NxP7hJcu3YuORJ1H"><img title="DSCF8944" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8944" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qsmvHSthnUdetrXbC2qaGTxTu7Opo0y1" width="426" height="283" /></a> </p> <p>We continued up the New Main Line passing under the Engine Arm aqueduct. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xWIROmZzqj8sb-aSYYv81H0YvOmisL-l"><img title="DSCF8947" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8947" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17UgjI3SW-5emRa5lo-svTMf-10oOdJR-" width="426" height="321" /></a>As we passed Spon Lane junction the rain stopped which was nice. At Albion junction we turned left and up the three Brades Hall locks where it really started to rain. Since we were last this way a new building has appeared in the grounds of the Hindu Shri Venkatesware Temple. As soon as we cleared the locks and turned right on the Old Main Line the rain stopped. Continuing on or way we turner right at Tipton Junction, left would have taken us to the Dudley Tunnel and the Black Country Museum, lots of people rate the moorings there, but we find the road noisy. As we approached Owen Street bridge I could see some canoes approaching from the opposite direction, but they turned and pulled to the side so I continued on through slowly and passed them, there were 4 canoes lashed together in pairs for extra stability. Our destination was only just past them on the left hand side outside the health centre.</p> <p>Here is a map of our total journey this year</p> <iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1sZoDuBms3fQPTgcfCE2hU038zqe9Sm0&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe> <p>Todays Journey<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bCEy8W1IBK4vPUay20agm_sSbrsc2Z6N"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ij_lbBgdxpdhT60TezMP9WWXdPiMY8tk" width="426" height="259" /></a></p> <p>3 Locks, 9 miles in 3¼ hours</p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-20313579252179343112024-02-27T17:43:00.001+00:002024-02-27T18:04:01.100+00:00Birmingham Oozells St Loop<p>  During my efforts down the weed hatch yesterday I dropped my Stanley knife, I had a dabble with the magnet but no luck. This morning I pulled the boat forward a bit and eventually I was able to spot it on the canal bed. I had to drop the magnet right on to it to catch it and then it fell off as I lifted it. Another try and reaching into the water to get hold of it I had it back. This delayed our departure by about ¼ of a hour. <br />Not much luck with the locks as every one was against us. Our original plan was to moor for the night outside the University on the Digbeth Branch but we were at Aston Junction within an hour so decided to head up Farmers Bridge flight and into Birmingham. Every time we come this way the view is different with all the building going on.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ofq61pmQmmJnZvTS67-28u18VXVSdjWc"><img title="DSCF8941" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8941" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1w6X_aCqMDAVZulkWV2ZsHbRL9rN8WRPx" width="426" height="567" /></a> <p>Even the existing buildings now look different with the old cladding all removed and the new installed, all the scaffolding and temporary supports have gone and its looking quite smart again.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IelcVNlYlsDZlN8Isgdu8juAHpIPpYEk"><img title="DSCF8942" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8942" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1m7W5odgR_ohkTR9lFSsT0AJOflZW1TML" width="426" height="321" /></a></p> <p> <p>Once clear of the locks we made our way straight across Old Turn junction and down the Oozells Loop where to our surprise there was no one moored. <br />We had a bit of lunch before I set to doing an oil and filter change, I also checked the water in the batteries and found a couple of cells low so I think its time to consider some new ones. </p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14jq6bkxYZOPns4E0TpQXrEqoDtmaU60U"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zkjieqRCrlvWFMVA0k9-6lQhX1PiURux" width="426" height="362" /></a></p> <p>2 Miles, 21 locks in 3hours</p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-83804419459194697962024-02-26T15:50:00.001+00:002024-02-26T15:56:04.403+00:00Aston between locks 9 and 8 Birmingham<p>Not so cold last night but no where as warm today with a cool breeze, but no rain so all is good. Actually at times it was quite bright and pleasant.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15gSDZPxAXuiOK6QnKQX2HFWAVSgd9kz2"><img title="DSCF8935" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8935" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13gK8w5PqBTLSnfbWQGJ1ck67eKUrWj_b" width="425" height="321" /></a> <p>Away at the normal 10am. the boat behind had already gone, however we met a boat at lock two of the Minworth flight so that eased us on our way. All the paddle gear on the Minworth flight has been freshly greased, all the rest we have done have been as dry as a bone. One thing I never noticed before is the iron work on the lock side by the top gates, I guess it was to take the wear when the boatmen didn’t get it quite right coming in. <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hVk4pD5kcefWlaqYugoP2MVBYzGogiCs"><img title="DSCF8936" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8936" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17TOgIf0NgDA8q8kttha2auZaeJLoMJFu" width="426" height="321" /></a></p> <p>I fund the structure of the Old Kingsbury Road bridge just above the lock quite interesting but hard to capture with the camera.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vp69XxD56hgonLF29X69TFkwpw9NVzH0"><img title="DSCF8934" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8934" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13lzkhtP4ibmvKsJ9d5_RWKS9SQZpJl7S" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>I stopped under Tyburn bridge while Diana visited Aldi and I took the opportunity to clear the prop of a large piece of cloth while she was gone. <br />I have asked several times about the factory over the canal near Troutpool bridge but never had that much information, it looks a recent construction, so did they close the canal to build it? the canal was still in commercial use as there are mooring rings by the sealed up doorways. <br />It was then on to Salford Junction were we took the second turn keeping on the B&F canal. I expected to see a notice here telling me the way straight ahead was closed at Perry Bar locks, but nothing. We just went up 3 locks planning to moor on the offside by the London School of Science and Technology but the only mooring was outside the building with a café and the aircon makes a real racket so we passed under Rocky Road bridge on the towpath side. Once moored I delved back into the weed hatch removing an Ikea bag and other rubbish, I also managed to drop my Stanley knife to the bottom of the canal whilst cutting it all off.</p> </p> </p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UIImSMIbWB3L3xeAqvVSCbjcIRtfgtFX"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vjwWArqlXW1dbSnpZgC101OKwpGKAVuL" width="426" height="219" /></a> <p> 6¾miles, 6 locks in 3½ hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-91679366465662887752024-02-25T17:54:00.001+00:002024-02-25T18:09:52.000+00:00Minworth<p>What a night last night, clear sky, no wind and a full moon, when I got up to go to the loo I thought it was morning, just like daylight. The down side to such a clear sky was the temperature dropped below -2°C and was still at freezing point when we got up. <br />During the evening I booked a table for Sunday Lunch at the Dog and Doublet so we only had 3 locks to do this morning, setting off at our normal 10am. One of the boats ahead had already left and the first lock was against us. Like yesterday it was bright and sunny.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FzeEZk5p0XM4jgbuPbTaOe-zJELBKtL-"><img title="DSCF8929" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8929" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iXvt9P3JjuuufmOrqpkPDuTc93bG8yMz" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p> The next 2 locks must leak badly as they were both empty when we arrived, so it only took us ¾ hour from leaving to mooring outside the pub. <br />I  had a card to post and there is a post box by the old Chapel at Bodymoor Heath, almost opposite is Bridge House, This was once a pub as it still has a large wall painting on one corner. It closed in late 1960’s <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RY5H-IOoibMAQPfGpERhSHc6YNPzlSq0"><img title="image" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IHwZvkhAUxxBa3EMhORlyP98Gd3gZjC4" width="426" height="84" /></a>  <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hgFg8fkcZMdwbB7cnWA0-fCN7ZMa_4qR"><img title="DSCF8930" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8930" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=19isuleCWXCwBoIWo6we-0P2KOT-joPHo" width="426" height="321" /></a>    </p> </p> <p> </p> <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1y7NbPxVfu9FdGtSzk7Ssozdo4lEiqRMb"><img title="DSCF8932" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8932" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jhhqpZdq7pRUxCAvHmcU9APqIOaErd8k" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>After a pleasant Sunday lunch and just a half of TT we were on the move again up the flight. By now the weather had turned dull and a lot cooler, unlike yesterday afternoon. The locks were all over the place, some full, some empty and some somewhere in between. The doesn’t look to have been much of a change at the HS2 crossing and being Sunday no activity at all. We didn’t see another boat on the move all day. Once we cleared the locks and spoke to the very cheery fishermen we passed through Curdworth tunnel and moored for the night about half way to the Cuttle Bridge Inn at Knightley, Minworth.</p> <p>Todays Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FqHY39wHsurLvVR15AWVgzjTV987K5th"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1x1zDwMmgCDhNMY2U3M1JMk69-rjc9aDP" width="426" height="286" /></a> <p>3½ miles, 11 locks in 3 hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-59883624851554068732024-02-24T19:58:00.001+00:002024-02-24T19:58:29.252+00:00Curdworth Bottom Lock<p>We had a good drive from home to the boat, we left in mist and headlights on and arrived in bright sunshine. It was 4°C when we left home and double figures when we arrived at the moorings. <br />The first job was to get the water system refiled, I drained it before leaving the boat which was just as well as the temperature inside the boat fell to -4°C of course I don’t know how long it was cold for. Next job fire the Dickinson and see if the engine would start, success, first time. By now Diana had unloaded the car and sorted lunch. <br />We set off at ten past two, turning left as we left the marina, We didn’t see a boat on the move  until we reached Glascote Locks where the boat ahead kindly drew the paddles for us as they left the lock speeding us on our way, we were able to thank him as he moored just before Fazeley junction. As I entered the junction under bridge a boat was coming towards us from Fradley, I indicated I was turning left but they kept coming on that side to get under the bridge I was in, eventually they stopped and I was able to cross their bows and go up the Birmingham and Fazeley canal, they in turn could pass under the bridge I was sitting under. We stopped to top up with water just outside Fazeley Mill marina. For those that are interested the base price of their diesel is £1-20 at the moment.  Once full we carried on the spring like weather to moor for the night just below Curdworth bottom lock, we are moored behind two other boats, maybe they wont set off moments before us in the morning.</p> <p> </p> <p>Todays Journey<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1InJh9RTcxk6zi4G-5bCyY85625S_UWG9"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RiFFSHyptlOQ8n9A01tidQ3s1argRtaC" width="426" height="345" /></a> <p>6½ miles, 2 locks in 3 hours</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-18334376184167408782024-01-08T18:36:00.001+00:002024-01-08T18:36:00.170+00:00Home Mooring<p>First job today was to go over to the water point and dispose of the rubbish, this included the builders bag that I picked up yesterday.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=10hrnpk9I2RED-mqNdfebx4DwRHAnlwBF"><img title="DSCF8914" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8914" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1n19QjggjrG74kBKYgZqQj-ItBMo-1DXu" width="426" height="321" /></a></p> <p>On the way we passed the old coal yard and office that is now used by CRT volunteers, someone decided it would be fun to smash the windows and trash what ever they could find inside.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=15EGJilikiRsDKEgf0Bz41XGOO9i3Lzwg"><img title="DSCF8912" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8912" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1filLAkFjfUPLVAl7HDCiOqq3ktIk6Qeq" width="426" height="241" /></a></p> <p>While we filled with water Diana took a trip to the charity shop to get rid of some jigsaws but when she returned the bag was faller than when she went. We set off down the flight, some locks against us and some with us. Our plan was to get to Grendon Bridge as the chaps were supposed to be cutting the tree down today and we would then get through in the morning. When we arrived at about half one there were no one about and no tapes across the bridge so we went through, but once under the <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TaVKSWNRW67rzNvTqR1anyKQPx2PdaY4"><img title="DSCF8915" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8915" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1bc32eZ3OJfGEU_GXEXo3A7uHuxse6SCh" width="426" height="321" /></a>bridge it you could see the small bits over the towpath they cut off to make it OK for walkers, The main tree is still laying across the canal, but too late, we were through.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=126ChSBRUf1r49hXT67rRW3O53VQAGvdd"><img title="DSCF8915" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8915" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QBVVYmJ_xUzmlga8baBwegqhn9uu-iyi" width="426" height="450" /></a> <p>As it was only about an hour and a half back to our berth we decided to push on passing this boat with the skull above the rear door.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1vHeJLjmEc59CaRaOK4Y6VoD55aJbdXJR"><img title="DSCF8916" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8916" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=183RIA5xlbtuAu601PZ1LpHqekn_AJb7s" width="425" height="321" /></a> <p>Well we haven’t seen any snow at all but its not been very warm, about 4°C and below freezing over night. For once back at the marina there was next to no wind and I slid nicely backwards down to our berth, of course no one was watching  except this<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1pHm3uyD8GJCpGtvN4Ke-venvnex2QOlO"><img title="DSCF8917" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8917" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ok2axStrCQLy5bqZaRFAj4QtfcimpOom" width="425" height="321" /></a>chap sitting on the end of one of the pontoons and it went perfect, I even had time for the photo.</p> <p>Today’s Journey<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZO8sxzgfeBVGj4x1sFzFFHCEjVQwHp2B"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ZGmgNH5CqO1xT3U3_mjgMyjFGbRPU3yy" width="426" height="311" /></a></p> </p> <p>8¾ miles, 11 locks in 4¾ hours.</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-32175540119189243622024-01-07T14:41:00.001+00:002024-01-07T15:21:18.560+00:00Atherstone<p>On Friday i posted a photograph of a very large building along the Coventry canal, thanks to friend <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1nJkI7APk45OxBD9JFIzVKt0KPRn4waV8"><img title="DSCF8889" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8889" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=13SSTeyYERIBxBQe8j01JdGu6idSt97SM" width="426" height="321" /></a>on the internet I now know what this building use to be, it was The Coventry Ordinance Works. Lots of information <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coventry_Ordnance_Works" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> .  As for the stones, again thanks to friends via  the internet, they are part of the Coventry Art Trail, number 14 see <a href="https://covcanalsoc.org.uk/?page_id=183" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a> . <br />Mike Todd thanks for the information from your blog.</p> <p>The weather is definitely turning colder and at half eight this morning it was 1.4°C but bright and fine only reaching 4°C all day. I don’t think I have ever seen so many boats moored in Nuneaton, I counted 10 moored towpath side so things must be improving in town, however I did see a scooter parked in the canal on the edge of the park area, probably someone's pride and joy stolen.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ma84ikBG-a22Fs9ezhxTraIrYIYYpKrq"><img title="DSCF8907" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8907" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Z6p0esP_I9HuFjq2HdC4QITjh4PNjev3" width="425" height="321" /></a> <br />We didn’t see a boat on the move until we got to Springwood Haven where one winded in front of me with no indication of his intentions. At Atherstone The Rothen group had several of their boats moored up, they do keep them looking smart.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14SQJ_91oDORZ1PwTABR4JAhm4CH8jJNZ"><img title="DSCF8910" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8910" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1X4IxIX4q7nPj9mJjBKpDuPv0bmBAn0E4" width="426" height="278" /></a> <p>Near bridge 37 I spotted a builders bag just floating so we backed up and retrieved it, one of these round the prop can cause damage to a boats gearbox and engine mounts. We carried on into Atherstone to moor for the night just before the locks with 3 other boats.</p> </p> <p>Today’s Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1IlQijo4hAh18q7Sx5DZ1Nd_AdlHn0kQh"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1NQnfe8cgG_W48q8qHpjOTA7RIb7YYTHO" width="426" height="291" /></a>  8miles with no locks in 2¾ hours</p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-64155907111444622642024-01-06T17:01:00.001+00:002024-01-06T17:01:05.855+00:00Nuneaton Bridge 16<p>Woke to brilliant sun shine and a blue sky, first job of the mooring over to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186403-d21205664-Reviews-Playwrights_Cafe-Coventry_West_Midlands_England.html">Playwrights</a> for a traditional English cooked breakfast, my highlight of a night in Coventry Basin. This made us slightly late getting away. <br />These stones are set in the ground just back from the towpath by bridge 5 (I hope that's the right number) Do they have any significant meaning.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1S52GX2MyBTZEbgEpijGr6py0OCEQ8pU0"><img title="DSCF8892" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8892" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gpdIfSmQcqwtLa5zxxq91YBJ9BNcr5kF" width="425" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>It was a bit harder squeezing past the fallen fir tree on out way back, a few more revs required as you push over the tip of it.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1gsVomiWyk20RvY7_-a0YwOZmdIxC9Rlw"><img title="DSCF8893" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8893" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qhRgY0YGysWzZ3jfhI2C1xmGfRd2sJT8" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>The next obstacle is just the other side of the bridge, another tree fallen from the offside with just room to get round it.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xoWYO57vo9xvBFeZGtJiAefkSxEfHXLi"><img title="DSCF8895" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8895" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1UPQJ2WW1HmRb3YhM8zOebDB8hyorl0PN" width="426" height="208" /></a> <p>We did meet one boat along this stretch who were heading for the basin but there were a lot of people on the towpath heading for the stadium. <br />This bridge still looks to be free of graffiti unless you class the mural graffiti, there is quite a bit of this art<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Qj8WAA33kR6GY1b_QhifeTxu4S3UrQFE"><img title="DSCF8896" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8896" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18vMKnClidv8jVSfTg4lezhJ8w_WNovLC" width="426" height="321" /></a> work professionally carried out along the 5 mile stretch leading into town. <br />Thankfully lots of offside vegetation has been removed since we last came to the basin in October, there was only just room to slide through here then, but now its all cut back, as it is in other parts.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ze8BtmsSiiKiA-LECNe7SlxEV00R5Yqs"><img title="DSCF8898" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8898" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18eBFlWq45r9acX1EHzI_mViMWmtX2URJ" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>This must be the only sofa ever left by the towpath for well over 25 years that has not ended up un the canal. Its actually a carved stone sofa on a caved <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1cfDX-rSuaxnYVt1LVzggc0pG-wrjU7-u"><img title="DSCF8899" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8899" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AcKuarHXsDrcyM1qpaO_uKcLPDaWzYrt" width="426" height="321" /></a>raft and was produced by <a href="https://www.axisweb.org/p/timothyleonardshutter/workset/9036-pleasure-craft/">Tim Shutter</a> and is know as the pleasure craft, there are even a pair of oars on the back. <br />Once back at Sutton’s Stop we carried straight on along the Coventry canal, at Marston Junction I spotted a boat coming out of the Ashby so gave him a short pip on the horn to let him know I was there. Shortly after this a Kingfisher zoomed past us and<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1-9Bctp4Vnoct5FU_JIbzEEaZeucuIZ8a"><img title="DSCF8900" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8900" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1TAKYM7X0jaOFYAz4RwvFuu1ZjZ9HRi4_" width="426" height="338" /></a> landed on the railings around the weir. It stayed just long enough for one photo before shooting off along the canal and landing in a tree. I wont post the shots I took after it had gone.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=11JmHGt2-chlCrBbv_R4Cqv1HBNWO7U1q"><img title="DSCF8902" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8902" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1QATW1JDBm2OfC0TgR2bZAOhvzuptL0F8" width="425" height="321" /></a> <p>As soon as we came to a straight piece of piling we moored up for the night in the sunshine. If we didn’t moor here it would be the other side of Nuneaton.</p> <p>Today’s Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sxNR_du1ExfZrdoh28ciQp8yDmHA9gr_"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Y6etdgL7x1TxmqjOpfNBX9tGn8V0Ahkb" width="426" height="275" /></a> <p>8¾ miles, no locks in 3 hours</p></p></p></p></p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-49071905972869633342024-01-05T18:23:00.001+00:002024-01-05T18:23:55.501+00:00Coventry Basin<p>A very good meal in the Greyhound last night, we were very pleased we stopped here even if it was raining when we walked back to the boat. <br />This morning was fine and we set off just after ten o’clock. I always find it amusing what some people use to stop the rain going down the stack, bottle, cans, chamber pots, I posted a photo of a boot this trip and today a hat.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1D1bpelaC21BUnwJztmLLpEgOznZbweAu"><img title="DSCF8886" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8886" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1Foz8_VEIbJHrtZfmp4CTqnL6yqnEXy5a" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>It wasn’t far to the first lock  which Diana had walked ahead to set, it has a fall of at least 10” then under the footbridge onto the Coventry Canal and turn left for Coventry.  There were quite a few branched floating around the canal that have broken off in the storms and a couple of small trees down from the off side, but its possible to push past them. Spring is on its way, yesterday snowdrops and today it’s pussy willows breaking out.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1c3z3GY7qgpZ54YWVmgIaqCqZMfqf_Qtk"><img title="DSCF8887" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8887" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JdipNF_FnK9CjVQW9neEFFR7CnNvUCvf" width="426" height="308" /></a> </p> <p>Half way down to Coventry Basin we passed this huge building on the off side, I guess at one time it was some kind of manufacturing shop, maybe the car industry.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1YHaV49BVbVjtkv5uWb0IobDhUt56NuIa"><img title="DSCF8889" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8889" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1iCB35wRuxEAox72aBc3mA-gz6IE2ZaRd" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>Just a short way past this is what I think is a metal recycling yard and is partly surrounded by shipping containers stacked three high.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=101xLs5e9xXQR2XImdbpiYJ6Wy50n1efR"><img title="DSCF8890" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8890" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1axhGBHgRXhTcM6Vk9hmZomT9_OvbzV61" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>We met a couple of boats on our way to the basin, both in convenient places so were quite hopeful there would be spaces when we arrived and we weren't disappointed with 5 boats already moored in bright sunshine, we slid in down between them to moor against the swing bridge. Just look at those shadows.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1M0DgUxa7aajY8rp22NN4A8wtym5OIUi3"><img title="DSCF8891" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8891" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17PBSszvvMSTB0ANYc93SPSDS6SzaSKSD" width="426" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>Todays Journey<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_zuM9R0vDMrA7N6jO2sOjJ4sqhy1Cfzx"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1U5U6Y4CK_gyF7z8Z4Tw9a5AWJGeWCck-" width="426" height="299" /></a></p> <p>5½ miles, 1 lock in 2 hours</p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-38086891022954838842024-01-04T16:44:00.001+00:002024-01-04T16:44:19.544+00:00Hawkesbury Junction (Suttons Stop)<p>Well a dry day and a dry night and it wasn’t long before Diana was taking us through Newbold tunnel<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=105OTpbQbxi_9bragEulgI-7HPjqiEHXr"><img title="DSCF8864" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8864" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14zrT3dU8dtRH8fsovhaNFSDn1hpP9nF7" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>On the far side of the tunnel looking towards Brinklow, Armada’s hire base gave a nice reflection through Fall’s Bridge.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1hctSkTBiqlZm64w_MrpuhZc8gX8Dfe_M"><img title="DSCF8868" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8868" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ChE1XPVvSoLI1WCvtcKIQ9c_3-2Jj6xk" width="441" height="309" /></a> <p>The reflections didn’t go away with lots more at the off side long term moorings in Cathiron.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xhlbv2jl3M9oyyz6p1KtEx53RsJ9GXo8"><img title="DSCF8869" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8869" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OSPfvM9GCtT96NAxSFpORNbM0VwMmSPL" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>The moorings may look nice but at the moment some of them are totally under water.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1_LIlAeRSldpQz88umB0poMT3JqObubxm"><img title="DSCF8871" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8871" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1xpQ_YcvEK-3XJyYOFQahkq-EQRjUFCSW" width="426" height="205" /></a> <p>There were two CRT trucks parked up at Old Oaks Wood, I am not sure why they were there as three operatives were by the vehicles I guess that had <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jwGEI4K39rXeDoSKE9L1ziumu08UHQMB"><img title="DSCF8872" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8872" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1foc3FD8Kf4jiSecZ5-RF652zYdxEAkrZ" width="425" height="321" /></a>ether just arrived or were about to leave. Its possible they had been securing this tree trunk, I don’t think just three of them were about to retrieve<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1zUqge9z-rzjBYbvWmolKz4D-txPuisJO"><img title="DSCF8873" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8873" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1dSOrTrok_EXPYohMobw6UM7Ze1qaScQ_" width="426" height="216" /></a>it. The other problem they may have been there to look at is this land slip by bridge Easenhall Lane Bridge, I ran aground on this two weeks ago, but since then the small tree has come down with it, so you have to keep close the the towpath to get by.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eVJXhoNrp4QrFYMOjQUluJHhxYLpA_Sr"><img title="DSCF8875" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8875" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1qWtC1cliIVnj9vuuYFG3IAf1zsTKlc2S" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>We carried on through Ansty and on towards Hawkesbury Junction, on the way we passed this well known by boaters property, just before Tusses Bridge with a garden full of old cars and VW .<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1urzzRXd-er4lHjZhg2rnLqOsY1m4XlB_"><img title="DSCF8881" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8881" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1jS-s40MZ30kY0svOS5vcdlU9QwhsGEh2" width="426" height="206" /></a> <p>There are even 5 in front of the house now, just to add to the collection.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1z6ILwOf4mIiFUyGu_2dJOCQYDONM7RmV"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1rncOfOoUv1gIOevLTyncevaB6MDIYyKp" width="414" height="250" /></a> <p>From here it wasn’t far to Hawkesbury Junction, often known as Suttons Stop where we moored just before the lock, this puts us a short walk from The Greyhound where we have a table booked for dinner tonight .</p> <p>Today’s Journey<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1sWnJhAOtYBbwX4L599s2g-lRc3bT2s2j"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1SnhO4hobqfJik8iwCw0tHqXyIpYKrzvs" width="426" height="242" /></a></p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> </p> <p>11¼ miles, no locks in 4 hours</p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-54515764547508890302024-01-03T17:04:00.001+00:002024-01-03T17:04:05.982+00:00Newbold<p>We set off a little earlier this morning hoping to keep with the fine weather and although it looked bad we did keep dry. <br />Bridge 75 is going to need a bit more than a spot of Pollyfiller in the next few year, it looks as if the joints have been packed with wool, I understand this is to stop bats making the joints their homes and holding up repairs.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=17-aW3V47li5zlM4axeDIqQaze6yeu306"><img title="DSCF8856" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8856" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1CsgPbuUdNGOmuwdH3v3dRFgdgqHDOIn0" width="409" height="334" /> </a> Another bridge that looks a lot more robust is showing signs of wear and tear where boats are wearing away the brickwork under the arch is bridge 66 just before Clifton Cruisers.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OxoKyHUXjbC3PCuOF4_vUhE4BC-xKapb"><img title="DSCF8859" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8859" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1K9GGOwbSVuTR7Erz1_xN7C9nnnZmTjRA" width="426" height="321" /></a> <p>At Hillmorton a chap on a boat told Diana that he had just set the nearside lock to go down, but changed his mind as he thought it was going to rain. Just the job, thanks. We in turn set the other lock for the following boat. The water was flowing over the top gate of the nearside middle lock and I was able to open  the offside bottom gates for a single hander coming up, at the bottom lock both chambers were full, so the boat behind should get a good run. Rugby Golf Course is well flooded due to a very swollen Clifton Brook.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1OKWUkQNnstTJyYY3Wq8lPDM3s9E_i_iq"><img title="DSCF8858" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8858" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1JE2ka-hNBQYUlXwjC4iriY3oWwOe-b_u" width="426" height="321" /></a></p> </p> <p>When we came south before Christmas I moaned about this tree as the branches hung down almost to the water, it seems it was in the process of falling down when we passed and managed it just after we<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1AYTEg9Xom5i6o3X4vq1--W0DhRk2Vj9B"><img title="DSCF8860" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8860" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1j_bGdCsHnTWfJ8vUsvGt8pYnE1OcOSCY" width="426" height="376" /></a> had been through. You can also see all the work going on at Clifton Cruisers on what use to be a workshop. We had a couple of Buzzards circling around above us but a Magpie was giving one a hard time,  it always surprised me how such a large<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=18GfBYj1OiXD481BgyL5hNWMyJBL7UQqO"><img title="DSCF8861" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8861" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VVeS-Z8bqTiq5QVFdvoTLablWpmNh9Xc" width="425" height="321" /></a> predator is worried by a much smaller bird. Just look at than nice blue sky. <br />We stopped at Brownsover for Diana to visit Tesco, we haven’t shopped since we passed here  2 weeks ago. Just as she was about to set off the rain started, so time for lunch before a visit to Tesco in the dry. On Diana’s return it was across the other side to fill with water and then on to Newbold for the night, again there are hardly any boats moored here. If I was CCing I thing I would spend a couple of weeks here then a couple at Brownsover, but no they are both almost empty.</p> <p>Today’s Journey <a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1DioNXMWkFFE23t82g10zAOgTxkmYY4f2"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1uIwGzPnQ5BA9OjDVBunVZKjG5MZEJtB5" width="426" height="310" /> </a></p> <p>7 miles, 3 locks in 2¾ hours</p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3992602348026873746.post-52553689226911821522024-01-02T16:41:00.001+00:002024-01-02T16:41:29.918+00:00Barby<p>Last night when we went to bed it was raining but when I got up for my 3am wee it was a clear moon light night with a dead calm canal, however when I woke up this morning it was again raining but not much wind. <br />We pushed off about 10-30am just after the boat that went down the flight backwards on New Years eve came by and we followed him all the way to Braunston Turn. Due to all the rain we have had recently the water was flowing steadily off the fields into the canal, this wont  help with the silt build up.<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1f9tmmDtZGO-P10F7Cc_f2ICmRKhfg7lv"><img title="DSCF8851" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8851" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=14JiQi5TCYUUyOdZRc21vddQ4CR7IU22i" width="426" height="173" /></a> <p>At Braunstone Turn we went left up the North Oxford, I was going to stop at Midland Chandlers but not only was it chucking it down there was a boat already moored outside. We carried on in the rain and what I was dreading the wind was picking up and we needed diesel and a pump-out at Dunchurch Pools marina, always fun in the blustery wind, but today the wind was probably in the best quarter. I crept in close to the bank, put Harnser’s nose against the very shore end of the pontoon and allowed the wind to take the stern round and lay us along side. Once the diesel tank was full and the poo tank empty I paid my dues and we were off again, out of the marina and turned left passing under bridge 80, WRG repaired this bridge some years ago<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1eLpBo8L818LCniP8pcTYHN8id3EIwSB9"><img title="DSCF8853" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="DSCF8853" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1U3OM2fyJLm3ZlZwCEOVaawXTHxxf6bdz" width="426" height="321" /></a>not long after CRT took over from BW but again its starting to crack, its all down to the bridge foundations or lack of them. I hope WRG didn’t give them a guarantee. We carried on for a bit and moored between bridges 78 and 79. since we have been here the rain stopped, the sun came out for a short time, the rain started again and now its blowing a gale.</p> <p>Todays Journey<a href="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mMkZmqRW9IffxENYUyNz_y1rqA5rd2bP"><img title="image" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" border="0" alt="image" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1FTovd0vMByWANF-trLo8DnjZniz6ctB8" width="426" height="293" /></a> 6 miles, no locks in 2¼ hours.</p></p>Brian and Diana on NB Harnserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08569360123827850984noreply@blogger.com0