There and Back Again - Wolverley

Today's Canal - Staffs and Worcs

As forecast, it was a pretty dull day, weather-wise, with grey skies, the odd drop of rain and, less expected, at times quite chilly. Still, tomorrow is supposed to be better.

We continued northwards from Austcliffe, planning to turn around at lunch time before returning back the way we have come. We do not have enough time to make a circular route.

It remained a picturesque route as we headed towards Kinver. At the risk of being mis-labelled, it was somewhat less usual to see a couple of ladies fishing together.

At Kinver, Christine walked into the village to visit another shop in her 'must not pass it by' list. This time she was in search of some tasty cakes. It took ,longer than before because the small shop was exercising strict discipline on its customers who had to form an orderly and socially-distanced queue with only one or two inside at a time.

Meanwhile Mike and Andrew ascended the lock and carried on to the service point just around the corner. Here there are two water points with room for two boats but a boat ahead of us pulled onto the mooring, half in one space and half in the other! This meant that we had to tie the bow up awkwardly and keep a constant watch to prevent the stern either colliding with a long erm noorer or swinging out in the path of other passing boats.

By the time they had finished, Christine was almost back at the boat where she proudly displayed her harvest. A little later, coffee was much enhanced by them.

Dunsley Tunnel - at 23 metres - must be one of the shortest on the network, but its excavation must have been a substantial effort at he time, carved through solid rock.

By now we had decided to continue past Stourton Junction for perhaps another mile to a suitable winding hole.

At the junction, the Stourbridge Canal heads off up through three locks on its way to Stourbridge and then on into Birmingham. The Staffs and Worcs continues to the left.

The winding hole is on a bend and is little more than a widening of the canal. It was quite overgrown suggesting that it is not often used for the purpose of turning around. But we made it after a large number of forward and backward movements. Immediately we moored for lunch.

The afternoon took us back the way we had come this morning although we ended up at Wolverley, not far short of Kidderminster. Many stretches of this canal are carved from red sandstone which often left vertical walls on one side. Understandably, at these places the canal is often quite narrow and modern steerers are daunted by the possibility of passing a boat in the opposite direction. Frequent bends do not help, either.

At Stewponey there was once a busy canal centre withe several buildings and a distinctive toll house. 

The locks are generally spaced out so there are no long spells for reading! Close to Hyde Lock there is an information board that tells the story of Providence Mission that cared for 'crippled children', leasing the 40-roomed Hyde House at the start of the twentieth century, re-naming it Bethany House. Unfortunately the charity did not survive long after the founders death, the house became derelict and eventually burned down.

We continued back through Kinver, Whittington, Debdale and Wolverley Locks before we tied up on the official visitor moorings below that last lock. Although no chance of a tv signal, there are no official places until well into Kidderminster, and that's for tomorrow.

14.2 Miles - 10 Locks

Austcliffe

Today's Navigations - Worcester and Birmingham, River Severn, Staffs and Worcs

We awoke to a bright and sunny day - only a few cloudy spells until just before we moored for the night. At times it was hotter than we have felt for some time.

We had not noticed before that these locks have back pumps. The first part of today was a short section with two remaining locks before the main basin before the river. We paused at the service mooring for the full range of emptying and filling.

The descent to the river is via two wide locks - when we came here in March the lower one was under flood water and there was not much difference between above and below the top lock! Back to normal levels now.

The only landing pontoon below the final lock onto the river is downstream so we had to turn left and make a u-turn to pick up crew!

The view of the city from the river is dominated by the cathedral which towers above the water,

Several of the arches of the main road bridge were blocked by floating debris - trees and branches swept down earlier in the year and still not cleared away.

We net a number of boats coming downstream, almost back to normal traffic levels it would seem.

The first of the three river locks is at Bevere. Keepers were on duty at each of them (the Severn does not offer boater-operation) Two fishermen had found a great shady spot to moor up.

The approaches to all of the locks was noticeably greener than when we came here early in the season last year. At each lock we could see some works taking place around the edges of the weirs but we could not work out exactly what was happening. Anyone know?

There are several popular pubs on the river banks - this one at Holt Bridge was especially busy today with some of its customers sitting in protective bubbles.

Just above Lenchford Inn we saw where the bags of aggregate were being loaded onto pans to take down to the work sites we spotted earlier - but still no clearer about what they are for.

Eventually, the narrow entrance into Stourport Basin came into view.. The ascent from the river to the basin is via two sets of staircase pairs. There were plenty of families around, many keen to help with the locks.

This narrow footbridge was the stimulus to adding guard rails to all similar bridges on this canal.

After landing and setting the second flight, Christine went into town to find one of her favourite pork pie butchers - always needs a diversion when passing through here. This time she also managed to find a jar of lemon curd, meeting up with the boat at the lock out of the basin.

Alas at the top of the second staircase, where there is a large gap between the lock side and the ledge to cross over above the gate, Mike's foot slipped but fortunately he was holding on to the hand rail so only fell onto one knee with only one boot getting wet. This would have been unremarkable were it not for being a performance in front of an audience and also because he now has a rather sore thumb from holding onto the rail.

We were now on the distinctive Staff and Worcs, noted for its bendy but very green appearance. Most of the locks are spaced out, built where a change of level was needed without requiring expensive embankments or cuttings

Just after passing under the Severn Valley Railway Viaduct we were passed by a boat on its way down towards Worcester. As they approached they asked were we Alchemy from Cornwall? Yes we are and they are contributors to some of the same social media - nb Chuffed. Sadly it was a narrow place so no chance to stop and chat. Further, just as we passed we collided with an underwater obstruction socially-distancing from the towpath which pushed us well off course. 

We arrived at Kidderminster, now very much re-developed from its industrial past, with just a few reminders. This chimney is all that is left fro what s now under a shopping centre.

We moved out into countryside once more and whilst Mike prepared the evening meal, Christine and Andrew worked us up three more locks - Christine even steered through a tunnel! They were on the hunt for a mooring spot where there was a chance of tv reception - earlier there was a steep bank in the way. We eventually tied up at Austcliffe.

21.7 Miles - 18 Locks

Shrub Hill

Today's Canal Worcester and Birmingham

We awoke to the promised grey day although already a little warmer than yesterday. By the afternoon it was still largely overcast but almost uncomfortably hot and muggy.

We set off early as we had an appointment at Worcester Marina for around 8.45 but they were only 10 minutes away.

Just before the marina the canal is spanned by an impressive railway bridge, carrying the line out of Foregate and going up to Birmingham via Droitwich.

We made the tight turn into the marina at Lowesmoor - never been in before. There is rather more space than it looks from the canal but still not much room for more than the ABC hire fleet that operates out of here. They have re-started sending people out but are still leaning the somewhat onerous 'guidance' that they seek to follow.

Although there was initially a bit of confusion as the manager/engineer had been given a message that it was a problem with a gas heater, not a Webasto diesel heater. First, we had to spin the boat around so that the stern was closest to the small working area and then he and his assistant started work. 

Of course, the somewhat disconcerting thing was that last night and again the morning the heater had started itself OK. However, we were concerned to be sure and accepted their suggestion of checking the fuel filter to see if it had become blocked. Although the fuel in the cup was a bit dirty the filter itself was very clean so we all surmised that the running-out-of-diesel event when we could not visit the boat might have picked up something after the tank had been refilled.

After reassembling the filter it takes some time for it to re-fill with diesel and for the heater to purge itself of any air locks. The control system locks out after six attempts and then has to be reset by removing the fuse. Eventually, the unit decided that it was time to return from furlough and began to work properly. We gave it time to run through and heat up before turning it off, allowing it purge, cool a little and then restart. We did this a couple of times just to be sure. We have learnt at least two new techniques/adjustments this morning.

Whilst this was taking place they noticed that there was a very small leak from the pipework connections to the calorifier and so tightened them up. Further, they spotted some slack in the throttle level and tightened that as well.

Apologies, chaps, but we completely forgot to find out your names! The 'assistant' (specially recruited to be able to get into the confines of an engine room?) told us all about his band and how different its music is but in a genre that gives them plenty of satisfaction - entirely instrumental with no vocals. His inspiration seemed to come very much from Beethoven! He was chuffed that before we left, Christine managed to find a video of them on You Tube - Soden.

Overall we were exceptionally impressed by the reception and support we received, only outshone when Christine went to pay and she found it hard to believe that the calculation was correct. Based on this experience we are more than happy to give them a promotional plug.

The turn out of the narrow entrance arch is a but tricky as turning right does not have enough room to make it direct from the basin and required numerous back and forth small turns. There is officially a winding hole at the entrance but is not symmetrical.

It was now just after midday so we set off to our planned overnight mooring just after Shrub Hill at the visitor mooring near Asda and the city centre. There is only room for about three boats here and one was right in the middle but they soon told us that they were leaving after lunch. So we tied up as best we could and had our lunch.

After they had left, Mike tried to pull the boat onto a better alignment with the bollards, only to discover that there was something underwater preventing us coming close to the edge. In the end he had to employ the engine to move back a further boat's length where there was better depth.

Later, Christine went across to Asda for a few food items. Not finding a newspaper there she opted to return and spend the rest of the after looking around the city centre shops whilst Mike prepared our evening meal. and wrote up this blog.

And another plug for Worcester Marina!

1.0 Miles - 0 Locks

Gregory's Mill

Today's Canal - Worcester and Birmingham

We spoke too soon! We set off in the blithe belief that all systems were now working but when Mike went to have his bedtime shower he discovered on the lukest of warm water. We had tried the Webasto diesel water heater whilst at the marina and both in he evening and first thing kit seemed to be producing hot water. OK so we had the use of the immersion heater but the towel rail was definitely hot.

Whilst we can produce hot water whilst cruising it soon runs out, making morning and evening ablutions less than comfortable!

We set off and whilst Mike cruised to the first locks, Christine checked with Worcester Boatyard to see if they had anyone that could look at it. Not this afternoon, but first thing tomorrow which fitted in reasonably well as it would take us several hours to get down to Worcester.

The day was rather more overcast than forecast and we did have a couple of spells of very light rain, not enough to don waterproofs.

Shortly after passing under the M5 bridge we arrived at the top of the six lock Offerton flight. These locks are not quite as deep as those at the top of the Droitwich and we  encountered few problems. 

Unusually, the lock cottage not at one end of the flight but alongside the second down.

At the bottom lock we met the first moving boat of the day although by the time we finished we had seen quite number, several appeared to be hire boats from Worcester.

Just above Blackpole Lock is this splendid milestone.

After passing under the bridge that carries the railway line between Worcester and Droitwich we arrived at out expected lunch stop, a little earlier than anticipated. Although we have stopped here before, this longer pound was today remarkably low and we had to moor with quite a gap between the boat and the towpath.

Before setting off, Mike walked to the convenience shop that we discovered back in March and was pleased that he could purchase the last (only?) copy of our paper. Luckily, we only wanted the one copy!

Just after our lunch mooring are the two Bilford Locks. The top lock has had to have an emergency repair to the balance beam on the top gate, not long after we came through here back in March. At the time there was some debate about how it happened but lock down seems to have left us with no answers!

At Gregory's Mill top lock our way was obstructed by a swan family - Mr, Mrs and Junior, that refused to vacate the space that we needed. Mike stayed on board as Christine let the water out so that we could give them the safe room they needed and they sped out as soon as the gates were open.

The boatyard is not far below Gregory's Mill bottom lock - alas the mooring close to Asda that we used in March is just the other side, a bit to far to reverse up. So, we looked for a mooring before the entrance. Unfortunately the official 48hr mooring, complete with rings is now right outside a block of flats so we went just around the corner - not as well dredged but needs must so we stayed here for tonight.

5.2 Miles - 12 Locks

Short Trip To Oddingley

Today's Canals - Droitwich, Worcester and Birmingham

This morning we went into Droitwich to stock up our larders from Morrisons. After the announcement this morning about wearing face coeverings in shops after next week, we thought that we had better try and get used to it. After this experience it seems as if it will take some time for us not to feel very uncomfortable. One of the greatest losses with face coverings is being unable to read people's facial expressions. The simple smile at a checkout person is no longer readily available.This cannot be good for society.

It was lunch time when we had packed away the stores and whilst we ate we also filled up the water tank.

Food consumed, we started up the engine - fired first time - and moved across the marina to the service point. Not long after the fuel started going into the tank, Christine was able to report that the fuel gauge now showed a reading. That, at least, is one less thing to have to worry about.

Out onto the Droitwich and we were properly on the move! It was a somewhat weird feeling after all this time cooped up, tinged with a little bit of guilt about whether this was the right thing to do and would we all too soon be stuck with a 'second wave'?

Just after the exit we reached the first of the three tip locks on the Droitwich, all of which have working side ponds. One of a couple of Fountains grass cutters helped Christine open the first lock as he waited for his mate to catch up. He seemed somewhat unfamiliar with locks but keen to discover more.

Alongside the top lock the Volunteer Lockies' hut looks new but we did wonder whether the heritage people had approved of it - looks wood but is all artificial. Perhaps this lock is not listed, although many are.

After the top lock we arrived at Hanbury Junction and made a sharp right towards Worcester. The next short stretch was as crowded as back in March with boats moored outside the pub as well as at the boatyard. Then followed the long line of permanent moorings.

We soon discovered that whilst we have been in lock down, the vegetation has been growing rampantly! At times there was little more than one boat's width between the reeds and we had to hold back when faced with an oncoming boat, especially if a hire boat out of Worcester. 

Dunhampstead Tunnel is only just over 200 metres in length, wide enough for two way working and remarkably dry.

A short distance after the tunnel we reached the spot at Oddinglkey where we moored back in March. After some distance of very overgrown banks we were pleased to see that the armco was at least visible even if stepping of the boat need some care.

Hardly a massive trip but at least we have started to remember where everything is . . .

3.2 Miles - 3 Locks

Back to the boat - at last!

After 18 weeks absence as a result of the Covid-19 we have taken a somewhat wary step of coming up to the boat today, hopefully for at least a short excursion. After such a long period in lock down, like many other people, we emerge with our confidence at a reduced level. 

In addition, we always wonder what we might find after a time away from the boat - what might have gone wrong and what is not working?

As well as the things that affect everyone, we - like too many people - have been adversely affected by the lock down and are having to divert quite a bit of time dealing with the consequences. Still, we are determined to enjoy a week on board. Last night we watched just a little of a slow tv documentary of a boat cruising on the K&A and mused that our original plans for this summer might well have meant that that is where we should have been by now, after a trip down the Wey Navigation as well as the Basingstoke!

Part of the fall out is that our house in Cornwall is now on the market although we are not pushing for a quick sale. It was always on the cards that at some stage we would make a move 'up country' as, even with today's transport and communication technologies, it is quite distant from our family and their families. Just was not planned for this year!

So, leaving everything neat and tidy for possible viewings, we set off in the car just after 9.30. We filled the car with fuel at the nearby Tesco - the first time in three months as the car has done so very few trips. In fact about the only thing we have used the larger car for has been three trips to the tip with the result of a lock down loft tidy! But, at the start of a long journey, it is better to set out with a full tank.

Although we had little unexpected delay, the motorway was busier than we had expected. Almost as many vehicles out as before the pandemic, except that by now there would have been long strings of caravans.

We did have one slow spell but that was caused by a very wide load that reduced everyone down to a single lane whilst passing it. We arrived at the marina early afternoon.

So far, most on board systems are working normally but we have left starting up the engine until tomorrow! One thing that is still not working however is the fuel gauge although our trusty dipstick from nb Take Five at least helped to verify that we should make it across the marina to the fuel point! (I knew that we were right to hang on to it!) We did have a similar fault once before which turned out to be a loose connection. Since, whilst we were away, next door Steve had to fix the Webasto which is next to the sensor for the fuel tank, that is a clue. But we are not looking at it today!

Having unpacked we are simply glad to be able to chill out with no sense of guilt at not sorting out yet another box in the loft that has not seen the light of day for several years. In fact much of what is stored there went in en bloc when we moved into this house about 17 years ago! Since then it has been pretty much a one way process in which every time we wanted to put something out of sight without deciding properly whether it was needed or not - up in the loft it went. Has anyone else been like that? Still, sorting it out has provoked a few reminiscences along the way as some of the 'stuff' dates back to our teens.