It was generally a grey day but somewhat milder than the last couple. Rain was forecast but it must have passed us by.
We set off again in good time with just over six miles of level cruising through the last of the distinctive Shroppie landscape.
When we started this cruise we noticed that some of the trees were beginning to change but after the high winds of the last few days many of the deciduous trees are now in their bare winter condition.
The final section down to Autherley feels a bit more like the Staffs and Worcs which is very close towards the east. One section is very narrow, just like the more well known narrows on the S&W.
Just before Autherley, Christine was dropped off to walk the short distance to a nearby Morrisons which we have used several times in the past when in this area. Andrew and Mike continued to the water point just before the junction where a somewhat depleted tank was restored to a full condition. Although it was quite a good tap - flow-wise - it was just after we finished that Christine rang to say that she was on her way back and we agreed to wait for her at the junction.
It is only a stop lock at the junction, intended to control the flow of water between the canals of different companies. By the time we had filled the lock and visited the rubbish bins, Christine had arrived and wanting a lift!
We turned right onto the Staff and Worcs but called at Oxley Marine for re-fuelling. We know Orph and Phil, two of the canals characters who also know quite a bit about boats. Orph used to write an occasional column on a website about their experiences in rescuing and repairing boats in distress but sadly he gave that up a year or so ago - it always made fascinating reading. Towards the end of our ownership of Take Five we had a new engine installed by them. Today we filled up with diesel and also obtained a new gas bottle - one had run out whilst Mike was down in Cornwall.
On again and we only had a brief stay on the Staffs and Worcs as we turned onto the BCN at Aldersley Junction, the bottom of the Wolverhampton 21.
We made efficient progress although we met three boats at the first four locks. One of them took a while as they were impeded by something behind one of the bottom gates.
A few locks later and we saw a contractor spraying the weeds around the lock edge. We were a little bemused to watch as he removed his protective gear before getting out another container of weedkiller fluid from his van and poured into the sprayer. He then pout his gear back on to continue with the next section of weeds. One might have thought that the refilling exercise was at least as risky as the spraying . . .
Christine decided that we would have lunch on the go so the steerer had to make their sandwiches as they came through each lock. (In fact, she opted to wait until we arrived at the top before having hers)
Not all of the bridges here are as scenic as some!
Andrew spotted that this food preparation factory is right next to a large incinerator (just out of shot to the left). He wondered whether the consumers would have appreciated its proximity whilst Mike thought that perhaps they could go in for direct delivery, cutting out the middle person! You may also spot that we had a brief sunny spell as well.
We had three youngsters accompany us for the last few locks - it was their half term. They helped with paddles and gates and took an interest in what the canals were for. So much better to have them involved this way than creating difficulties when they are made to feel unwelcome. We arrived at the top lock around 2 hours and 41 minutes after starting.
Andrew went to find a newspaper - Christine had not taken the token with her to the supermarket earlier - whilst Mike took the boat under the next bridge to Broad Street Basin where he was able to empty the elsan. It facility had just been cleaned and the lass who had done it was just about to leave. We had a short but pleasant chat.
We now had a level run through to the Black Country Museum where there are visitor moorings. Actually there are quite a number in this area, some just before the junction and some outside the secure section as well as where we aimed to stop(just enough room) inside the locked gates.
On the way we passed Horseley Fields Junction, where the Curly Wurly branches off . . .
and also Deepfields Junction which links with the Bradley Arm at the end of which many new locks gates are made.
Mike was intrigued by one item of graffiti: "Jet fuel can't melt steel beams" but he was reliably informed by Andrew that it is a conspiracy theory slogan regarding the 7/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre. Later there were some other slogans around the same issue.
This fallen stonework looked fairly fresh - hopefully no-one was near when it fell and that some protection against further damage will soon be in place.
At Factory Junction the New Main Line continues straight ahead down three locks but we continued on the Old Main line for a short while to our intended overnight mooring.
Just around the corner an old canal workshop or warehouse appears top have found a new use as a canoe centre.
14.5 Miles - 22 Locks
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