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Today's Canals - Worcester and Birmingham, Droitwich

Not far to go today - except that there were still 15 locks to negotiate. Again, all downhill. We realised yesterday that the last time we had done locks downhill without assistance was way back in June when we came down the Rufford Arm, ready for the fist attempt at a Ribble Crossing. The locks on the Ribble Link were downhill on the return but we had lack keepers with us all the way to almost all of the work. Similarly with the Poolstock Locks. Since then we climbed steadily up to the Birmingham Level and only yesterday began the descent down to the marina. When we are on our own with flights of locks we try to be as efficient as we can manage. Mostly, one sets the next lock whilst the other brings the boat out. Closing up the gates at the bottom is more work than at the top (two gates rather than one)

It was not as cold this morning when we first poked our heads out of the warm cabin, but a stiff breeze was with us much of the day. However, we saw none of the forecast rain (still very badly needed). That's the mooring back under the bridge next to the Queen's Head. (Do they all have to change to the King's Head? like QCs become KCs?)

After yesterday's exertions we were not quick off the mark (mind you a larger and fitter crew on the boat that followed us down and moored next to us were even slower away!)

Today the locks are broken up in to more manageable chunks - 6 Stoke Locks, 6 Astwood Locks and 3 Hanbury Locks. The first of the Stoke flight was only a few minutes away.

A fairly new liveaboard single hander was just ahead of us and was very keen to help us as well, opening the top paddles before leaving each lock. Christine discovered (he was quite chatty!) that he is planning a blog on cooking on the cut that will bring him some income as he cruises continuously. Good luck - we will keep an eye open for it. At this stage he was only going as far as Stoke Prior., the bottom of the first flight.

It was not yet lunch time so we made a start on the Astwood Flight. The last lock is a little separate and there is a moor-able stretch just below the penultimate lock. This was the chance for a break.

The afternoon added warm sunshine to the dry weather and it was a pleasant end to our cruising for this season.

We now had a 20 minute run to Hanbury Junction where we turned right onto the Droitwich Canal. Immediately we faced the three Hanbury Locks and, as there are often volunteers on hand here (it seems to be a priority as less experienced boaters can be a bit foxed by the side pounds which are unusually still in use and saving a bit of water each time. Would they be here today? As soon as we made the turn we looked carefully and, at least on tis occasion,m were relived to see that two very helpful volunteers were available and made our final flight just that bit easier.

 

The wind had picked up a little and changed direction almost completely since this morning so we were taking careful note where it was blowing when it came to reversing into our slot. We did manage to judge it just right as we eased the stern into the gap with the wind continuing to complete the turn. Alas, just as we were half way in, a sudden gust sent things a bit astray but we were by now able to complete the manoeuvre and then tie up.

4.6 Miles - 15 Locks