Wolverhampton

Today's Canals - Staffs and Worcs, BCN

We had a bit of a lie-in this morning (not intended!) so it was almost 10:20 before we left out overnight stop right alongside the towpath bridge that marks the start (or, in our case, the end) of the Shropshire Union.

We only went about 100m before we stopped again, on the opposite bank, to call at Oxley Marine. The main purpose was to buy a bag of smokeless fuel but also to see if the famous Phil could fix a problem that has just developed with one of the hob gas burners. Although he tried hard, he could not remove the screw that we had also tired but failed to shift. However, he did leave it in a state that we can now clear underneath and perhaps be able to use it. 

It was just after 11 o'clock before we finally set off on the half mile stretch between Autherley and Addersley Junctions. There seem to be more bridges of all sorts than anywhere else on the system in such a short distance. Railway drinking water, sewage, and finally a turnover bridge (not for cars etc) all make an appearance.

At Addersley we turned onto the BCN and immediately began the ascent of the Wolverhampton 21, a well known challenge for any boater. We have done it many times before but each time it seems a little bit different. Probably the first time was in the mid 70's on a hire boat with friends and two sets of small children when we picked up a coil of barned wire on the prop. Alas, back then the boat did not have a weed hatch and work on the prop had to be done water-side. We only had some very simple tools and used a technique that a professional boater had told us about but which we had never actually seen done. In today's context it would seem quite unwise but those were the days! Today, most of the locks in the flight have an autumnal look.

There is almost only one pound where there is enough length to moor, even for a short break but it was just after midday when we completed five locks and so pulled in for coffee and a wee snack to keep us going until we reached the top.

This is first time we recall seeing a bridge name in the new corporate colours - quite different from all the older name plates in this flight.

A large energy-from-waste processing plant is alongside several locks - at Lock 6 we have al most the last view.

Two locks from the top a couple of young students asked Christine lots of questions about the canal. One of them has just completed his Masters in Mechanical Engineering and begins his first professional job next week on one of the many automotive component businesses that operate all across this conurbation. Too quite an extent it is this style of having specialist component makers that fuelled the growth of industry in this region. Apart from helping with the locks, he also enjoyed the chance to have a go at steering into a lock. It never ceases to amuse us just how much people of all ages respond to the chance to 'have a go' and lend a hand.

At the same time, an older chap on a bicycle engaged Christine in conversation. When he left school in 1962 he found work on canal boats. Alas, that winter was The Big Freeze which left the canals frozen over for months. It marked the end of commercial carrying as few could survive without work. This chap was able then to train as a welder which he worked at ever since.

As soon as we reached the top we moored up, with all the moorings to ourselves (the ones just under the bridge were a bit busier). Three and a half hours, excluding the snack break - hardly our best time but we have done it! All but five of the locks were against us. Back in the spring we went from top to bottom in two and a half hours but we did have Andrew with us then!

After another snack, Mike walked to the station to buy the first train ticket for tomorrow. He will be going back to Swanley Bridge Marina to collect our car, take it down to Droitwich and then return by train. One of the two taxis involved has also been booked. It will take most of the day but at least we will not have to do it at the end of the journey.

2.4 Miles - 21 Locks