Sixways

Canals - Droitwich, Worcester and Birmingham

The first item on our 'shakedown' discoveries is that we left behind both a camera (actually an old smartphone) and some of the Waterway Routes folders (hence no photos with this blog). We also should have sorted out a replacement hanging fender which we lost just before we came to the end of last year's cruising. Oh, and we forgot to print out our new licence cards! Boat, however, seems to be OK even if the crew are a little wonkier than last season . . .

We did not cast off from our pontoon until just after 10:30 and, on leaving the marina, we turned right to ascend the three Hanbury locks. Midway, we passed a b oat coming down - the only moving boat all day. We forgot to ask but then hoped that they were headed for the marina as the canal is still closed just beyond. When we reached the junction we did notice that there was a warning sign clearly posted.

No volunteers on today so it was all diy. These locks are quite deep but, even with the side ponds to operate, not too difficult. The top side pond was actually empty - perhaps the boat coming down had emptied it as the pound below was rather low and Christine had quite a task to persuade the boat to make it into the lock.

We turned right at Hanbury junction, heading south towards Worcester. During the next long level pound, Christine set about making soup for lunch. We stopped on our favourite mooring opposite Oddingley Church.

After refreshment we set off once again with a short run to the top of the six lock Offerton flight. Although the first lock was full, the rest were a random mixture with three of them empty and with bottom gates open.

It was almost four o'clock when we left the bottom lock - it would have been another two locks and some distance to the next known mooring so we came to a halt for the night just after Sixways Stadium. We are  not sure what is happening to the ground after the collapse of the Worcester Warriors team who leased the site for their games.

Despite the weather warnings, it was not an impossible day - warmer than we anticipated but with a chilling wind when not sheltered. the sky was permanently overcast and just occasionally some light dampness in the air. But at least we made a good start to the season, taking into account our limitations! good to be on the move once more.

5.5 Miles - 9 Locks