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.

Goin' Nowhere!

Not on a canal

About time to update - when we left the boat at the marina we fully expected to be back in just over two weeks but it was not to be.

We returned home a couple of days earlier than originally planned as Mike had a date at the annual St Piran's Awards in Perranzabuloe Church. These awards, in the form of a small cross made from Cornish tin, are made by the bishop to lay people who have been nominated locally for their contribution to church life, often over long periods. The idea was that of the previous bishop, Tim, and I was part of the initial occasion. I have been involved several times - the Chair of the Diocesan Synod House of Laity**  reads each citation and formally presents each recipient to the bishop. It is a wonderful occasion and people who receive a cross are able to bring a number of personal guests who are then encouraged to be vocal in acclaiming the person they have come with after the cross has been presented.

We also asked Steve, the marine engineer that stays on the boat next to Alchemy, to take a look at our chimney. For a while we have had a leak down the side of the flue after heavy rain. Recently, we took a closer look - previously we have simply renewed the mastic around the junction between the flue and the roof - and spotted that when the chimney moves from side to side - in the wind or when being removed for cruising - the sealant can be seen to open up a very tiny gap.

A few days after we returned home we had a message to say that he had taken a detailed look, removing the ceiling cover inside and he could see that there was an issue with the roof insulation and also how the flue inside the roof is secured. He told us that after several days of testing it is now fully waterproof once more!

As soon as we returned home we were warned by our daughter - in the strongest possible terms - that a prolonged stay at home was most likely and, indeed, it was not long before we were having to practice something unheard of before: social distancing. With further restrictions on the cards, we made sure that our larder, fridge and freezer were able to withstand at least a week at a time! By now, supermarket shelves were starting to thin out.

However, by 24th March Boris had 'spoken to the nation' and we are all now under severe limitations on what we can do outside our own homes. Fortunately we have a couple of fields very close to our house that were provided by the developer of the estate for amenity purposes so we can take a short walk each day for exercise, but it does not feel the same as navigating a set of locks!

Last Friday we did go to Tesco for a 'weekly' shop in the hour's slot reserved for those 70+ or vulnerable. We had about a 45 minute queue, all marked out with the necessary social distances, before we were allowed in. No flour but we obtained most of what we wanted. The downside was having to accept that we are now labelled 'elderly'. Before this we were most definitely not elderly! The rest of the day was a bit of a downer as a result. It is also strange to realise how we have all succumbed to the 'just in time' way of life, topping up with small shopping lists every day or do. How much milk do we need for a week?

Our marina, along with all the others, is now shut other than for those living on board. Leisure boaters are not allowed even to visit. We have been assured that they will check the electricity meter and top up if necessary. Our main problem is that we left the Webasto heater on frost which we usually do during the winter. However, we are no getting a little concerned about how much diesel there is in the tank and when it might run out. We may have to ask for further help ere long! Not sure what will happen with the heater if it comes on with no fuel.

To think, when we left the boat we had never heard of social distancing or Zoom, now both regular parts of our necessary vocabulary. At least one good thing - it seems likely that there will be a massive re-think about the way the NHS has been treated and funded over the past decade now that everyone has discovered that we have no other agency to look after us when it really matters.

0 Miles - 0 Locks (!!)

** (Yes, that's still Mike for a little while longer - his planned resignation at Easter has been put on hold along with all elected office holders in many organisations)

Back to the Marina - Again

Today's Canals - Worcester and Birmingham, Droitwich Junction

It has been much colder overnight and we awoke to see a light frost covering everywhere. However, it was also a cloudless sky and the views were spectacular.

We only had an hour and half run back to the marina so we were in no hurry to set off - Christine did some of the packing ready for tomorrow's return to home, whilst Mike finished the book he had been reading this trip.

Mid morning we upped stakes (actually, released our mooring ropes from the chains we use to tie up to armco) with a great view across the field to the former farmhouse beside the church at Oddingley.

Before long we arrived at Dunhampstead Tunnel - fairly short, wide enough to pass a boat coming the other way and really quite dry.

There is a number of substantial houses close to the canal along the next stretch, each surrounded by plenty of space, no chance of being annoyed by noisy neighbours! This one was especially grand - it appears to remain a single property despite its unusual size.

This section of the canal has reeds left along the towpath side. Whilst they make a splendid photo at this time of the year, unless controlled they will soon become an obstruction to boats passing in opposite directions.

After turning left at Hanbury Junction we arrived at the top of the three locks down to the marina. These are unusual in having working side ponds which the lock keepers (mostly volunteers) are keen to see used. In drier weather they do save a certain amount of water - that is why they were built. Today we had two keepers still around and keen to help. Normally until the start of the main season they only come on in the morning for a short time just to check the water levels on the Droitwich. The warm conditions today meant that they were not anxious to leave early! The number of hire boats temporarily using the marina here for turn around have kept the flight unseasonably busy.

Passing through the middle pound.

The lock keeper at the last lock was commenting to Christine on how smoothly she steered into the lock. Alas, unused to such compliments she was completely distracted from making sure that she stopped before running into the bottom gates! The front fender, already in need of some TLC, came adrift and Mike had to effect a running repair as soon as we were back on our pontoon. We concluded that we will need to source a new fender ere ling but would like to find a shape that is less prone to slipping round to one side of the bow.

After lunch we had various tasks as well as cleaning ready for departure. Mike is trying to fit a supplementary bilge pump to dry out the sections not usually pumped by the existing auto pump - not quite sure how the rain gets in, but sometimes it does. He went up to the nearby garden centre at Wychbold for a short piece of pipe - he had obtained the pump and wiring items when last at home. However, the spare 12 v plug that he had hoped to use turned out to be incomplete so the project awaits completion next visit.

3.3 Miles - 3 Locks

Oddingley

Today's Canal - Worcester and Birmingham

Today was grey throughout and, unlike yesterday, there was a very chilly breeze around but apart from a very few moments it remained dry. Before setting off, Mike walked to a nearby convenience store - they had the required paper (and accepted the token) but no feta cheese.

Shortly after we cast off, a boat came the other way - we have seen about five or six boats on the move each day on this trip.

Ten minutes later we arrived at the first lock of the day.

At Tolladine, the next lock, there was a large lump of weed that had come adrift from the bank and,whilst it looks benign in the photo, became a problem when the top gate was being opened to let the boat out. It was too heavy to lift out so we just managed to push it to one side.

After another short gap we reached the bottom lock of the Offerton flight of six. Immediately we could see that the pound above was very low, perhaps half a metre below normal level. We came lout of the lock very gently but at least did not catch on the cill - being stuck at the point can be rather serious matter especially of the bottom gates leak. Christine walked ahead to make sure that the next lock was ready for the boat to come straight in and Mike drove very gently and was quite pleased that he managed to reach the end without undue incident, just a few humps and bumps along the way. Alas, he rejoiced too soon as there was a particularly shallow part just below the lock, barely a boat length away and, despite several attempts, we were stuck. Christine then went ahead and ran some water down from the second pound and it did not take too much to give us sufficient depth to nudge gently into the lock. Phew!

The pounds became gradually fuller and by the time we were at the penultimate lock all looked normal. There was a CaRT lock lengthsman who had just arrived and we were able to let him know that there was action needed below! He, Graham, was particularly chatty and very keen to tell us all about his dog, a pure bred saluki whose grandmother had been a supreme champion at Crufts!

As it was still a little early for lunch we pressed on for about half an hour and moored at Oddingley, where we planned to visit the ancient church, set on a small knoll just a field away from the canal.

After ;lunch we walked the short distance to the church - we found a gate that gave us a short cut across a small paddock.

The churchyard is still active with several burials in recent years including one highly decorated, remembering a mother who died last August, aged just 30. From the churchyard we could look down towards the canal and keep an eye on the boat.

Inside the church us comparatively small although quite typical of those that served but a tiny community.

We spotted a couple of reminders that when the nearby Hadzor Church closed in 1970, some of its belongings were transferred here when this became their parish church. The lectern bible, as well as a large print prayer book, are inscribed a presented by Richard Holmden Amphlett, one time rector at Hadzor as well as Lord of the Manor. One of his sons, Richard Paul, became a very successful barrister in London and later a Conservative MP for East Worcestershire.

Another item from Hadzor is the small organ. Hadzor Hall dates from the late 18th C and was the seat of the Galton family until the early part of the 20th C. Hadzor Hall was previously owned by the Amphletts but the above Richard ran short of funds and sold it to the Galtons, moving to the nearby much smaller Wychbold Hall.

4.1 Miles - 8 Locks