Rea Bridge to Sharpness

Having spent the rest of the weekend moored at Rea Bridge today we moved down to Sharpness, and what a change in the weather, almost summerlike. With clearly marked mileposts I timed our run, and with the throttle set at the normal canal cruising setting, I measured it as being 4.6mph, double what we would be doing on narrow canals. I will have to do some measurements on the return trip at higher throttle settings, to see what she will do.

We arrived at Sharpness, and winded at the junction of the old arm, and moored up halfway between the junction and the old railway bridge. The photo is more or less the view we have across the estuary and we look forward to spending a few days here, so lots of bird watching could be the order of the day.

As we moored up, Roger Fuller arrived by bike, soon to be followed by Teresa in a dinghy and Glyn off of Aquarius by foot, and we returned to their boats for coffee and a good chat, before they set off to start their return journey to Stone. We may well have to get the chairs out and enjoy the sunshine whilst it is here, and dig out the binoculars.

Keith.

Gloucester Docks to Rea Bridge

We have now moved out of Gloucester docks, stopped briefly at the sanitary station, to empty the cassette, top up with water and empty the rubbish, then stopped a bit longer at Sainsburys for a good shopping session, and then moved onto Rea Bridge where we have moored for the weekend.

At Sainsburys we spotted some Samsung ES75 compact cameras for sale, and as when we had wandered around Gloucester Thursday, Jo had ended up with a headache carrying her Canon SLR around her neck for quite a long time, we decided to get one for when we wander around and don't want to carry the big camera. Full report to follow soon, after the battery has charged and we have tried it out. Maybe when we take a walk down to the river whilst we are moored here. It won't be photos of the Severn Bore though, not at this time anyway, not until the end of this month.

Keith.

Lower Lode to Goucester Docks

We set off from Lower Lode this morning aiming to arrive at Gloucester lock for the 11:45am locking. As it was very windy and at times when it was a direct hed wind, which in nautical terms we had wind over tide, in other words the river was flowing in one direction and the wind was in the opposite direction, which is when waves are created, I wound the National up to make sure we were not to miss the locking, otherwise there would be a 2 hour wait for the next one. We were looking out for the notice board telling us to radio the lock to let them know we were on the way, which we found at Upper Parting, where the River Severn seperates into 2 channels of which we had to take the east channel. However this was only 2.5 miles from the lock and we were there at 10:45am, so I eased back to a crawl to kill some time before arriving at the lock, and there was me worrying we would take too long and miss the lock, hahahaha.

A quick VHF radio call to Gloucester lock and they asked me to call again at the 3 bridges, which I did when we go there, which is only half a mile from the lock. They informed me to come ahead and the lock would be ready for us to enter, and there was already one narrowboat in the lock. They also warned me of the dredger below the lock. As we approached the lock, the gates opened, the lights changed to green and we slipped into the lock and moored against the other boat which just happened to be "Nobody Knows" who we met at the Droitwich Festival. This was 11:15am so we had to wait for half an hour before they filled the lock, aas at present they are on restricted operation due to water shortage, so whereas normally they would just have let us in and filled the lock straight away, they are doing a 2 hour turn round. At least we were safely in the lock and not having to hang onto the quay wall outside the lock. Once through the lock we pulled into the dock, and spun round to reverse into the new pontoon moorings close to the lock. Fortunately for us one of the 2 linear moorings was available, so we slipped into it.

After some lunch we took a walk around the dock, and whilst crossing at the dry dock, which was being drained with a real dutch barge in it, I wondered if it was the one that a young woman in the Lower Lode Inn had said her and her husband had bought and was going into dry dock for a survey and blacking, and as we were directed to her husband it was. It is some craft which needs a lot of work doing to it, but once finished they are going to take it to France, Belgium and Holland to cruise their canals.

We wandered around the new Gloucester Quays, before heading into the city centre, where we found our bearings and found the cathedral, which we visited. I liked the highly decorated organ pipes, which I have never seen before.

We are now looking forward to visiting the Waterways Museum tomorrow, along with everything we missed today, well all we can visit in one day that is.

Keith.

Worcester to Lower Lode

The morning started well as we left Worcester, sunshine, but cloudy, but this didn't last long. We arrived at Upton, and tried to moor on the inside of the pontoons, just as the heavens opened, we gave that idea up, to shallow for Hadar, so we pressed on to Tewkesbury. Thunder, lightning also accompanied the next shower. Unfortunately we arrived at Avon Lock at the entrance to the River Avon, just as the lock keeper disappeared for lunch, so we carried on down to Upper Lode locks, and the lock keeper recommended the BW moorings at Lower Lode, which is where we are now moored, and having had lunch we will just have to explore the area, and maybe sample some ale at the Lower Lode Inn, pictured above, seeing we are moored right outside it.

Keith.

Droitwich to Worcester

A slow start this morning as we wanted to fill up with water from the wharf, but had to wait until the tap became free. Once the water tank was full, we set off down the Droitwich Barge Canal, which started out dry but changed to light drizzle by the time we arrived at Ladywood lock, where we met up with narrowboat Déjà Vu, who we shared to locks with down to the River Severn, where we moored up at Worcester Racecourse and they carried on down the river. By the time we arrived at the junction back onto the river the drizzle had stopped, and the sun has now come out again.

The Droitwich Barge Canal is very picturesque, and certainly lives up to what everyone was saying about it that came up to the festival that way. Definitely worth the detour through Droitwich on both canals, now they are open. We are definitely looking forward to returning to Droitwich in the future.

Keith.

End to a Perfect Stay at Droitwich

We have had an excellent time at Droitwich ever since we arrived here Tuesday. As we are intending to leave tomorrow morning we thought we would go out for a meal tonight. As the local Chinese restaurant was closed on a Monday, shame really as some boaters here had gone there last week and say it was very good, we opted for an Indian instead, and following a recommendation we went to Dilshad Tandoori, and had what has been the best Indian meal we have ever had at a restaurant, excellent food, and excellent service, so if you ever stop in Droitwich and fancy a meal out we can highly recommend them, you can find them in the High Street.

Keith.

Droitwich Canals Reopening

The Droitwich Canals were officially reopened yesterday by Secretary of State for DEFRA, Caroline Spelman. The whole procedings went very well, and many people from the boats and town turned out to join in with this momentous occasion. The sun shone brightly and everyone had a great time. The special guests arrived at the marquee by boat, and the ceremony was completed by a small parade of historic boats.

Boaters and townsfolk assembling for the opening ceremony outside the marquee, awaiting the arrival of the VIP's.



The parade of boats, including historic working boats, rafts and canoes.

Keith.

Netherwich Basin

Throughout the day boats have been arriving, and the basin is bristling with boats, many have decorated their boats with bunting. At lunchtime we had a nice drink with some of our neighbours in the basin at the local pub, The Railway, which you can see in the background of the photo. Have you spotted Hadar?

Hanbury Wharf to Droitwich

We set off this morning to follow the other boats before us down the Droitwich Junction Canal. The anticipation and expectation was all worth it. There was quite a bit of a delay and hold ups, as other boats coming the opposite direction were having difficulty with weeding up props, as did the boats ahead of us, fortunately we didn't have any such problem. We were held up between locks 2 & 3, waiting for the go ahead from the BW staff to carry on. Once on the move again we enjoyed the trip, and found it really quite exciting exploring this canal, which in parts is completely new where it has had to be rerouted around properties built on the original line. Our only concern was the headroom clearance at the M5 tunnel, but we had a good 8" of clearance. Once into the Barge Lock in Droitwich we came into view of the very beautiful area around the Barge Canal called Vines Park, just beyond this we came to Nertherwich Basin, where they have fitted secure pontoon moorings, where we are now moored for the forthcoming weekend. Paddy likes this mooring as you can see in the photo. We have had a busy time since arriving chatting to other boaters who have arrived here ready for the weekend. Tomorrow will be exploring Droitwich Town day.

Keith.

Tibberton to Hanbury Wharf

A short run in distance, but it took 1hour 35mins due to the shallowness of the cut, prop was turning mud all the way, definitely needs dredging. We arrived at Hanbury Wharf and moored outside the "Eagle & Sun", and after chatting to some boaters moored here at the junction, we had lunch in the "Eagle & Sun" with John and Sheila on Solitaire, who we have got to know since they first moored next to us at Diglis. After lunch we said cheerio to them as they are continuing up the Worcs & Birm, we walked down the junction canal to find the local BW man Tom, but at the new staircase locks we met some BW workers doing some final touchs ready for tomorrow. According to them we should be able to come down tomorrow, so we are looking forward to this, I doubt I will sleep much tonight with anticipation. We never did find Tom, a man of mystery in these parts, well the parts we keep looking in.

Keith.

Having posted this earlier we have since found out that the Droitwich Junction Canal will be open from 10:00am tomorrow morning.

Keith.

Worcester to Tibberton

Quite a warm mornings run from Worcester to Tibberton. We have at least done all the locks between Worcester and Hanbury Wharf, so we can relax now until Monday. The Worcs & Birm needs some serious dredging, as I have struggled since we left Worcester, with very shallow water. Fortunately at most locks I did not have to pull into the lock moorings, which I doubt I would have been able to. Either Jo walked ahead from the previous lock and set the next one, or the lock was empty and I was able to go straight in, dropping Jo off at the tail of the lock. Even where we are moored at Tibberton on the 48hr moorings, we are 1ft away from the bank.

Keith.

Worcester

We spent quite a bit of time in Worcester Cathedral this morning, a very beautiful building, both outside and in. We were treated to some rather nice impromptu organ music whilst there. We then went for another wander around the city looking for antique shops, those that were open had nothing we were interested in. We have found another very good Chinese buffet called "Angel Chef" in Angel Street, another one to add to our list. We were glad we got there early as it got very busy so must be popular with the locals.

Keith.

Stourport to Worcester

A dull morning, but we set off with apprehension, heading down through the basin locks, and onto the River Severn. Now was the time to see if the new prop really performed. Anyone know where we can buy some cheap water skis?

Hadar certainly moves really well on the river, with only half an extra turn on the throttle wheel, she was flying, first time she has created a real bow wave. This stretch of the River is new to us both, and it looked very nice. The locks are quite interesting, very different from those on the River Thames. We were soon approaching Worcester, and turned into the first of the 2 locks into Diglis Basin, which has obviously changed since I was last here in 1997, I don't recognise much, then on through to the visitor moorings above bridge No.2. Time to explore Worcester now.

Visitor moorings just outside Diglis Basin, on the Worcs & Birm Canal.

Keith.

Blogging Friend.

Yesterday we had a very welcome visitor. Lesley off of NB Caxton (CLICK) came and paid us a visit, with her dogs Floyd and Fletcher.Lesley and Joe are also moored in Stourport Basin and have taken a mooring for 6 months, whilst they have another boat built. (CLICK). It was so nice to chat to Lesley face to face, because we have only ever seen Caxton in passing. I do enjoy putting names to faces and as Lesley is a fellow blogger, it was wonderful to chat about all things boatie and yes it did include loo's. Whilst we whiled away an hour we watch people coming and going from the sanitary station. The most noticeable coming and going was the hotel boats Oak and Ash. They were being turned around after watering up one boat. The steerer soaked everyone within reach with his prop wash and then went on to bellow instructions at his crew member and other boaters who he seemed to think were in his way. It was a joy to meet Lesley and the doggies and we wish them well with their new adventure. I am sincerely hoping we get to see them out and about on their new boat Yarwood.

Jo.

Also today Brian on nb Kyle arrived at Stourport, and we joined him and some of his friends for a drink at the Angel on the river front.

Keith.

Preparationd for the River

This morning I wanted to do 2 things, first check the prop and second get the anchor out ready.

I am glad I checked the prop as there was a bicycle inner tube wrapped around it with the usual assorted bits of plastic bags, string, etc. which was trapped by the inner tube. All nice and clear before setting off down the river.

Jo dug out the anchor, chain and warp from under all the bags of kindling in the hold. I attached the warp to the T-stud, and then attached the chain to the warp, and finally the chain to the anchor. We are trying something different this time. When we were on the River Thames 3 years ago, we had all the warp and chain on the deck, but this time I have stowed it in the front locker, with just the end of the warp coming out to the T-stud, and the chain to the anchor. Also previously we had the anchor standing vertically against the cratch board, this time we have it laid on top of the front locker hatch.

Another walk around town to see the shops we missed yesterday, especially the aquatic shop, some lovely fish in there. We can both picture what Marmite would be doing if we had an aquarium with fish in it, she would be polishing the glass with her paws, day and night!

Keith.

And this is Hadar moored up in Stourport upper basin, outside the Tontine.

Keith.

Kidderminster to Stourport

We are now enjoying the sunshine having travelled down from Kidderminster to Stourport this morning, in what was a fairly uneventful, but very scenic run. We are now moored in the upper basin at Stourport, outside the Tontine building. In fact where the working boat in the bottom left corner of the photo is moored. Lunch done, internet done, time to do the town whilst it isn't rain, not like 2 years ago.

Keith.

Severn Valley Railway

Jo and I have had a very pleasant day on the Severn Valley Railway today. We walked through Kidderminster to the railway station, where we bought our tickets and boarded the waiting train. On the journey there we saw this amazing poppy field.



We stayed on the train all the way to Bridgnorth, where we got off and had lunch in the refreshment room at the station before heading into the town for a wander around. We then caught the next train back but got off at Highley to have a cup of coffee at the new Engine Shed before wandering around the shed looking at the engines, coaches and wagons on display. This photo is the signal box at Highley.

This is a British Railways 9F engine at Bridgnorth. The very last steam engine to be built by British Railways was a 9F and was named Evening Star, and was also painted in green livery, which was really meant for express passenger engines and not freight engines like this.

This is the engine, a 5F, which had hauled the train we were on from Bridgnorth to Highley as it was leaving Highley station heading to Kidderminster.

As we were having our coffee at the Engine Shed at Highly this GWR Manor class Erlestoke Manor, No.7812, came chuffing up into Highley station from Kidderminster. This is the same class of engine as the large engine I built for my model railway, which is Fringford Manor No.7814.

And her she is again with an excellent rake of British Railways Custard & Cream coaches in tow.

Keith.

New Alternator

New alternator successfully picked up this morning, many thanks to Allspares, who supplied and delivered it very promptly to C.A. Stone in Kidderminster, who fitted the pulley off the old one for me, excellent service by both concerned. Just have to fit it, which if it is as easy as removing the old one it won't take much. Now recovering from the 2 mile round walk carrying first one then both! At least the return journey was downhill.

Update, new alternator fitted and working.

Keith.

Whittington to Kidderminster

2 Short journeys today. The first was to Evelyn & Graham Booths home, where we spent a very lovely couple of hours catching up on all their news. Evelyn did us a very nice salad for lunch, she is such a sweetie! We have left one of our Measham teapots with Graham to try to improve it's looks. This is one of the 3 teapots we bought at auction which Jo really likes, as it is larger than the others we have, a darker shade of glazing, and is the oldest of them, dating from 1879. We have seen some of Graham's previous restoration work and trust him to do his best for us.

Just as we set off the rain started but soon stopped by the time we got to the next lock. We arrived at the Sainsbury's moorings at Kidderminster to find them completely empty, where is everyone? Something we said? Comments on the back of a dirty postcard only please.

We will be staying here for the weekend. I received a message on my phone to say the alternator was due to be delivered at 3:00pm today, so tomorrow morning we will take the defunct one off the engine and take it to have the pulley swapped over. We have never been to Kidderminster before so are looking forward to exploring. I am especially interested in visiting the Severn Valley Railway, which I have travelled on before when my friend, who used to transport my exhibition model railway around the country, and I came this way to an exhibition at Telford in 1999, and we arrived early as Trevor wanted to take advantage of being this way to spend a whole day visiting the railway.

Keith.