Pelsall at last

Finally the last leg of our journey was in sight. Just Rushall locks to do ( 9 in the flight ) and 10 miles left to get to the rally. Again we set of fairly early, although if the last few days have anything to do with it, 8.15 am was late for us. We turned right from the Tame Valley canal and entered the Rushall Canal and then onwards toward the locks.


Rushall Junction



 When we arrived one boat was locking up in front and they kindly lifted a paddle to empty every lock for us on there way up. With another boat following behind we did the same for them and they did the same for the next boat following etc. Soon every lock was occupied and none of us had to wait around which I call great teamwork. More boats started arriving and it wasn't until we got to the top of the flight that some of the rally organisers told us 23 boats which had been on the BCN explorer cruise were all due to arrive at Longwood junction today. I was very glad we had set of early and was in front of them. Our fellow cruiser, 'Icing', 'Electra', 'Polly' and Bracken were not so lucky. They ended up at the back of the pack and consequently wont make Pelsall tonight. After watering up and emptying loo at the last facilities before the rally we made very very slow progress. The weed and lily pads were prolific and long strands of blanket weed kept clogging up our rudder. I don't remember how many times we had to put the boat in reverse, but it didn't seem to make a lot of difference. In the end we came to the conclusion it was more the lack of water that was the main problem. Chasewater reservoir is nearly empty so BW has had to pump water from old mine workings to maintain a water supply. Of course with the amount of boats coming to the rally and locking up, there's bound to be less water for us on the top levels. We arrived at Pelsall at about 3.30pm and although we are a bit away from the sight, at least we have our towpath mooring for the Woofits.

You may notice that most of the boats appear to be at all different angles. The reason......Impossible to get into the side! Planks were defiantly needed here!



The Pelsall rally has booked in 130 boats. There is a lot more to come tomorrow. I wonder where they'll put them all?