The curly Whirly beckons

I have come to the conclusion that the Jameisons are a fickle lot! Yesterday our decision was to stay put at Compton for today and tackle the 21 tomorrow. Everything changed after I heard the weather forecast this morning. BBC breakfast weather girl Carol said we were in for a wet morning and then overcast with the occasional drizzle for the rest of today. For once she was spot on. Tomorrow, on the other hand, was for predominantly wet conditions in the midland area and much more wind then of late. Both of us really didn't fancy struggling up the Wolverhampton flight in those sort of conditions, so after a visit to Lyme Kiln Chandlers for the  fiberglass exhaust tape to finish the stove, we pulled pins and arrived at the junction of S&W and Birmingham Main line by 9.40am.

Junction of S&W and Birmingham Main Line

Lock 20

 We groaned as we saw another boat turning ahead of us into the Main line and assumed we were in for a long day of it. Not so, as the boat in front was old hats at this flight and at every lock, not only left every security bolt open so we didn't have to keep unlocking, but lifted a paddle at each lock to help us up the flight.

The lovely couple on Nb Michaelmas

 At lock 16 we nearly ran out of water and from then on every pound was low. I noticed another boat locking up 2 locks back from us so we helped them by lifting a paddle as well.

After lock 16 we had low pounds for the rest of the way

Low water above lock

A good way up the flight

 By 13.50 we arrived at the top lock in Wolverhampton. Stopping at the facilities for a loo empty and a well earned cup of tea, we eventually got away again about 14.45 and made the left hand turn onto the Wyrley and Essington ( affectionately known as the curly whirly ) and stopped at Lane head bridge visitor moorings, a secure offside mooring. Next stop The United Kingdom. It's actually the name of a pub!

Lane Head Bridge visitor moorings. Has a locked gate at the end that needs a BW key.

Come along children

All get into single file

Wait just one minute kids. I spy lunch

Dig in and make sure you eat your greens!