To Salford Junction, the long way round.

Gosh didn't it rain last night! Well it did here in Birmingham! The sky went dark, thunder was heard in the distance, street lights came on even though it was only 5ish and then it poured!

Lasted nearly an hour.

And after the rain. You can just see our boat through the left hand bridge.

This morning Ian walked to the Chandlers in the Oozells street loop because last night the bilge pump gave up the ghost. At first he thought it may have been the fuse but unfortunately he thinks it's the motor that has packed up. He returned empty handed because they were still shut. It was 8.40am. Having no idea where the next Chandlers will be, it looks as if we may have to mop up the water by hand. On his return, we pulled pins and headed off in the direction of Farmers Bridge locks to start the long haul down the flight.

Top of Farmers Bridge flight.

New plaque on the wall by Farmers Bridge top lock

 All the locks were against us, that is, until we met a very nice man name of Jim Shead, a waterways photographer and writer. He had sold his boat years ago but enjoyed keeping fit by helping us boaters and armed with his windlass, set every lock and helped us all the way down the flight. If you are reading this, Jim, many thanks.

Jim Shead

Unique bywash on the flight

New C&RT lock beam. Still dont know why they have done this. It reads-Step at a time a river

down through the town.

Into the gloom

At the bottom 2 men in hugh viz jackets where holding a huge pole in their hands. It wasnt until I got into the last lock that I could see that they were washing windows! No more can they shimmy up ladders it seems.

When I cropped this photo I realised a face stood out of the brickwork.

Rubbish at the bottom of the flight.

At Aston Junction we turned right onto the Digbeth Branch and the dreaded Ashted tunnel where 2 years ago we got wedged on the tunnel roof by our chimney. Ashted tunnel got us again when, with Ian steering this time, scrapped our hand rail along the length of the wall. Me thinks we wont be coming this way again in a long time.

Ashted tunnel

We then turned left at Bordesly Junction.  A tap symbol in Nicholsons showed where we could stop for water to top up the tanlk by bridge 102. Ian attached our hose to the tap then turned on the water but not a drop came out! C&RT must have spent some money here judging by the wall painting and flower boxes, but if they want boats to stop they should at least supply the water.

Would have looked stunning if the graffiti artist hadn't done their worst.

Grand Union Canal

 At Saltford Junction we had another right turn. This one is a tad awkward as you have to go back on yourself. No way could I get round in one turn so Ian got off at the bow to give me a helping hand

First junction in the photo, and the one we came out of, was the Grand Union with Ashted locks. The 2nd junction by the pillars is the Birmingham & Fazely and Aston Locks.

Minworth was our final flight of the day. Thankfully we only had three to do as the black clouds behind us got ever closer and, just as we called it a day, the rain came.

Tonight's mooring at Curdworth

And finally:-

Rook