Gutted!

I just knew it! All the time I have moaned about the vegetation and my worse possible fears have come true. The day didn't start to well because Ian suddenly realised our lovely brass tap adapter was still attached to Fazeley facilities tap! Someone is going to have a nice present. Then setting off by 9 we were again first boat away. At the Curdworth tunnel Ian scraped all along the side, not like him at all as he is usually most meticulous at trying not to touch the side. Then as I was below making tea the most horrible scraping sound came from the port cabin side. I rushed to see what had happened and sure enough tree branches sticking out from the offside right by Broad Bulk bridge had scraped all along the length of the cabin side and there was nothing Ian could do about it. For years we have done everything in our power not to go through the vegetation, even stopping to allow an oncoming boat to pass rather then plough through the growth as some boaters do. So I'm heartbroken. I just hope Ian can polish the scratches out otherwise we may have to fork out for a repaint. These pictures show only part of the damage. Difficult to take the photos leaning out over the water.

This put me in a grumpy mood for the rest of the morning and sat at the bow and sulked. Still had the camera with me (its like a third limb) so did take these photos as we were traveling.

 Rail bridge repairs.

I rest my case about the foliage. This going through a bridge 'ole

New Kingsbury road bridge. Nice to see instead of the usual graffiti.

Not sure this is where it should be poked.

Domesticated escapee perhaps

At  Saltford Junction we turned sharp L onto what I can only describe as a grotty part of Brum. Garrison Locks and Camphill Locks were abysmal. Locks themselves were fairly easy to operate but the rubbish!!!! Not a good part to be in especially with the youths hanging round most of the locks. We spoke pleasantly to them and they greeted us back but reluctantly. I was very glad to get to the top lock and away from the area.

Part of Garrison lock flight

Burnt out property at lock 60, probably arson as and the lock beam was also targeted by someone burning a car tyre underneath.

Good job Ian has long legs Camp hill lock

Vixen waiting at Bordesly junction to enter the lock. As shown in the photo above it's almost impossible to get to the lock side. There are steps at the front but we didn't realise that until after Ian had got off.

It has been another very long day for us all. There was nowhere to stop for mile upon mile, having nothing but concret edges so we were all delighted when we spotted a long length of piled edge a mile from Cathrine de Barnes. Time was 17.45pm a total time of 8 3/4 hours traveling. It's not an ideal mooring with trees surrounding us but we were that tired we really didnt care. Tomorrow should be a short day as Knowle top lock is about 2 hours cruise. With Black bouy being at the bottom and us not due to arrive until Thursday, a long lie in tomorrow morning is on the cards. Just got to persuade Jade that she really doesnt have to go out for tiddles at 7am!

This Robin cheered me up no end after the tree incident. He was singing his little heart out.