Stuck in the 21

Although windy it was dry so after Ian had nipped to Morrisons for Pomegranate juice (tip from Jaq) we travelled the short distance to Aldersley Junction and the start of the 21.

Railway bridges which have some interesting graffiti.

Turning into the junction to the first lock. Autumn has arrived with a vengeance.

Twenty-one locks rising two miles to Wolverhampton and joy of joy, everyone bar one was with us. Took a smidgen over 3 hours and we could have done it quicker if I hadn't got FS stuck between lock 3 and 4!  Not that I could have done much about it as nearly all the pounds were low but between those two locks it was particularly bad.

I find this a lovely flight and not too strenuous. Mind you I only did eight while Ian did the rest.

Between lock 4 and 3 and pound down by a couple of feet.

Lock fully filled.

Pound very low.

FS stuck

Ian letting down water to get FS afloat.

Paddle. Not something you usually see when there is plenty of water.

At lock 1 and the only lock we had to turn around. The deduction was two boats must have passed each other between lock 2 and 1, hence the full lock. Strange that we did the whole flight without seening another boat but ready to exit the top lock and a boat appeared. That boater will be dead pleased when he realises all the locks will be with him on the way down.

Pulled into the facilities for loo emptying and water filling. One hour allowed here and with not a sign of another boat, we stayed and had lunch.

What a change cruising the Wolverhampton level. Full of reeds, debris and rubbish. Only 5 minutes after leaving the facilities Ian was down the weed hatch.

This wasn't the only time we had to stop. Through a thick reed bed across a narrow channel and the engine all but cut out. We lost all drive and reverse just didn't happen. The prop was clogged solid with reeds and blanket weed. The wind here was also a b**ger and to stop FS from ending up in the trees opposite I had to tie the rope across the towpath. Luckily, no one came along the towpath, not even a cyclist (mores the pity) might have slowed them down!!! A new racing cycle track path has been laid along the towpath. Now we are even more in peril from these lycra glad menaces!

At Tipton Junction, we turned right. Wanted to sample the fish and chips from the Black Country Dudley Trust Museum. Shame we arrived too late as the place closed at 4pm. Never mind, we got a mooring (just) and Ian found a chip shop about a quarter mile away so that's alright then.

Top L, Coseley Tunnel, Top R Factory Junction with the locks, Bottom L Tipton Junction and Bottom R Black Country Museum moorings

 Still unsure as to where we will go tomorrow. A couple of options open to us. Back to do the three factory locks or down the Gower Branch and the Brades staircase locks instead. The destination is Gas Street Basin and all two canals lead there. To be decided tomorrow.

And seen on route,

Dabchick