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!

Beware of Wightwick Mill lock on the S&W

I'm so glad we have finally left the honeymooners at Autherley Junction. Not that we wanted to see them go cause we love spending time with them, but I, for one, have now more alcohol coursing through my veins then blood. Last night (our final night with the two of them ) saw 2 more bottles of bubbly disappear as well as pringles and peanuts. Surprisingly this morning no hangover, bit worrying as maybe my body is becoming accustomed to all the booze! Anyway when we eventually set off mid morning we had a really good run to Autherley. After loads of hugs and kisses and sad goodbyes we locked them through the first lock on the Shropshire Union and watched as they sailed off into the distance.

We then carried on, past the Wolverhampton Junction where on Wednesday we will turn to do the 21, and onward toward Compton. We had decided to wind at Wightwick lock, backtrack and stop for tonight and tomorrow before tackling the Wolverhampton 21.

Very picturesque winding hole

 After Compton you come to Wightwick Mill lock and this lock leaks like a sieve. In fact I was convinced one of the top side paddles was still raised judging by the amount of water pouring in. Ian advised me to sit well back on the bottom gates to stop the bow from being flooded. Because of Ians advice we ascended without mishap. Not so the boat who came up behind us. We had already moored and as he came past told of the horror as he watched the well deck of his boat fill with water. He was a lone boater and it was only his quick action of dropping the paddle that averted disaster. He was very shaken. Ian did no more then get on the phone to C&RT and report the situation. This is an accident waiting to happen!

This photo doesn't do it justice but you can see how far into the lock the water flows

Sorry folks but I've got a couple more wildlife photos to share.

Moorhen chick

This years juveniles enjoying a wash and brush up

Syrphus ribesii

Honeymooners leave Stafford.

I just had to get some photos of Carole and Alan leaving this morning so we delayed our getaway until they arrived. Some of their family turned up to wave them off and quite a few boats sounded their horns as they sailed into the distance.

We followed on behind as it was daft for us not to travel together to Autherley Junction. They were heading up towards Llangollen and we were heading to the Wolverhampton 21.

Alan at Deptmore lock. He wore his top hat all afternoon much to the amusement of on lookers and other boaters.

A right old mixture of ducks

The perfect wedding

As my son would say after a heavy night of drinking, God I'm broken!! Alan and Carole's wedding was just perfect. Blue skies, light breeze's, gorgeous setting, they couldn't have wished for a better day. The drinks appeared the moment they arrived back at the boat club and continued throughout the very excellent meal and well into the evening. I cant remember the last time I got that tipsy but needless to say I cant remember much about the latter part of the evening. I can remember that Ian ended up on the Jack Daniels and much to my annoyance he awoke this morning to a clear head. Me!!!! Well after a couple of paracetamol I am now just starting to recover.

 Don't we brush up well!

Carole & Alan

Nb Marmaduke. The happy couple's boat.

Arriving at Staffordshire boat club.

 Today we have been preparing the boat for the off.  One of the little quirks about this boat clubs water is that anyone opening the lock sluices at Deptmore lock quarter of a mile away creates not just mud banks in the basin causing boats to follow a single channel whether one likes it or not, but makes the water swirling around the entrance swing the boat from side to side on the short pontoons.To compensate for the movement Ian placed a mud weight at the bow. It was okay when he placed it in the water but a bit of a struggle pulling it out. We saw why when a mountain of mud came up with it!  

Ian cleaning off the mud.

S B C have very good dock facilities, Wet, dry and hard standing. Nb Dove returning to the water.

Next stop Pelsall for the rally and, as we have volunteered to help, will hopefully arrive Wednesday or Thursday.

Onto the Staffs & Worc

After another early start this morning because of some very noisy neighbouring wildfowl, I have come to the conclusion that because we had been static in one place at Langley Mill for so long, we had forgotten the sounds of the cut. The only noise we heard at Langley was the  constant drone from the traffic.  Apart from two swans, we had no other water fowl in the basin. Now we have, not only noisy geese keeping us awake, but pigeons landing on the roof and cooing, ducks pecking away at the hull quacking there heads off, coots and moorhens constantly at each other and the incessant cheep cheep of the chicks! Would I change it for a quieter life? Not on your Nellie! I love every moment of it. Long may it continue.
So as for today, what a fabulous cruising day. Not much in the way of boat traffic and most were all going in the opposite direction, great for us as we only had to turn around one lock at Tixall.  Approaching Great Hayward Shugborough Hall looked resplendent with the gold of the Rape and vivid blue skies.

The meadows were full of buttercups.

Shugborough Hall

The usual gongoozelers  were around at Hayward lock and Ian was collard by a Belgium family who wanted to know exactly how the lock worked.Then he found out they were hiring a boat from Anglo Welsh this very afternoon and wanted to see first hand how to operate the locks. Hope they took on board everything Ian told them!

Explaining about the paddle gear.

We made the turn at the junction at Great Hayward into the Staffs and Worc with ease as there was very little wind. Its a pig of a junction with even the slightest of breeze, especially coming from the Staffs and Worc onto the T&M. Anglo Welsh also have one of their bases at this junction which occasionally can make turning into it a little difficult if boats are being moved about.

Before we got to Tixall Wide another partially sunken boat lay half submerged. This one looked to have been in the water for quite a while. Maybe we need to notify C&RT.

Still has it's fender attached.

There was a surprising lack of boat movement on the Staffs & Worc. In fact it wasn't until we got to Radford Bridge about a mile from the boat club that we saw a boat. We were beginning to wonder if the canal was closed! On arrival at the marina Pete the harbour master directed us to the allocated mooring. Very handy place to moor as the wedding reception will be in the club house directly above our boat. Just right for when we stagger drunkenly back to bed.

Staffordshire boat club. We are moored 3rd from the left.

Tomorrows blog may be put on hold. It all depends on how drunk I get after the wedding!

Today's wildlife photos taken along our route.

Cold early start. Hot late finish.

Canadian Geese. Hate them or love them. This morning we could have wished them further as the flock which had roosted over night in the farmers field ( or should I say eaten there way through the crops planted there by the farmer ) decided to fly over our boat in dribs and drabs back to Branston lake. We became aware of the continues squaking from around daybreak. With no more sleep to be had we left for Shugborough before 7.30am with the hope of getting through Alrewas and Fradley before it got to busy. By jove wasn't it cold this morning. Both of us started off with shorts but they soon went back in the drawer after we nearly ended up with chilblains on our legs, and the jeans were hastily put back on instead! Anyway, our hope of getting up and through Fradley locks quick was not to be. I think every boat had the same idea because even though we got through Alrewas fairly rapidly, Fradley was another matter. It took well over 3 hours from Common lock, bottom of the flight, to the top  of the flight at Woodend lock. We did see a boat we knew moored on the linear moorings by Hunts lock. It was Nb Percy now owned by Nev Wells. No sign of Nev though so we still haven't done the meet and greet.

 
 The sun put in an appearance as we exited Woodend lock which called for the removal of the added layers of clothing. But with the sun came the flies. Not just the odd few but millions of them swirling and darting at the waters edge. As the boat approached, the clouds of flies parted as if a curtain had been opened, only to regroup once we had passed by. Has anyone else noticed these flies and does anyone know what they are? Anyway because of the slow going today we have not made Shugborough. Instead we have stopped at Rugely. Very convenient for a Morrison. After stocking up on groceries we decided that, as the time was by now approaching 5pm, we really didn't fancy going on any longer. Tomorrow we will make for Staffordshire boat club on the Staffs and Worc where, so we have been informed, a mooring is waiting for us in readiness for the wedding over the weekend.

Pretty Branston Lock

At Bagnall Lock

Buzzard being mobbed by a rook

Approaching Middle lock

Having shaken off the rook the buzzard majestically circled catching the thermals

One lone poppy amongst the golden Rape.

Woodend lock. We had heard the HS2 would pass within spitting distance. Criminal!!!

Wild rhododendrons grew prolifically in the wood.

Is this a new form of lawn mower?....... Seen in a back garden. Brilliant. Who needs a dog or cat when you can have a pony

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