Staircases and Flights

Sunday was lovely and sunny as we cruised off our moorings just after 9am. We caught up with a hire boat in a narrow part of the canal just before Autherley Junction, the turn off towards Nantwich on the Shropshire Union Canal. I didn't think much of it until we continued at tick-over for quite sometime before I heard the deafening sound of Chartwell's horn and Silvie on the bow asking the hire boater (nicely) to move over so we could pass. He moved to the side and we passed, for some reason he didn't seem best pleased, must have enjoyed leading a very slow convoy!

Needing a few odds and ends from the supermarket we completed Compton lock and moored in town, it was only a short walk to the Sainsbury's Local. While we were operating Compton Lock I took a closer look at the round weir, I had seen several from a distance. Apparently they are unique to this canal, have to believe the book since I can't remember ever seeing them before.

The ladies discussing the finer points of lock keeping.

The weather closed in rather quickly after lunch, another hour cruising and we were tying up on yet another rural mooring.

Overcast again on Monday, we donned our wet weather gear and headed off with fingers crossed. It never rains when you put all your wet weather gear on! It was only a short cruise to Bratch Locks. These locks are interesting because they are three complete locks (they each have their own front and rear doors) but so close together that they can only be used one way at a time (normally only the case with staircase locks). And sure enough there is only a few metres between each lock so nowhere for boats traveling in opposite directions to pass. Also of interest is the toll house beside the top lock for collecting tolls from boats as they passed. The toll was usually calculated according to weight. Lock operation was a little more tricky than usual and there were two volunteer lock keepers on hand to help us through the locks.

Bratch Locks

Toll House

Brath Locks, Lock Keepers Cottage

Continuing on with the rain still holding off, we passed through Botherham Locks, a two chamber staircase lock. This time the front gate of chamber 1 becomes the back gate of chamber 2. These gates were well over 3 metres high and then another metre of cill underneath to the water.

The weather finally closed in around lunch time but not before we took the chance to visit the chippy at Swindon for some fish (cod) and chips for lunch. It rained most of the afternoon and some of the night.

Today (Tuesday) I was instructed to start the engine at 8am and switch the Travel Power Generator on. Rachael put a load of washing on, we were hoping to get through most of two loads before we stopped at the water point at Greensforge Lock. Load two was well underway when the tap was turned on to fill a very thirsty boat. These (two) water points were quite quick and twenty minutes later we were away again. We cruised through some beautiful country.

We passed by Stourton Junction, the turn on to the Stourbridge Canal to head for Stourbridge and Birmingham.

We finished our cruise in light rain at Kinver where, after tying up, it was time for a pint at The Vine Inn. We plan to spend a bit of time in Kinver tomorrow visiting the Rock Cottages.