On Thursday we set off from Dudley at 07:50 and routed back to Gas St
up Factory locks to the new main line, then joining the old line by
passing Brades locks again and meandering around Oldbury under the M5.
If some money is spent in this area the status could be upgraded to
"desolation". On to Smethwick and a stop at the "new pumping station"
where Dave took the free guided tour while I cooked some late
breakfast. Down through the 3 Smethwick locks and finished the journey
with the 3 loops - Soho, Icknield Port and Oozells.
A spot of lunch on board adjacent to Gas St and Dave wandered off to
New Street, homeward bound. I fiddled and diddled about, prior to a
dinner meeting which involved a couple of bottles of Pinot Grigio and I
have no idea what time I went to bed.
I had already set the alarm for 03:40 and when it sounded it seemed
like the middle of the night, a few revellers still about in the
central area. A cup of tea and a reflection that maybe this was just
too early. The plan was to fill with water at Holiday Wharf which was
completed by 04:15. I decided it was light enough to set off at 04:40,
wanting to get through all the grim zones before 09:00, cruising sinle
handed through this lock free sector. All went very well to begin with,
until I came to a dead halt at the end of the narrow channel under the
first railway bridge - No 81. A little bit worrying, but a second slow
approach on a different line got me through. I though I had something
on the prop - oh the tricks of the night - and I decided to tie up just
beyond a BP hire boat near Br 78. The prop was as clean as a very shiny
whistle but while I was checking things the hire boat crew stirred,
bang on schedule for their 06:00 planned departure. I had not woken
them. They followed me through Bournville and beyond, a little too
closely as my 3 point manoevre at Kings Norton jct took them by
surprise, forcing them to use a little reverse thrust. It was now
nearly 07:00 and a few dog walkers were the only folks up an about. I
meandered quite gently through the bright morning sun, reaching Shirley
electric draw bridge at 08:45. I had planned to have breakfast here and
not lift the bridge until after 09:00 but decided to continue into the
country for egg and beans, and a little rest. Somewhere around Br 10
where large BMW-ed exec houses stand proudly behind the trees on the
offside.
With just a few miles left I continued very gently, finding an ideal
mooring adjacent to the Wharf at Hockley Heath. I fiffed and faffed and
must now tidy the boat and prepare for Mrs B and a couple of our chums
who are coming to enjoy Lapworth (17 locks) tomorrow and Hatton (23
locks) on Sunday.
I have bought a gas cylinder from the hardware shop, borrowed a trolley
to haul it back to the boat. I have had a snack or two, and a snooze
and England are playing well against Pakistan. 451 for 8 and a first
innings lead of 352. They will declare soon.
And indeed, it is still Friday . . . .
Beeky
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