We were so exhausted after our ditch crawl the day before, we weren’t sure we would be cruising today, but the sun was shining, the prop was clear and there was enough bacon left for more butties, so we gingerly inched forward out of our safe haven.
Theres an interesting sculpture over the canal but I couldnt find any information about it. It’s a polished stainless steel triangular tube that arches over the canal and if you catch it at the right angle and sunlight, it reflects an image of whatever is underneath it. We couldnt see any functional use for it other than it being an interesting art instalation. Sadly the rest of the artwork nearby was more destructive and unappealing.
On our outward journey we had stopped to clear the prop 2 or 3 times, but today we reached the top of the Wolverhampton flight unhindered. Eric moored up to give the prop a final check before we set off down the 21.
The day was looking increasingly promising.
Eric and I work well as a team, I set the lock and open the gates, then go immediately go and set the next lock. Eric cruises in and empties it, opens the gates and hauls the boat out and cruises straight into the next awaiting lock, whilst i go back and close the gates on the previous lock. It’s efficient and quick, i might do twice as much walking but we share the physically tiring workload.
And with the warmth of the autumnal sunshine there were lot of people out walking.
Some offered to lend a hand and every now and then someone shows a real interest. They might think we are brightening their day, but it gives us such a boost to be able to share a bit of privilage. Occasionally we like to say thankyou with an invitation to step onto the back deck.
We almost flew down the flight, in just over 3 ½hours. The Wolverhampton flight is a pretty and very pleasant flight. We would happily do it again, and our love of cruising has been restored.
When we got to the bottom we turned right and moored on the Staffs and Worcester, at Autherley junction. Where we were joined by fellow bloggers Mick and Pip on NB Oleana.
