Penkridge to South of Laches Bridge, No 73 - Staffs & Worcs Canal
6.5 miles, 7 locks
It was definitely a 9 o'clock rush this morning with four boats going past us to the lock within a matter of 5 minutes or so. We took our time before we set off and by the time we had travelled the 200 or so yards to Penkridge Lock the four boats had gone up and there was one coming down, so good timing.
Up we went and with others waiting to come down there were many hands to help lock us up.
We stopped at the services above the lock and filled and emptied as needed. I also popped to the shop for the paper and mushrooms for dinner tonight.
It was definitely a 9 o'clock rush this morning with four boats going past us to the lock within a matter of 5 minutes or so. We took our time before we set off and by the time we had travelled the 200 or so yards to Penkridge Lock the four boats had gone up and there was one coming down, so good timing.
The locks came and went - some were ready for us and others weren't. Some had bridges to help with the double gates, but 3 of the seven didn't.
Just after the above lock there is a lovely stretch of moorings with no one moored there....
Look left as you travel south and the reason becomes obvious
Traffic roars passed on the nearby M6.
Definitely a stretch to avoid as the map shows how close the motorway is.
There is no chance to chat to passing boaters/walkers at Rodbaston lock at the southern end of the above stretch - the motorway is just too close
Perfect timing for us at Bogg's lock - a boat emerged as we arrived. Does anyone know who Boggs was?
We stopped below the lock at Gailey for lunch and missed a short, but very sharp wet shower. A boat passed us and went up the lock. I went to re-set it for us and the lady from that boat very kindly stayed to help me work the lock whilst her husband filled their water tank and her mother enjoyed some time in the shop in the Roundhouse.
There was no hurry as above the lock they were preparing to lift a boat out of the water, so we were going nowhere until that job was done.
Boats all over the place as they remove the boat into position by the crane
Up we went
as the boat was prepared for the big lift
These two men were still on board as the boat started to leave the water
They moved off fairly sharply!
I hope all the glassware and crockery was safely stowed away somewhere!
It was lowered down and a quick adjustment made to the harness and then up she went
Round
It was as we passed that we realised just how big the 'stabilisers' are on the crane.
Definitely a job for the experts.
We all know that some bridges are damaged by boats - this one has had some serious punishment metered out to it
We had so far missed any showers that were around, but the promised wind was beginning to make its presence felt - the Worcestershire flag was dancing a merry jig.
Somewhere was needed to moor up that was not under a tree! The wind is blowing from left to right, so if the tree ahead goes it shouldn't hit us - well that is the theory which we hope holds true!
We are definitely in an 'on the way home mood' as we are about a day and a half ahead of where we originally planned. How quickly we will get there or will we slow down? We shall see.
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