Pootling along the River Severn - 3rd September 2020

 Thursday 3rd September 2020

B49, Bullocks Lane, Staffs & Worcs to B2, Diglis, Worcester, Birmingham & Worcester

14.75 miles, 10 locks

Years ago when we used to hire boats we would regularly do 7 to 8 hour days, but we were younger, fitter and had a schedule to keep to.  These days we take our time when we can.  Today was to be an exception.

I had a really bad night - all I could hear was rain beating down on the roof which led to anxiety about what state the River Severn would be in.  It is less than a week since it was on red boards, so closed to navigation.  Would it rise again?  Our original plan had been to just go down onto the river and stop on the pontoons below Stourport on Severn.  The next day we were just going to head to Worcester and moor on the river and go up onto the canal on the third day (ie 5th September).  However, we decided to go for it and get on and off the river whilst we could.

As we were about to leave nb Caspar came up behind us.  They kindly waved us on, but we let them go first as I was going to be walking Monty, so Chris would be going slowly.

This rather nice canal side property with moorings is for sale at £435,000 -  Details here

There was a very short hold up just as we approached Stourport - I am not sure what they were up to, but when I walked back again about 20 minutes later there was no sign of anyone.

We were astounded as we approached York lock to find no one moored - it is usually nose to tail all the way along.  We stopped just prior to the lock landing so Chris could sort out the anchor, life jackets etc whilst I took Monty for another walk.  We were aware he would be stuck on board for around 3 hours whilst we were on the river.

Entering York Lock, Stourport - we were on our way again.

We had a very brief stop at the services to off load some rubbish - we had received notification that the water point and elsan were out of order.  Parked by the sanitary station was a van with a very appropriate name for a plumber in this part of the world.

We wondered if the plumber owns this boat moored in Stourport Basin

We arrived at the top of the staircase locks to find a boat on the lock landing preparing to go down.  There was a small amount of space behind it and a kindly boater took a rope from us and helped to secure us.  I went off to see if I could be of assistance - it appeared that it was the first lock for the crew of the boat ahead.  Interestingly, although these are a pair of staircase locks you do not need to ensure the bottom lock is empty before proceeding to empty the top lock.

I went ahead and prepared the top of the second staircase locks - it is much easier to have this ready.  It can be quite windy up there and it is not the best place to have to hover, especially for a novice crew.  They did get it done.  Quite a challenge for your first ever locks.

That was the challenge we had to face in 1974.  We had a funny little boat which we took from Stourport to Evesham and back again.  Unfortunately, the hirers before us failed to arrive back in time.  They weren't even just a bit late - they were very, very late!  I think our pick up time was around 2pm and they were still on their way!!  By the time they did arrive, unload and the boatyard turned the boat round ready for us it was probably about 6pm.  The boatyard staff did help us down the 4 locks onto the river, but by the time we were down the river locks were closed.  All they said to us was 'oh you will find somewhere to moor'!!  Looking back and with the benefit of hindsight and knowledge we should have insisted on staying in the boatyard for the night.  Now there are mooring pontoons below the four locks - then there was nothing.  I remember that we found a tree to tie to and managed to get a gangplank ashore  so the dog could get on and off.  We would not be up to the gymnastics involved these days!  When we did get in the first river lock the next day I can distinctly remember being shouted at by the lock keeper as I was in danger of falling in as I tried to get a rope round the slider!  I am glad to say we are a bit more proficient these days!

We were down on the river at midday - just in time for the intermittent rain to stop and the sun to think about coming out

and the river was well into the green.

Chris moved round to the pontoons that were not there in 1974.  I went off down expecting Monty to follow.  I am afraid he is a nervous soul and there are some things he will not do - he came down the slope

but was having none of the pontoon that creaked and moved!  He high tailed it back to the top and waited for me to go back and collect him.  With his lead on he is happy to follow!

It turned into pleasant afternoon and we enjoyed out trip along the river.  The Holt Inn has built outdoor pods that you can book - not quite inside/outside, but they do protect from the wind and light rain.

We shared the first two locks with nb Nutcracker.  As we arrived at our last river lock (Bevere) there was a boat moored up on a very high wall.  We pulled in behind.  A man appeared and took a rope from us and explained that there was a small skiff in the lock as they were doing some work on the lock ladder and that there may be a 40 minute delay.  

It turned out to be around 15 minutes when the skiff was pulled round

the corner

and was tied up securely until they could resume once the (now) three boats had gone through the lock.

Worcester Rowing club was busy

Then our first view of Worcester Cathedral

Then through Worcester Bridge which is notorious for collecting flotsam and jetsam

There is no shortage of swans in the Worcester Swannery

It is hard to miss the stunning Kings School Michael Baker Boathouse.  It was built in 2012.  Michael Baker is an ex- pupil from the school and donated £2.5 million towards the project.

Chris turned the boat to off load Monty and I on the pontoons by the locks at Diglis to get onto the Worcester Birmingham Canal.  Remember Monty's reluctance to use the pontoon in Stourport - no such reticence here - he was straight up to find the grass!  

There is a new sculpture/planter overlooking the first lock and the river.

Turning in to the first lock

The two locks are large broad locks with very heavy gates.  It was my lucky day - a young man and young lady were walking past and offered to help.  Something I never refuse.  They stayed around to get us up the lock before they had to leave to head back to school.  They are just starting their final year.  I asked them how it was back at school ' weird' was the reply - 'a lot of tents have popped up all over the place'.  If they see this, I wish you all the best in your A-levels and thank you again for your help.  It was very much appreciated.

Then another couple stopped to lend a hand - I rest my case about them being very big gates.

Much to our amazement the moorings above Diglis Basin were almost empty - or so we thought.  On closer inspection most of the moorings all the way along there are 30 minute water point moorings.

We moved through the next bridge and were once again amazed to find it empty

We were spoilt for choice, but chose to stay this end as we would need to reverse back to the sanitary station in the morning.  It was a quiet evening!  

A Day (well more like 5 minutes) Late & a Dollar Short - 2nd September 2020

 Wednesday 2nd September 2020

Wolverley Lock to before B9 - Bullocks Bridge

5 miles, 5 locks

As we were gathering ourselves together a boat came passed us to go down the lock.  A few minutes later as we were literally about to untie another one came along.  They did pull in behind us and ask if we were in the queue.  Chris was very honest and said 'not quite', so please go ahead, which they did.

Sadly there was no traffic coming up, but eventually it was our turn to go down.  The boat ahead of us had great difficulty opening the top gate - the bottom gates leak like a sieve, so it is essential to keep all three paddles open before opening the top gate.  I try to keep away from sharing lock beams in this world we are currently living in, but this was one that required two of us to get it moving.  Once they were through and on their way, I turned the lock ready for us.  Would someone come along top or bottom to be able to lend a hand with that top gate?  Sadly no.

I pushed, pulled, heaved and strained to the extent that Chris left the boat to moor it up to come and lend a hand.  Naturally as he alighted I finally won the day and the gate moved.

Once we were in the lock as I walked to the open the bottom paddles a lady appeared from below with a windlass in her hand.  The bottom gates are right by the road bridge, so no handy bridge for lock operators, so a really good place to have two of us.

It was certainly too early for any pub customers.  I was glad to escape as the road traffic noise was horrendous.  You might also note that there is very little blue in the sky.

The next lock is one of my least favourite locks.  At Wolverley Court Bridge the top gate has a large gap between the bank and the gate plank (is there a proper name for these?).  I struggled before the arthritic knee appeared, but now I find it even harder.

To add to the difficulty, you have to stand on the plank to wide up the gate paddle - a very precarious position.

I had opened the ground paddle on the towpath side and was trying to work out how to get across when a man appeared - they had set off just after we passed them after we had descended Wolveley lock.  He gallantly offered to go across for me and opened the ground and gate paddle that side and then came across to do the really awkward gate paddle this side.  Once our boat was in the lock he offered to work the bottom gates and invited me to get back on our boat. He really was my knight in shining armour.  His boat is nb Caspar and I think he is Brian and his wife is Ann(e). If you ever see this - a very big thank you from me.

Going down Wolverley Court Lock

Next stop was Sainsburys and then we were on our way again.  Lock 3 of the day (Kidderminster) and once again it needed to be filled.  No gallant helpers this time (nb Caspar had also stopped at Sainsburys), but it gave me time to take a quick (and not very good) photo of the statue by the lock - one John Baxter

This is what I have discovered about him on Wikipedia - Richard Baxter (12 November 1615 – 8 December 1691) was an English Puritan church leader, poet, hymnodist,^[1] theologian, and controversialist. Dean Stanley called him "the chief of English Protestant Schoolmen". After some false starts, he made his reputation by his ministry at Kidderminster, and at around the same time began a long and prolific career as theological writer. After the Restoration he refused preferment, while retaining a non-separatist Presbyterian approach, and became one of the most influential leaders of the Nonconformists, spending time in prison. His views on justification and sanctification are somewhat controversial and unconventional within the Calvinist tradition because his teachings seem, to some, to undermine salvation by faith, in that he emphasizes the necessity of repentance and faithfulness.

Back out into the countryside for the next two locks although civilization cannot be far away as a 'water conservation' aka 'anti-vandal' key is required for both locks.  Once again we were on our own and both locks needing filling before we could enter.  You might note that there is now no blue in the sky!

Monty still opts for as wide a bridge as possible!

Our next miss timing of the day was when we passed under this bridge.  Chris commented that there was no train today.  My response was that it was unlikely they were running as the schools are back.  However, as we rounded the corner to the next lock there was the unmistakable sound of a steam train!  I suppose it makes a change to be early rather than late.

The last hour of our trip was miserable - what started as light rain, turn into quite a deluge.  We were glad to find a spot to stop and tie up for the day.

The end of the day is a double skype for two birthdays.  First with Sue and Ken from nb Cleddau (it is Sue's birthday today) and then with the family as it is our eldest granddaughter's 17th birthday today.  Molly was due around 20th August.  At first I hoped her delayed appearance might mean she was born on my birthday (28th), but no, she waited to share her day with Sue!

We nearly lost the lot! 1st September 2020

 Tuesday 1st September 2020

Prestwood Bridge 34 to Above Wolverley Lock

7 miles, 5 locks

It was another glorious morning - so still and calm

and yet more blue sky

So what did we lose - not our shirts I am glad to say - just the locks!  5 to do and no boats coming up until the last one, which meant filling the first four before we could enter to go down.  Suddenly there are a lot less boats around.  I guess it is because the schools go back this week.

What there is no shortage of are these

They have just come in wave after wave over the last few days.  I must add that 98% have been cycling at a sensible speed and said thank you when Monty and I step aside to let them past which I am more than happy to do unless I am trying to moor a boat - then I hope they take avoiding action!  

The second lock of the day (Hyde) is one of my favourites.  The house before the lock

and the lock cottage are both lovely looking residences.  It is a peaceful and very pretty lock.

Just below the lock someone has erected a duck picnic table!

There was a short wait at Kinver for a tap to be come available.  I know we filled up yesterday, but we are making the most of the weather and did 3 wash loads yesterday and 2 today.  Whilst we were there a policeman appeared - he was asking boaters if they were here on Friday/Saturday and if so had they seen anything untoward as there were a number of thefts from boats.  We weren't, but the other boat on the water point had been moored a bit further along and had met at least one of the boaters who had been affected.  I believe his generator, jeans and shirt were taken.

Whilst we were busy a canoeist quietly glided past

I went to dispose of the little bit of waste we had, but brought our bottle back on board.  No point in adding to this disgusting pile that some poor souls will have to clear up one day.

Just as we were about to push off again, as is often inevitable, a boat overtook us, so they had the advantage of the boat coming up the next lock (Kinver) leaving it ready for them.

We went past The Vine at opening time - it was good to see they had a few early birds

As we passed the many park homes at Austcliffe on our way north I noted that one seemed to be having quite a bit of work done - this was taken on 12th August 

and this is how things are today - almost complete I would think.

When we arrived at our final lock of the day this boat was working its way up.  The people you can see on the bridge at the end had popped down to open and shut the offside gate.  As they seemed to be staying put for a bit more gongoozling I went and asked if they would like a bit more exercise!  I am delighted to sat that father and daughter obliged.  Always a great help when there is no accessible bridge at the down end of a lock.

Just round the corner from that lock our noses became aware that there was smoke in the air.  Soon it was visible - was somewhere on fire?

No - just a very smoky and smelly bonfire

As we arrived at our destination for the day there was one boat already moored up above the lock.  We pulled in and moored up and I took advantage of the sun that was left to hang the towels out.

No sooner had I completed my task than the boat ahead of us untied and left!  It is just visible behind out boat in this picture.

and there they go.

We did succumb (as Pip would say) to a cold medication each (vanilla flavour for Chris and salted caramel for me!) from the tea room and I got a couple more steaks for the freezer.

You Win Some, You Lose Some - 31st August 2020

 Monday 31st August 2020

Swindon Bridge 40 to Prestwood Bridge 34

3 miles, 4 locks

Guess what - blue sky again!

Today was a trip of two halves as far as the locks were concerned.  At the first lock (above) a boat arrived behind us and one was waiting at the bottom, so once the paddles were open and our boat was going down I was invited to step below the lock ready to board and the other boaters would open and close the gates for me.  Not a sight I see very often as Chris emerges from the lock.

We stopped at the services at Greensforge to empty and fill as required.  The water pressure here is excellent, so we were exactly 30 minutes from mooring to leaving again - the time specified as the maximum allowed.  As I went forward to prepare the lock a boat was coming up with another one waiting below.  We entered the lock and the two ladies from the boat below invited me to board our boat and they would work the lock for us!  It is rare for me to be on board in a lock.

The waiting boat was coal boat Triumph

Okay I am guessing it is Triumph!  Not one we have met before.

Just two more locks and no traffic at either and both needed to be filled before we could enter.  Whilst help (and chat) is always welcomed, sometimes when you are in the middle of nowhere it is good to be alone.  At the first solo lock (Rocky lock) all I could hear was water  in the lock and by-wash and a small plane way above me in the sky.  All around was wonderful English countryside.

We had earmarked three possible moorings for tonight.  The first two take (just) two boats.  At the first someone was already there and the sight and sound of a noisy generator sent us onwards.

The second mooring was vacant, so we slotted in.  Although there is just about room for a boat behind us, I suspect we will be in splendid isolation.

This is the view from the back deck

and the side hatch - pretty good as the side hatch is facing the tow path.

On our way back from our late afternoon walk today Monty spotted something on the other side of the canal that required intense concentration.