Monday 17 October
Nah, Downton Abbey won hands down!
After an amazingly quiet night at Star City, we set off at 8.40 and were soon at Spaghetti Junction. The turn onto the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal is tight and we were somewhat amused by the signs opposite: "Caution: Please do not bump our wall" We didn't (thank you, bowthruster!), but the state of the wall suggested it was a difficult instruction for many to obey.
On we wound through the suburbs of Birmingham, past Fort Dunlop and Castle Bromwich, where over 11,000 of Brian's beloved Spitfires were built. We found more and more rubbish in the cut, including quite large planks of wood and pallets, not to mention the usual bottles, cans & fast food containers. Progress was slow and the prop got fouled several times. By comparison, the stretches of canal near the centre of Birmingham had been spotless.
At Minworth locks the rain started which added to the general air of depression about today's journey. It was still scything down when we moored up for lunch at the first spot that seemed reasonable, just above Curdworth locks. We tucked into bacon sandwiches and the sun came out, making the world seem a better place, so we made it a longer lunch than usual. But as soon as we decided to head off again, the rain reappeared, together with a vicious wind.
All but two of nine locks were against us and arriving at our planned stop - the Dog & Doublet at Bodymoor Heath - was a blessed relief, as was the discovery that it served food all day. After a quick shower and change we were in the bar at 6, enjoying home made steak pie at 6.30, and back on board by 7.
The only question now is - which sound will keep us awake tonight? - the wind or the M42?
The forecast is better tomorrow.
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