New Cross,(Bentley Bridge)

 

Here I am Rune

Distance 12.8 miles 

Total 5208 Locks  430 Tunnels

Running total mileage 7,922.4miles

 

So, after the winter break, here we are again back out onto the canals. Something of a ‘baptism of fire’ since, once again when we got to Bumble Hole we once again got a bl**dy tent around the propeller again, complete with poles!! The water levels also seemed to be a bit down as well since at both Powke Lane Bridge and Dog Lane Bridge we had the same scenario repeated. Whilst turning to line up with the bridge hole, suddenly we weren’t turning any more even with the tiller hard over. Avoided bumping Powke Lane bridge by astute use of reverse but at Dog Lane Bridge we were almost lined up when suddenly we just started going straight ahead, I can only assume that it was too shallow on the right hand side (starboard!) so it just pointed the boat towards the side.

Despite the long hold up to cut the tent from the prop, we got to the intended destination, Bentley Bridge,albeit later than intended.  I’m hoping to be able to get a swim at the local pool tomorrow.

Hawne Basin

 

Here I am Rune

Distance 12.4 miles 

Total 5205 Locks  427 Tunnels

Running total mileage 7,909.6 miles

 

After a few (cold) days in Birmingham we have now made what is almost certainly our last cruise of the year back to the basin. Whilst in Birmingham we had a wander around the Christmas Market, a go on the skating rink, a swim,steam and sauna at Aston University and a trip across the Leicester to visit Sister in Law. We pretty much got everything done that we wanted.

The trip back could have been better, weather-wise, drizzly rain most of the way in contrast to the bright sun of the trip into Birmingham. On the plus side, the tree that had been down at Galton Tunnel had been fully cleared.

Birmingham

 

Here I am Rune

Distance 11.5 miles 

Total 5205 Locks  424 Tunnels

Running total mileage 7897.2 miles

 

So, for the final time out this year, we are once again in Birmingham. It was a superb and crisp day’s cruise today, bright sunshine and even a Kingfisher following us down the New Main Line. I am currently ‘bike-less’ on the boat having finally put it in to be serviced, I’ve had it for at least 14 years and it has done a fair mileage so is now in need of a bit of TLC.

We’ll be in Birmingham until the end of the week (at least that is the plan) so we’ll have opportunity to go around the Christmas Market. I’ll also pop up the University for a swim (and sauna now the weather has turned colder!).