Wednesday 10th August 2016

A great sigh of relief as the engine started this morning and we were off again. The first lock had a beautifully constructed brick overflow.

At Stourton Bridge we turned right up the Stourbridge canal and then right again to take the arm into Stourbridge.

Jill and Jon were leaving us here and we walked through the town to the station. As their train came in, Alan and Chris alighted from the same one! Such good timing.

After lunch we came out of the Stourbridge arm and now put Chris and Alan to work on the 16 locks of the Stourbridge flight. We all agreed that they were in very good condition and the paddles were not too hard to work. We saw very few boats and think that is one reason why the locks were good because they are not being damaged by boats.

The force of the water entering the locks caused so much froth that it looked as though the boat was having a bubble bath.

We stopped at a pub after 13 locks and moored there for the night. 

Tuesday 9th August 2016

Kinver is noteworthy for the caves, some of which were used as houses, cut out of the sandstone levels. We had a look around this morning and although we didn't find any houses we did see some storage units.

Unfortunately when we started the boat engine I noticed a flashing light on the charging system of the batteries. We passed through one lock and then moored up to fill with water and investigate the problem. After a few phone calls we were stuck at Kinver all day as the engine would not start. 

About 5pm River and Canal Rescue arrived and we were sorted with a new Alternator by 7pm. We were advised to run the engine for an hour to check that the batteries were charging so moved a little way down the canal. 

It was a shame to break down but a good place as we had water next to the boat and CRT toilets nearby! Our friends Jill and Jon helped to make it easier to pass the time.

When we did get going we passed a house with small lock paddles for the front gate!

Sunday 7th August 2016

A non-sailing day today as we took the Severn Valley Steam railway to Bridgnorth and all stations inbetween. 

In Bridgnorth we walked down to the lower town and after looking around decided to take the Funicular railway to the upper town. This was rather a swiz because you could only buy return tickets and we didn't want to come back down again!

We then returned to Highley on the train and noticed the sign for drivers indicating the gradient of the line.

The engine shed at Highley had many interesting locomotion exhibits including a carriage from the Royal train used by King George VI during the war and a carriage from the Royal Mail train sorting office.

I wonder how many people would bother to read this rather involved notice!

All the stations were authentic reconstructions including this one at Bewdley.

Graham and I travelled the final few miles in First Class!

A very interesting day and well worth the visit if you are in the area.

Monday 8th August 2016

Jill and Jon arrived at noon and after lunch we headed off to Kinver. This large chimney was from the steam engine which powered one of the carpet mills at Kidderminster.

A solid church on the outskirts and an unusual sculpture.

Jill was soon back into the locking routine.

A very tame rabbit on the towpath.

We moored for the night with the prospect of good weather ahead.

Friday 5th/Saturday 6th August 2016

We left Worcester on Friday morning and continued up The Severn to Stourport on Severn which is the limit of the Severn navigation. The last lock which will be worked automatically for us gave an indication of the debris which is carried down the Severn. This photo shows it all caught before the weir.

Also in the distance and below are examples of the many holiday homes and caravan parks along the river but very few moorings for boats.

As we were due to turn right into the Staffs and Worcs canal we found a party of Austrlian/New Zealanders moored on the lock landing. This makes it very difficult for a boat waiting for the lock to be ready as there is nowhere to moor. However when talking to them it was obvious that they hadn't realised until they were moored and seemed so traumatised by the whole narrowboat experience that we didn't point it out too forcibly!

This photo was taken by Graham when he was in the lock and I'm walking across to close the bottom gate.

There are 2 staircases before you enter the Upper Basin at Stourport and just to make life interesting they are offset!

Stourport sees itself as an inland seaside resort complete with 365 days-a-year funfair!

This seems very strange when seen from a canal boat.

We moored for the night and spent Saturday morning sorting out household tasks before moving to Kidderminster. We are the only boat on a long line of mooring rings. Obviously not a place people choose to visit by canal. However we are outside a large Tesco's and there is a whole shopping centre just across the car park.

Thursday 4th August 2016

A very historical day today as we took two guided tours in Worcester. The first was through the city streets and although timetabled to be 1 and a half hours our guide was still going strong after 2 and a quarter when we left the group ( which had dwindled from 7 to 3 due to car parking constraints etc.) and headed off to look at the nearby canal. We won't be taking this canal but we do like looking at them!

One stop on the tour was St. Swithun's church where all the pews were box pews. They are still in excellent condition.

Unusual street names abounded and were often indicative of the trade carried out there. This one is where animal feed or meal was traded.

No prizes for guessing what this shop sells.

Some of the buildings are very old and one wonders why some don't collapse.

By the canal basin was this sign reminding us of tomorrow's journey.

One of the newest buildings along the river bank is the boat house of King's School. It really is a stunning building.

After lunch we took a tour of the Cathedral. We were the only people on the tour so had a very personalised explanation of historical events and architectural changes as the cathedral has altered over the centuries. No photos as a permit is needed.

One curious feature of Worcester which we noticed is the prevalence of male hair grooming/barbershops and bridal dress shops. Is there a connection?

Tonight we ate on the boat with entertainment provided by Worcester's Beer, Cider and Perry festival which is being held on the racecourse which is very close to our mooring. The song 'Valerie' has so far been heard twice. Once by a female singer and once by a male. They obviously know that I am here!

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

The journey from Upton upon Severn to Worcester was uneventful. For about 2 hours we had no idea where we were as each tree looked the same as the next. And you couldn't see anything over the riverbanks. For flood protection the small villages are set well back and there are no landing stages/ moorings for boats. The most exciting events were seeing water being taken out of the river

and put back in again.

Although when we looked backwards we did have a lovely view of the Malvern Hills.

Eventually we came to the deepest and largest paired locks on the system and the water point was just beyond it. A work barge was moored there but luckily moved into the lock entrance to deliver some piling equipment to a waiting lorry.

We now passed the remains of the oil terminal where, in the distant past, the tankers used to disgorge their oil. Modern apartments now line the wharfs.

Worcester cathedral came into view and we moored next to the race course.

In the early evening there were lots of rowers practising including this dragon boat crew complete with drum beat.

Graham and I dined at King Charles II pub where the menu consisted of various pies, different types of mash and peas.