Monday 23rd August 2021. With Alex as crew we returned to the boat, readied and left to navigate Tardebigge and Stoke locks, aiming for the pub in Stoke Works. Alex took the tiller after Tardibigge tunnel and I took the bank duties. With a mix of locks set for us and assistance from three oncoming biats we were soon to in full swing and the temperature and sunshine. We changed over at Lock 40 when I was flagging and stopped for lunch at lock 44.
We finished the day with an awfull meal at The Boat and Railway. Sour beer and overcooked mussels!
8 miles, 36 locks, 7.5 hours.
Tuesday 24th August 2021,
I let go at 6.15ish and watered at Stoke Water point. Then I proceeded to Astwood Locks and single handed the first three with assistance from the CRT lengthsman while Alex slept on. Alex apoeared to navigate out of lock 3. The lengthsman had advice when the top gate did not close easily. “ Open the bottom paddle and let it slam, you won't close it otherwise without hurting your back!” He commented on the bad condition of the balance beams with some boxed and one wrapped in gaffer tape. They are-due for replacement next winter.
The stretch to Dunhamsted was very reedy. At times the canal is single width and visibility is awful..
Late breakfast sufficed for lunch until we finished boating at Bridge 18 and were on our way back to Alvechurch by bus and train. This journey was long and difficult. We stopped for fish and chips and a chicken burger at Reddich bus station. Google did not do us well with the connectins and we could have got a train an hour earlier than she directed.
9 miles 14 locks, 7.1/2 hours
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