Bus t

I couldn't resist this picture of a broken down bus, front touching a traffic light totally blocking the junction of Harborne High Street by The Green Man.
Taken from the top deck of a suddenly diverting 23.

Wolverhampton Top Lock

On Saturday there was an open day at Wolverhampton top lock.

Although we have been in a wide lock before this was our first visit inside a narrow one.

The lock itself is 15 years older than the USA. And it is in better condition too.



The reason the lock was drained was to allow for new gates to be fitted. Here they are.



We went down into the lock, which is a grade 2 listed building. The talks were interesting and everybody was happy to answer all questions.

We then looked at the state of the drained canal below the lock.





We now know why it is so easy to ground. We will stay closer to the middle from now on.

The other surprises were the answer to the questions:
What do life expired lock gates look like and where do they go.

We found both answers at lock 2.

Starlight Halloween

On Friday it was my last duty of what has been a long season.
I had finally secured the chance to drive in the dark. An experience I was really looking forward to.

When i arrived however, I was told things had been altered and as I was the only one qualified to drive every tram in service I had been moved to do reliefs and then finish early. Not Happy.

First tram was Leeds 180.



Then 345



And then 812



I had said when I was being briefed that I didn't want to drive 812. I cannot see properly and have to stoop to drive which badly effects my back. When we reached Glory Mine my back was playing up. Neil, my conductor, phoned through to explain and duties were altered, back to how they had been originally so i had my own tram.
It turned out to be Blackpool 40.



As the clocks have already changed it got dark earlier.





I did lots of trips and even got to drive 236 in the dark.



I still ended up being last away even though I wasn't last tram. We had to run North wrong line to avoid the Fire Engine that was attending the false alarm. An interesting day.

Trams again.

Today I was back at the Tramway Museum, being the driver on the second duty of the day.
We had a good choice of cars, but with a sunny day forecast, I chose an open top double decker.



Kevin was my conductor again, he is really good and we get on very well. You can see him in the photograph giving is talk on the top Deck.

Other trams in service were Blackpool 167



And Sheffield 74.



It was nice to be back driving them, I haven't done it in a while and I only have one Duty left this year. Shame it takes so much time, but a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Once in a lullaby.

We set off for home bright and early this morning.

We had help on the staircase locks from a great volunteer who entertained the gongoozlers as I attempted to make the transition from one set to the other.



Bright and early it was but soon it was later and dismal. The heavens opened, there was so much rain I was amazed the river didn't go into flood.

Therefore no more pictures I am afraid but we are safely home and there is no need for lullabies for once as we are all shattered.

That was summer. At least we can probably use the sun cream we invested in next year.

And the dreams that you dreamed of

Last night we spent doing quizzes and drinking wine. Our scores went lower as the evening progressed but the enjoyment level went up!

This morning Dorothy asked us why we went rushing through her room to sort out the electrics in the middle of the night. We didn't! Perhaps dreaming about all that can go wrong with the boat is catching. We are currently very worried about the leaking toilet. We can only dream of happier times.

Today we were off just after 8. We got the generator out early so we could have a microwaved breakfast and suitably fed we set off.



The first bridge is definitely not symmetric. It also looks new under the arch but the parapet seems aged. It probably has an interesting history.

Plenty of locks today. And the crew are beginning to work as a team.



We found lots of moorings available when we made it to Stourport. Always a worry as we don't want to end up on the river.

First stop (as always) we Tesco for supplies and the free loos. Then an interesting afternoon observing every kind of life. It's just like a miniature Blackpool without the trams.



Last day tomorrow, or at least that is the intention.

Way up high

Today we decided not to cruise too far and go a walk up into the hills.

The day started with bacon sandwiches from the Canalside cafe which were delicious.

By 12:30 we were mooring up.



We are moored by an interesting structure that we have no knowledge about. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated please.



The rest of the day was spent walking. The path disappeared up into the hills.



For some narrowboating is a leisurely pursuit to be enjoyed at normal walking pace. For others that is too quick as you can see by the figures in the distance.



We finally made it to the pub but the stragglers had still not caught up so I was first to the bar. Hmm - note to self: more haste, more rounds bought.



At least I could find the way back for fresh sweetcorn and baked potatoes.