August 24

a street in the Black Country Museum, before the hordes of visitors arrive

The next chapter in boating.

After getting the Boat Safety Inspection completed at Autherley Junction, we moved the boat up the Wolverhampton 21 locks, and found a mooring along the canal beside what we thought was a good pub. Turns out that the building has been demolished, so the evening was quiet. Then to Dudley and the Black Country Museum, a first class living museum. I had been before, but Pat and Kerry hadn’t so we spent a good day exploring the history of the area, all the while being entertained and informed by the many period-workers.

We then moved along to Birmingham city center and Cambrian Wharf moorings, where arrangements were made for a rental car for the grand exchange.

I was driven to Braunston for a memorial service for Peter Wenham, my tutor and mentor in bell-ringing. I had a chance to ring again in Braunston with my good friends there, followed by Peter’s request ‘wet’ at the local pub. Pat and Kerry moved along to visit with Nick and Chris near Reading, and then to pick up friends who are going to share the boat for a few days, while I take a break from my boat. I am going to help Nick bring their boat along the Kennet and Avon canal to their home mooring in Devizes. Lots of changes for me.  I’ve had a great summer touring a large part of the waterways on the east, then north and across the Rochdale canal, and then back south to Birmingham. Having Pat and Kerry with me for a longer period has made us a good team that works well in any set of locks, and along the cut. I’ve had a great time.