I’ve travelled down the length of the Stourbridge canal, and what a contrast: immediately upon moving on from th Stourbridge arm, the cana changed from an urban, often industrial one, to an absolutely tranquil rural canal. Sheep, horses, the inevitable swans and ducks looking or a handout, and NO other boats. Despite being a bank holiday weekend (holiday long weekend for Canadians), there was no traffic at all.
I arrived at the top of the daunting Stourbridge flight of locks, (16+) and found then set against me. Lots of work ahead! I arrive at lock 8 (of 16) and met a foursome of 9-10 year-olds, all of whom were eager to help. Ben Weal, Lottie and Leo Morse, and Callum Grant assisted me through the next 6 locks, and had a chance to ride on the boat, operate the losk paddles and gates and generally were a big help. I hope they enjoyed the experience: I was certainly grateful for the help. Reminded me of back to school days, though!
Arriving at the bottom locks, I met the Staffs and Wusts Canal (Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal for the purists). A hire boat, hell bent for leather almost T-boned me and didn’t even pause to comment… I am beginning to develop the standard British distain for hire boaters (those that rent a boat- like I did the previous 3 times…)
I turned south onthe recommendation of a local who was also there to assist in working the locks, and went to Kinver for the night. Being a holiday weekend, Kinver was crowded, and the only mooring was in the nettles. Oh well. Kinver is a nice village, but not on my list of favourites. The mooring, and no internet, led me to move along, and I arrived in Kidderminster after a short journey.
Kidderminster has lots to see and do, and I will report soonest. I had time for an extended chat in the local parish church with some obviously bored ladies tending the building. I expect to take the Severn Railway, a steam excursion train tomorrow, and explore several of the recommended villages along the route.
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