Rising to the heights.

We set off just after 1000 following a very quiet night. We have always had a undisturbed stay here by Aston University. We had just been passed by a hire boat with 5 or 6 men of a certain age so we were hoping they had come down the Farmer's Bridge flight.

This mooring spot almost by Aston Junction seems to have been cleaned up and would make a good spot. Previously it looked as though it had been frequented by drinkers but now may make a good overnighter.

I always like this first view  of the Telcom Tower and Barker Bridge (1842) and it means that we are near to the first lock.

And here we are at the first lock of the thirteen and our rise to the heights of Birmingham..

This section of the flight is always like a wind tunnel in the sun or rain. Here we are just about to go up and under!! We did have the locks our way but most of them had to be drained somewhat each time.

These words on the lock beam could not be truer. We were frequently watched by folk out on their Sunday stroll. Mainly visitors to the city though.

I thought this poor bird was a plastic bag until we were leaving the lock. I wonder where it came from? Maybe out of as window of flats by the lock. I had picked up and needle by lock 2 and put it in a plastic bottle that was part of the haul picked up. Actually the flight was pretty clean, even after a Saturday night. Other than for somebody having had a dump on the lock side that is!!

Not far from the top now and looking back at the Islington Place area.

We  stopped for water at the slow  tap by Cambrian Wharf but carried on to moor at the entrance to Oozells Loop. After lunch we went into town to fine a paper and to have a poke about.

You can't walk through past the old library now and this is why. It is like a war scene. The new buildings are different to the old brutalist building, but we will have to see if it is better.

Walking down New Street I enjoyed this view of the mirrored exterior of New Street Station.

My walking boots have had a parting of the ways of the sole from the uppers so after a look on line I went to have a look to see what was available in Brum. I found that Blacks were relocating and there was 30% so came away with some new Hi Tec walking shoes. What ever I buy in this line seems to only last a year, but then again I seem to have them on most of the time. We got the Sunday paper and some odds and sods before making our way back to the Prince of Wales, the pub just up from the Cambrian Wharf moorings as Sunday afternoon, 1630/1700, they have a band on. Today it was 'Restless Dog' and they played a good selection of Beatles, Stones etc.. We left to go back and have our Indian meal. More shopping planned for tomorrow as well as other stuff.