We had a quiet night and were up and about at the normal time, but before heading off we decided to go for a walk to the Morrison's supermarket to top up. Helen bought a bottle of wine too, as it is Yorkshire Day today!!
This is the outlet from the Wolverhampton Water works. As Wolverhampton's industry developed and the population increased more water was required. The council set up a company and they wanted to drill bore holes to extract water at Tettenhall, where we are moored. This was 1845. The canal companies strongly objected as they were worried that somehow it would rob them of water. In they end they were only allowed to drill 18' below the level of the canal which didn't provide enough water and more schemes had to be included. It is obviously a sewage farm now and this is the treated water gushing out to add to the canal. I bet that C&RT are pleased to have it now.
We passed Aldersley Junction and thr 21 locks up to Wolverhampton. I always like doing these locks as they are easily worked and not too much walking between them on the whole.
Double Pennant arm once had a stone yard that loaded narrow boats to carry. It seems that it now has nothing much to do with boats now where as previously there were moorings, gas, licences repairs etc etc.
Below Compton Lock, the first of the day, is this little dock that once was Limekiln Chandlery. They moved on to Stourport about 9 years ago. Just by the lock is Limekiln Wharf, hence the name, which has now had apartment on.
The country side soon takes over from the outer suburbs of Wolverhampton and you could be anywhere on the system. I have noticed a bit more Himalayan Balsam on the Staff and Worcester than the 'Shroppie'. I only saw any on there either side of Brewood. Still there does seem to be less than I have seen in past years. Is this to do with work to eradicate it, or climate?
Near to Wightwick Mill Lock is one of the circular weirs that are only found on this canal. They do add a touch of class to the scene.
There are nice little steps down to board the boat at the locks so I took advantage and took a snap of Helen bringing 'Holderness' out of the lock.
The next, and last for the day for us, is Wightwick Lock. Helen has just brought the boat in. I took the photo not to show how Helen can perform this feat even when looking the wrong way, but to show off the boat as I polished the boat yesterday.
Again this photo is not to show how nonchalantly Helen takes the boat out, but to show the top of the bridge arch. It almost looks like stalactites but is in actual fact the wear caused by the tow ropes of the horse drawn boats that were passed under the bridge to pull the boats out.
This old wharf makes a great moorings but is also home to a traditional boat painter.
We moored up above Dimmingsdale Lock, on the offside moorings. I took this picture to see the shine. I therefore had to get busy with the other side to match it. It certainly looks better for doing.
At the foot of the lock there are some heavily laden damson trees that tempted me to pick them and I see a jam session coming on. I may bottle some too. At the mouth of the by-wash there seems to be a popular spot for fisherman, judging by the amount of rubbish that was knocking about. I went down with a bag and a picker and cleaned it all up.
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