Something Old, Something New.

After a great kip we woke to heavy rain on the roof. We didn't rush as we had decided not to move until the rain stopped which was forecast for 1300. We both pottered until then. Well really I was catching up on the Sunday Paper. Right on queue the sun came out and we set off.

The front of what used to be the National Indoor Arena looks loads better now that it is the Barclaycard Arena. Looking down to Cambrian Wharf and the top of the Framer's Bridge Locks.

We had never been down the Oozells Loop in the boat so we went that way round and saw ourselves whilst glimpsing the bright young things raising a sweat in the gym.

Looking back down Oozells Loop at some apartments that seem a very good location.

We didn't get to go to the Fiddle and Bone pub that Sherborne Wharf now run. From there advert in the Tillergraph it seems they sell proper beer so we will have to visit on the way through next time. I am intrigued to know what they are going to do with the round house next door.

We followed the Main Line passing Icknield Port Loop where nothing seems to have started with the inner city village that is planned there and the Soho Loop with Winson Green Prison, and when we passed Smethwick Junction we did not go up the locks on the Old route but stayed on the same elevation on the new Telford Line. The sun shines as we pass the roving bridges over the junction.

Just coming to an old toll island. Where the tall white flowers are in the middle of the island is where the guaging dock was. The boat would park there and have the freeboard checked from which the total amount of cargo was worked out and so the toll due to the canal company. The bridge is the aqueduct that carries the Engine Arm, a branch of the Old Main Line over the New Main Line.

We got a short sharp shower as we passed under the Old Main Line again on the brick built Steward Aqueduct that can be seen past the M5 bridge supports.

The two routes are reunited at the Spon Lane Junction Locks. There are still some bits of canal round here that we still have to have a look out. We haven't been up the Titford Canal, the Gower Branch or the Wednesbury Old Canal plus some of the Walsall Canal so we are definitely due back this way.

We turned left down the Netherton Branch Canal taking us to the Netherton Tunnel. This was the last major tunnel to built in the UK and opened in 1858 and was a huge two way and two tow paths to it. It was lit by gas but then converted to electricity that was generated by a turbine fed by water from the Old Main Line that is at the higher level.

It took us about 30 mins to pass through and I was pretty cold by the end of it. The seven air shafts didn't seem to be very wet at home and when we got out we stopped at the Bumble Hole Visitor Centre (open 1000 to 1400) to fill with water and then just pulled over to the other side and moored up with a lovely view of daisies.