Author: sueyf

We left Wolverhampton around 0930. The departure from our mooring required skilled maneuvers from Jeff, including steering the boat in reverse. We enjoyed yet another sunny day on the canals, albeit with a chilly wind. I was a bit cold, so was reminded of a comment made by a canal man met earlier in the trip, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Too true.

We passed a busy canal-side pub around lunchtime but decided to press on to the town of Walsall. I wanted to visit a pub near town reputed to be the second oldest in the country, the Manor Arms built ca 1104.

The boating was moderately slow going, as we were on less-travelled canals that are not particularly well maintained. In some areas, Jeff had to be careful not to run aground or uselessly churn up the mud beneath us; in spots, there was some significant challenges within the canal itself (such as when we hit what seems to have been a submerged shopping cart ) but we escaped unscathed.

Because of a mixture of anticipation and concern that the kitchen might close early on a Sunday night, i convinced Jeff to go straight to the Arms on arrival. We were very disappointed when we were told that the only food being served was a cob (corned. beef or turkey We left, ended up docking at a local boat club and ate supper on the boat.

Guest post by Susan

Despite the long day yesterday and the active social scene last night in Gas St. basin where we were moored, we were up early for a walk around the neighborhood. We went out later again by foot and also by boat. We’re in a new spot for the night – still downtown, about two blocks from last night’s spot.

Here are today’s pictures, and a short video.

Guest post by Susan

First of all, don’t worry, Jeff is still with me, and no, we are not lost. However we’re not in a particularly notable spot. We are on a journey to the centre of Birmingham, the second largest city in England. There’s lots to see and do there, so look for later posts about this part of our adventure.

One funny story – we stopped for lunch in Curdworth but decided the first restaurant, the White Lion, looked too fancy and expensive. However after the next two choices were closed, we decided to give it a go. It turned out to be our best and cheapest meal yet. For the foodies, Jeff had beef bourgignon and I had a grilled halloumi skewer with feta salad. Delish!

Photos of our day will follow, but I want to note how everyone we talk to, from other boaters, volunteers at the locks, and restaurant staff to chatty locals, have expressed their concern and support for Canada in these uncertain and difficult times. It has been heartwarming and made me realize (again) that kindness to strangers reinforces our social fabric and reminds us that we are not alone.

Guest post by Susan

It was a largely unplanned day. We expected to be exploring in and around Coventry with Miles and Mallory. However, we were all disappointed when their flight was cancelled because Heathrow shut down due to a nearby fire.

Jeff and I set out later than normal and initially left the boat for a walk in Hartshill. However the area near our mooring was unappealing so we quickly returned to the boat to continue our journey north on the Coventry canal.

We ended up spending most of the day in Atherstone, where we had lunch at a local pub, walked around town, and we (JEFF) went through a flight of 11 locks. Fortunately a man in the boat immediately aft helped Jeff through the last couple of locks. It was quite a sight see him sprint, with his English sheepdog in tow, down to open the gates ahead, then sprint back to his boat to open the gates for his partner skippering their boat.

We also had lots of fun conversations mostly with locals and other canalers. Although it was overcast much of the day, the air was warm, and the showers held off until we had stopped for the night. We’re in a very quiet spot where there are lots of birds, opposite the Pooley country park.

Guest post by Susan

It was another great day, albeit still somewhat chilly. The day began for me with a brief early morning walk along the canal. TBH I missed most of the sunrise but it was worth it as I got an extra hour or so sleep. The sun was glorious and the canal alive with birds, ducks and swans. Once we headed north out of Fenny Compton, the trees lining the canal disappeared and we had views of large fields, hills, occasional manor houses, and sheep for most of the day. After descending a series of locks into Napton, we continued on, entering that the wider portion of the canal where the Oxford and Grand Union combine briefly.

Here are some favourite pictures from Tuesday.

Guest post by Susan

The narrowboat, our home away from home for the next few weeks, was chilly on Saturday night. At least, I was cold in my bunk. I think that’s why I awakened before dawn, though I had slept little the preceding night on the overnight flight to London.

I knew that the forecast was a low of zero and that frost was likely. Despite this, when I woke shortly before 05:30, I quickly went outside to experience, and photograph, the sunrise in Aynho.

I have had frustrating sleep issues for the past several years, but one of the few benefits is that I have seen many a glorious sunrise. It is a promise of the new day. Sunday morning was no exception – the bird song and beautiful vistas surrounded me. I was delighted when I realized that I could see sheep and lambs through the barbed fence near our boat. Even though I stayed too long in the freezing cold, I managed to snap what I think are beautiful pictures of frost and the sheep.

The last few shots I took were of a lone sheep who looked me in the eye, and then appeared to regally sit down. It was almost as if she was the queen of the sheep, and she was giving me permission to photograph her flock.

I hope readers enjoy these early morning pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.