Canal Holiday - Day 3

The clocks went forward, and after a fab night’s sleep didn’t get up until 9.30. But it was a quick off the starting blocks kind of get up, with Bratch Locks just a few moments away.

We navigated the locks, with its slightly more complicated paddle system, and then tackled the two lock staircase at Botterley Bottom, before continuing on to Kinver.

There were many, many fishermen almost all day along the banks. Most were thankful that we were going slowly, but some were asking us to go faster which seemed contrary. A conversation revealed that if it the fish weren't biting there was a theory that  a boat going faster might get the fish biting. Whether this theory held any water was a matter for much fishermen debate.


We also found our first real gongoozlers, and Jennie is considering opening a sideline business in adjusting the times on people’s phones when the clocks change.

Taking on water was interesting, as the widget at the end of the hose didn’t fit properly and kept popping off the tap. Dad finally got it to stay, albeit very leaky and ran the water, and then we all sat down in the bow for lunch.

After lunch, Dad lifted the hose from the tank to see how it was doing and discovered that it wasn’t - the water had been happily pouring down the drain. Trying again, he did manage to finally get a good fit. After admiring cyclists who stopped and lifted their bikes over our hose, or jumped them over, we filled up and moved on.

Upon mooring up at Kinver we went for a little wander, and discovered the little tiny narrow-gauge railway which was very, very cute. But not open properly until Easter.

We decided to check that our target pub, The Vine, was open, and found that it was not, much to the consternation not only of ourselves, but also two young ladies who were stunningly dolled up in posh summer frocks and had walked a blister-inducing 20 yards in fabulous heels to get there. We found out later through gossip along the cut, that the proprietor had done a midnight flit just after Christmas with the takings.

We decided to research alternatives.

But only after sitting on the boat in the sunshine with wine and cookies.

Deciding upon an Indian meal, we enjoyed a buffet at the Shimla curry house, right up until I bit into what must have been the world’s hottest chili. The other two continued to enjoy their meals while my head exploded.

On the way back, we spent time staring at stars and satellites in a beautifully clear sky, before enjoying hot choccy and going to bed.