Last blog for now

Set off at 0800 down the final section of journey to Stourport, crossing into Worcestershire between Whittington and Cookley. Pretty uneventful journey arriving at Stourport at 1400.

Staffordshire/Worcestershire boundary marker

Kidderminster Lock

Well 250+ miles and we have circumnavigated the Midlands. Met lots of people particularly at locks which become little social gatherings. A Dutch couple who spend their summer on a boat on the canals and their winters in Portugal. They never do more than 4 hours and a day and mornings only. They had travelled from Rufford which I think is near Wigan.

The family who move boats from one part of the country to another for the boat owners and their clients.

The chap from Seattle who came over every summer totravel the canals.

The rather rough looking couple who helped us through the locks in Leicester who were actualy very nice.

We have returned slightly earlier than planned as we after sort out the aftermath of The Flood. The boat has performd well though with the only other problem being with the shower drain pump switch which is now sorted.

I still havnt seen a combine harvester but here is a nice JCB 2D from the 60's in Penkridge

Enjoyed the IWA show and its a pity that its not happening next year although the 2013 show is now planned for Newbury which could mean a crossing of the tidal Severn from Gloucestershire to Bristol which would be exciting!
246 miles 205 locks and nearly 6 miles of tunnel

Brass plaque from IWA show