Polesworth to Curdworth (Near Birmingham)

Woke to a dry day and intended starting off early at 0800. Unfortunately disaster struck in that we couldn't move. Something was jammed under the stern of the boat and it wouldn't budge. The front end was free and the boat pivoted around whatever the obstruction was. It was quite clear the stern was more out of the water than it should have been. A quick call to the Waterways (Canal and River Trust (CRT for short) since British Waterways folded in June) and they put me onto a helpful manager of the Coventry canal. He said he would send someone right away. Tried a lot more pushing and shoving but the boat wouldn't move but was rocking about the obstruction in the canal. The CRT men turned up at 0930 just as another boat was passing. The passing boat asked if we wanted towing off. I grabbed a line and wound it around the front stud and the boat moved forward and free. I passed the steerer of the passing boat a bottle of Bathams from my supply! He seemed happy with that. Not sure what the obstruction was; Waterways man thought it was a motorbike (no idea why) I thought it was a concrete block of some description.
So we were underway again by 1000. Passing through the outskirts of Tamworth we passed over the river Tame on a aqueduct. The Tame was in flood following recent downpours. We got to Fazeley at 1200.

Tame Aqueduct at Tamworth

Unusual footbridge at Drayton Manor

Curdworth tunnel

Fazeley is where the Coventry canal joins Birmingham and Fazeley canal. We turned left onto the B&F heading now for Birmingham. In days gone by this canal was always sinled out as being one of the worst in the country but the first few miles have seemed pleasant enough. The canal climbs past Drayton Manor Park up a flight of 11 locks to Curdworth, the last village before the Birmingham suburbs begin. We were followed up the flight by Cassiopia a old working boat. We made good progress up the flight and moored in Curdworth village, after passing through the tiny Curdworth tunnel, at 1530 White Horse pub planned for dinner.

My "Fry's chocolate cream" from yesterday which I thought was a scoop seems to be on sale everywhere!