On the way to being a troll

A cruise of some planning. Way back in March (IIRC) I booked Stourbridge dry dock for a week to black Percy.  In the past I've just delivered my boats to a boat yard and left them to do the work. Now in retirement I wanted to do it myself to both see how hard/easy it is and also to understand how Percy's hull is holding up. My other reason for choosing Stourbridge was the roof paint needed some attention and John Sanderson who painted Percy three years ago now was at Dadsford wharf just up the road and we'd arrange for him to come and sort it.

First a car shuffle. We needed to have a car in Stourbridge to get us back so Sunday PM saw me drive to the boat with the animals, drop them off then drive on to Stourbridge. At the same time Rachel went to Derby to see her mum then drove on to meet me in Stourbridge.

Parking was fine and we left the old Rover to await our return later in that week while we drove back to Shebdon to overnight on the mooring before setting off to bring Percy to Stourbridge (Phew).

We calculated an easy trip and planned a stop to go to Wightwick Manor, a national trust property that we have past before and not had time to visit.

Day one Monday got us to Bridge 8 on the Shroppie. A pit stop many use as the last stop on the Shroppie going south. The cruise was as good as it could be - warm, no wind, little boat traffic and what we past were not at bridge holes ! That day was about 6 and a half hours about as long as I like to cruise.

Always nice to get onto another book...

I just love the bridges on the Shroppie

Stretton aquaduct  - always a favourite to see the cars speeding past 

It could do with a haircut 

This boat never moves and is never seemingly touched quite sad as I'm sure there are manny who would love to get such a little project boat

Day two Tuesday saw us get to our planned stop at Wightwick. Stopping just behind Lesley and Joe on NB Steadfast. It was good to see them back on the cut on a lovely boat. I had a tour and chat with Joe while Lesley was meeting friends then later they both came to Percy for a looksy and on our way to the Mermaid pub (not great food) Rachel did her first 'other' boat tour. The cruise was just short of four hours  - about right.

This boat was scarily top heavy !

The Manor was well worth a visit  - a beautiful building and only 5 minutes from the canal.

In a time when craftsmanship was important 

Day three Wednesday saw us just south of Swindon lock opposite the cricket club. Not a place we have stayed before but a nice mooring with a chippie just up the road as well as a post office and general store.  About 5 hours IIRC. Through the Bratch locks and Bottersham staircase locks for interest but otherwise a steady cruise with the locks comings regularly and the weather still holding out nicely.

I've never been on the locks at the Bratch (apart from returning but thats another blog post)

 Despite the warmth some still had their stoves lit  

The canal is very rural now, quite peaceful and quite lovely  

I have a similar set up on Percy minus the weight. might one day save a nasty collision on a bridge of lock bridge 

Day four Thursday we overslept not waking up until  nearly 9am. Luckily I'd done the engine lubrication the evening before so we were off about 9.15 am as I'd wanted to get to Stourbridge basin around 2pm to enable me to meet Gary the dock manager.

Another nice cruise, slightly autumnal feeling with leaves starting to drop onto the cut. We met the trip boat out of the basin just above the Stourton locks  heading for the winding hole. We moored up for half an hour to allow him to pass us as I was not sure where we would be mooring in the basin waiting for the dry dock. In the end we allowed him to pass then went on on down the arm and breasted up with a boat waiting for a very early start Friday morning.

The Stourbridge canal is quite rural all the way into Stourbridge. Very clear water teeming with fish.

Here we are at the end of the arm breasted up waiting to go into the dock in the morning..... then the black mood descends - literally !!