Pictures -- from topCookley Tunnel -- 65 yards long
Laughing Sands Road Bridge seen through Laughing Sands Viaduct (railway)
Laughing Sands lock -- sharp left turn
Kidderminster Lock -- in the middle of the city
"Old" Carousel at the Stourport Fun Fair
River Severn upstream from bridge at Stourport
Sunday Roast Dinner (lamb)
Sunday Roast Dinner (lamb)
Since water had been taken on and trash taken off last night and Skipper Mike decided to forgo breakfast at the table for breakfast while steering, we got off to an early, 8:15 a.m., start. Because Gillian was still serving breakfast, Mike had to handle the first couple of locks on his own – totally doable, but a bit more time consuming. The morning alternated, often within the space of five minutes, from sunshine to heavy rain to clouds to light rain to very strong winds. It was a time, as far as I was concerned, to sit inside and enjoy the passing countryside. I also finished reading a book I’d started the second day of the trip entitled English Canals Explained. It did help me understand some of the details of canal and lock history and operation.
We went through two tunnels during the morning; Dunsley was 25 yards long and Cookley was 65 yards long. Neither seemed that different from some of the wide bridges we’ve gone under – except that the sides and ceiling were hewn rock. Both were cut from live rock and had the towpaths inside the tunnel. Some other tunnels on the canal system did not have towpaths inside them so in the days of horse-drawn canal boats it was necessary to pole or leg the boat through the tunnel. Legging involved lying on one’s back on a board placed across the boat; then “walking” along the side or roof of the tunnel to propel the boat. It does sound like a lot of work.
We reached Kidderminster, the usual lunch stop, for lunch – just an hour later than usual. The lock in the middle of Kidderminster, a fair-sized city, is most unusual. As one departs the lock going down, the boat is under a very wide bridge which is a thoroughfare going through the city. So not just one road, but a major intersection is overhead. Weaver’s Wharf, directly after the lock/bridge and where we stopped for lunch, is a commercial area; we were moored right next to a Tesco’s (large chain grocery store) which allowed Gillian to do a spot of shopping.
The afternoon trip was enjoyable – bright sunshine and lovely scenery. The Falling Sands railroad bridge which was quite high was immediately followed by the Falling Sands Bridge which is very low; made an interesting picture. Almost immediately came the Falling Sands Lock which was interesting because the lock was right after a 90 degree left turn in the canal. Scenic but difficult steering.
We arrived at our night mooring at Stourport-on-Severn at 5:45 p.m., almost on schedule. I went out for an exploratory walk with Michael. We went to look at the River Severn and stopped by a Fun Fair on the river which had a carousel that, of course, I had to ride and take a number of pictures. It was in rather rough shape; needs some loving care. Returned at 7 p.m. to the Katie and good smells of our Sunday dinner cooking. Lamb roast with the appropriate side dishes.
After dessert and coffee all headed for their cabins. Tomorrow is the last day of sailing; will arrive at our final destination tomorrow although will spend the night on the boat departing on Tuesday morning.
We went through two tunnels during the morning; Dunsley was 25 yards long and Cookley was 65 yards long. Neither seemed that different from some of the wide bridges we’ve gone under – except that the sides and ceiling were hewn rock. Both were cut from live rock and had the towpaths inside the tunnel. Some other tunnels on the canal system did not have towpaths inside them so in the days of horse-drawn canal boats it was necessary to pole or leg the boat through the tunnel. Legging involved lying on one’s back on a board placed across the boat; then “walking” along the side or roof of the tunnel to propel the boat. It does sound like a lot of work.
We reached Kidderminster, the usual lunch stop, for lunch – just an hour later than usual. The lock in the middle of Kidderminster, a fair-sized city, is most unusual. As one departs the lock going down, the boat is under a very wide bridge which is a thoroughfare going through the city. So not just one road, but a major intersection is overhead. Weaver’s Wharf, directly after the lock/bridge and where we stopped for lunch, is a commercial area; we were moored right next to a Tesco’s (large chain grocery store) which allowed Gillian to do a spot of shopping.
The afternoon trip was enjoyable – bright sunshine and lovely scenery. The Falling Sands railroad bridge which was quite high was immediately followed by the Falling Sands Bridge which is very low; made an interesting picture. Almost immediately came the Falling Sands Lock which was interesting because the lock was right after a 90 degree left turn in the canal. Scenic but difficult steering.
We arrived at our night mooring at Stourport-on-Severn at 5:45 p.m., almost on schedule. I went out for an exploratory walk with Michael. We went to look at the River Severn and stopped by a Fun Fair on the river which had a carousel that, of course, I had to ride and take a number of pictures. It was in rather rough shape; needs some loving care. Returned at 7 p.m. to the Katie and good smells of our Sunday dinner cooking. Lamb roast with the appropriate side dishes.
After dessert and coffee all headed for their cabins. Tomorrow is the last day of sailing; will arrive at our final destination tomorrow although will spend the night on the boat departing on Tuesday morning.
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