BCNS Explorer Cruise—day three

DAY three of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Explorer Cruise and onto Pelsall Common, writes Keith Gudgin.

Started early today to try and beat the weather, rain was forecast for the afternoon.

Tree down

All was going well until I passed under Blackcock bridge and there was a tree down across the canal.

There was a small chance of passing it on the offside but I didn't want to get stuck as the canal had been very shallow in places.

A call to CaRT's ‘emergency' (???) number and I was told someone would get back to me.

No return phone call

Two hours later, no phone call from CaRT and all the boats waiting to get moving so one boat decided to have a go at getting round. He was successful so we all chanced it and got through. It's now 1235, three and a half hours since I phoned CaRT and they still have not called me back, well it's their problem now.

The canal today has in the main been a lot deeper and cleaner than previously though I have got some rubbish around my prop. I have seen only one visitor mooring today and that only for 24 hours.

I'm at Pelsall Common now, on the dreaded pins again, (Photo) as I didn't fancy the Anglesey Arm due to me being knackered and the fact it was raining when I got to the junction. It's very nice here in the park. The grass has been cut and it appears to be very quiet. This will please all the boats that have dogs on them, as we have nine dogs with us so I have been told. The photo was taken before any other boats arrived so only shows mine there at the time.

Single crewed

I was hoping to take more photos, but being single crewed I don't want to leave my camera on the roof as it has been raining most of the cruise so far. Forecast is better for later in the week so I hope to get more photos then.

Well it's raining hard now and as we are on our way to Walsall Basin tomorrow with another flight of locks to negotiate on route I'm going to put my dinner on, my feet up and relax for the afternoon.

So good night and more tomorrow.