April 1st and 2^nd

Left our mooring at

Oozell St.

heading for the Black Country Museum passing the Icknield and Hockley Port loops, would never believe that you were still in middle of Birmingham.

Passed some ornate bridges on route.

Had to negotiate several old Tollbars where boats were gauged and had to py the toll for the weight they were carrying.

Just before the BCM we found we had our very own bridge named after us.



Not a lot of mooring in the museum area but several spots outside. Managed to breast up at the only mooring available, right out side the museum entrance.

Spent the afternoon visiting the sights and riding on the tram. Carly was not amused by the tram and I had to comfort her all the way from the terminus

Next morning we returned to the museum taking a trip down the drift mine, first time it had been opened following rewiring. Carly joined us and was excellent considering it was in the dark and there were several explosions and floor shakings.

In the afternoon we took a trip into the Dudley Canal Tunnel to see some of the mine workings. They are still trying to open some of the more spectacular tunnels but we did see where about 10 weddings a year take place with the guests sitting in the trip boat

Later Claire from Guide Dogs came to collect Carly and take into training. She went to Shrewsbury under the new system rather than to Leamington as we had expected.

Claire texted us later that evening to tell us that Carly had settled in well with her Boarders.

April 3^rd

As rain was forecast we set off at 7.00 heading for the Shropshire Union Canal.

Surprised at how nice the canal was through Dudley and Wolverhampton. Even followed by a fox for a little way.

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Some nice morrings at the Wolverhampton Top Lock which we had not expected.

Just after the Cannock Rd Bridge we passed the place where our Great, Great Grandfather had lived. The old terraced canal workers houses now having been demolished.

Passed the Wolverhampton Race Track which will Bill will know well, around lock 18 and 19.

Almost there, the last lock of 21 in the Wolverhampton flight, and we only got caught in one shower.

We turned right onto the Staffs and Worcester Canal and in half a mile turned onto the Shroppie mooring at a nice spot in the countryside with bird feeders outside the boat in the hedge giving us a feast of bird life to watch.

We are ready for the snow forecast for tomorrow