Thursday 26 March 09. Alvechurch to Tardebigge Top Lock. 2 Tunnels 1 lock and a soaking.



Into the village again for a paper just making it back before the heavens opened with a vengeance. That was lucky says I, Wuss says D.



The sun came out and we were off, into a strong wind but it was pleasantly warm and the trees sheltered us as we approached yet another tunnel.



This one is the Shortwood Tunnel, quite short and very dry. The sign informed us it takes 20 minutes to pass through, we were through in 10 at our normal plod.



Leaving the tunnel the clouds had built up and the wind was freshening all the time, just as we got to a clearing the squall hit us. The wind made a full gale knocking the boat sideways and forcing me to use a good three quarter throttle just to stay in one place, then the rain hit, you could see it sweeping over the fields towards us.



D was now in the engine room which is nice and warm and dry. Apparently this was to allow me all the room I needed on the stern to swing the tiller. Mmmm........Wuss.

Another tunnel! this one is the Tardebigge. Unusual inside though as it has no brick or concrete lining for most of it, just the bare rock it was carved out of. This made for some wierd shapes in the boats light, at one point I had to duck as the walls closed in.

This is the start of the monster! Tardebigge Flight, 58 Narrow Locks down to Worcester and what a lock to start with, one of the deepest Narrow Locks in the country. That's Dees head peering over in the top left

This is the back view, imagine all those tons and tons of water being held back by that little gate.

That is as far as we were going for today, being cold and wet had no influence on that decision whatsoever. Found a nice quiet mooring in the shelter of some trees, cut some logs for the evening fire and we are cosy again.

Tomorrow then.........