July12 Trip – Saturday (Return to Alvechurch)

After a slightly annoying start a very uneventful day.

BCN Society work boats

The only problem was at the very start when attempting to top up with water. As we rounded the corner into the Worcester & Birmingham canal I could see what appeared to be two boats topping up with water. No problem, I just put the engine into neutral and held my position waiting for them to finish. As one of the boats pulled away I realised that the other boat was not topping up with water, but was moored, blocking the water point. Not a real problem, but just thoughtless of the boater (Nb Janie Diddle), still I made as much noise as possible and eventually someone managed to rouse themselves, although when their inconsiderate behaviour was pointed out to them said they were not the boat owner and he had gone off to collect a car!

Boat blocking the water point.

Whilst topping up the water Erica and her friend caught up with us for a tour of the boat, which suitably impressed Erica’s friend.

Once we had topped up the water we enjoyed a very uneventful cruise back to Alvechurch. At the Crown Meadow Arm Josie spent a little bit of time practising reversing and winding. Skills very usefully put to use back at Alvechurch where Eos needs to be reversed back into the berth.



Cadbury Factory on way back to Alvechurch



Toll House at King’ Norton Junction

We had planned to have our evening meal at the Weighbridge, but unfortunately John & Jayne were on holiday (Norwegian fjords apparently) so no food was being cooked. Went to the Coach & Horses in Weatheroak.



July12 Trip – Sunday – Alvechurch to The Gas Basin

Prompt start from Alvechurch boat yard, no time for the usual pint in the Weighbridge. We want to get to the Gas Basin, in Birmingham, by this evening so that we can get a good start for the Black Country Museum in the morning. We arrived in Birmingham at 6pm, moored just down From the Canal Side Cafe. As usual the area is busy until mid-evening, but is then quiet through out the night.


Approaching the turn into Gas Street Basin – Mail Box on the right

Mar12 Trip – Tardebigge & Saints on TV – Saturday & Sunday

Saturday morning and Tardebigge to look forward to and then Saints on the TV away to Blackpool. Early start to ensure back in the boat yard in time to watch the football. Not a problem really as Tardebigge should only take about 4 hours and then about an hour to the yard and moor the boat.

Just getting started at Tardebigge bottom lock

In the end the flight took us four-and-a-half hours. No real hold ups, but we did meet a working boat and a butty coming down – on their way to a historic boat rally at Droitwich.

Heritage boat Nb Ilford

Nb Ilford entering the lock

At last a very welcome sight, stopped for lunch and then on to Alvechurch arriving just before 4pm. Plenty of time to sort the boat out, pump out, top up the diesel, check the gas bottles and start to clean the boat ready for the next owners.

A very welcome sight.

Then sit down and watch the football, that’s when it all started to go wrong, Saints on the wrong end of a 3 – 0 score line. Never mind at least we can go across to the Weighbridge for something to eat and a few well deserved pints, unfortunately there was no chef so no food. Into the village for some fish & chips and  then back to the boat and start planning the next trip in July.

Feb12 Trip – Artic Weather Sets In – Tuesday to Saturday

The slight thaw on Monday proved to be a false dawn. The ice refused to melt and we were frozen in for the rest of the week. We spent the week walking along the canal or into Alvechurch village interspersed with the occasional visit to the Weighbridge

Boat stranded further along the cut

The following pictures provide some idea of the conditions outside the boat. Inside we were very comfortable and in the end only had to leave the boat on the Saturday (a day early) because a pump out was required and the water in the boatyard had refrozen so we couldn’t even move the boat a few yards.

Kids tobogging outside Alvechurch

More ducks

Towpath Alvechurch (1)

Towpath Alvechurch (2)

Towpath Alvechurch (3)

Boats iced in at Alvechurch Boatyard

Feb12 Trip – Monday Still Frozen in

Monday and despite a slight thaw and the ice in the yard starting to melt away, a few yards along the canal it’s one to three inches thick from bank to bank. It looks like we will be here all week going for walks instead of cruising along the canal.


Ducks on Ice – Taken from front cabin window

Feb12 Trip – Sunday Frozen in

Nb Eos Moored at Alvechurch

Sunday, first day back on the boat. Heavy snow in Birmingham on Saturday evening. Spent the early part of evening watching Saints draw with Brum and the snow get thicker and thicker. Not very good game, but compensated by a few decent beers in the latter part of the evening. First at the Anchor in Digbeth and The Post Office Vaults (a new Real Ale pub) in Birmingham city centre.

Arrived at boat on Sunday to find it frozen in, but previous owner (after ringing us) had left fire going in stove, so boat cosy & warm. Couple of friends (Steve & Maggie) staying overnight. We were hoping to have a couple of hours cruising down to Tardebigge top lock & returning to the boatyard, but no chance with the ice. Once boat was loaded we nipped across to the Weighbridge for a couple and then spent rest of afternoon playing crib. Before returning to Weighbridge for evening meal.