Day 1 - Warings Green to Alvechurch

Wednesday 9th July - 13 miles

Set off on tour number 2 of the summer around 9.30 - dry but very breezy - needed fleeces on. Only got to Dickens Heath when steering went completely on a bend under the bridge with a hire boat coming the other way who appeared oblivious to our lack of control. Eventually got boat into the offside where Paul was able to clear the rubbish out - not before another two boats had passed.

Saunter along boat stopped prior to drawbridge waved us through and kept bridge open for quite a time. I bet the drivers were happy not! This boat was called Saunter Together - we saw a lot of them in the next 48 hours.



Wast Hills Tunnel

Horn failed again approaching Kings Norton junction. We stopped in our usual spot for lunch.

Brightened up a lot but still very breezy. Moored at Alvechurch for the night - able to sit out and read. Lots of ducks, geese and a tern gathered when a man came to feed them. He said he came down every evening - I think they were expecting him.

Worcestershire Countryside from Bittell Moorings









Bittell Reservoir




Mooring at Alvechurch

Watched the Tour de France highlights and the second world cup semi final, very different to last nights Argentina won on penalties.







Day 2 - Alvechurch to Stoke Pound

Thursday 10th July - 6 miles, 30 locks

Ross 31st birthday. Beautiful day - set off from Alvechurch for a 2.5 mile cruise to Tardebigge same time as Saunter Together.



Tardebigge Top Lock

Went down top lock and stopped to fill our engines - with a cooked breakfast prior to the next 29 locks. Few boats coming up but two were going down ahead of us so most of the locks were set against us. Took just over 4 hours.

Inside Tardebigge Top Lock



Mooring opposite the Queens Head at Stoke Pound

Moored opposite the Queens Head which was still very busy with late lunches. Very hot but now stayed in boat in the shade listening to first test against India. Sat out later - idyllic.

Went to Queens Head for a drink it is in the Farm/Mortons chain. Very big patio, garden and a tepee which you could hire for a function. There was a do going on prosecco, buffet and fire looked very nice.







Queens Head across from our mooring at night

Back to boat for dinner outside, pub still going strong, singer/guitarist when we went to bed at 11ish.








Day 3 - Stoke Pound to Astwood top lock

Friday 11th July - 2 miles, 6 locks

Leisurely start to the day set off when we saw someone come up the locks so we knew they'd be set for us. Prior to that we had a visit of sorts a man talking to himself who bent down to look through the window and ask if we needed any help. I met him again later as I walked to the lock - he had a boat and kept asking me how long it would take him to go up Tardebigge single handed.

Smooth run down Stoke locks 6 in all past Black Prince base where I realised we hadn't put the washing on. Paul went to put it on and the inverter would not come on. Down final lock of the day and stopped to fill up with water. Decided to turn everything off, moor and try the inverter again.



Festival Mooring

Moored above Astwood top lock - inverter worked thank goodness.

Lazy afternoon prior to walking over to the Bowling Green pub for the evening concert of Bromsgrove folk festival - Richard Digence was top of the bill - I was mistaken expecting to see Richard Stilgo I know they've both been on countdown.

Got back to boat just after midnight - sat outside until 1.00am enjoying Dougie and a cheese and onion sandwich.





Day 4 - Bromsgrove Folk Festival

Saturday 12th July

Cleaned the boat through and made a lasagne in readiness for our guests - Rachael and Ross.



Festival Refreshments

Very hot day had lunch before going to the afternoon concert which was just ok.















The Meet Dougie Session

Back to boat for lasagne before Rachael and Paul dashed off to "meet" Dougie in the mini marquee while Ross and I cleared up.





















Pre Concert Drinks

Had a beer and watched a queue forming decided not to join it a decision we regretted later as we had a seat to the side of the stage. Never mind we enjoyed it.













The Bowling Green

Into bar to listen to the session then back to boat for cheese and biscuits, chocolate and tea, able to sit out until 1.00am again.









Day 5 - Astwood Top Lock

Sunday 13th July

Having rained overnight we were pleased to wake up to a dry morning as there were four of us on board. Rachael organised cooked breakfast while I finished my book. They left around 11.00 and we settled down to what appeared may be an exciting day of test cricket - it fizzled out late afternoon to a draw. Also finished my jigsaw puzzle.

Walked to Bowling Green around 6ish to see if there was a session in the bar but it was all very quiet and they had run out of red wine! Walked up the road to the boat and railway where we kept half an eye on the world cup final.



A cat

Back to boat sat outside for dinner. Had a late night visitor a cat who was keen to come into the boat but not keen to be fussed or picked up.

Day 6 - Astwood top lock to Astwood bottom lock for Hanbury Hall

Monday 14th July - 1 mile, 5 locks



The Parterre

A long trip today ha ha! One mile and five locks. Walked over to Hanbury Hall (we had been last year but it was too hot so didn't enjoy it!). Gardens were amazing, veg for sale which we will enjoy tomorrow. The wild flower garden was out of this world, full of colour and insect heaven.

Walked up to Hanbury Church you could see for miles - had a topograph pointing out all the hills etc in view.







Wild flower garden





Wild flowers












Very busy on canal when we got back Paul appointed himself volunteer lock keeper!

Quiet evening finally got to watch the Honourable Woman which we downloaded two weeks ago.




Day 7 - Astwood bottom lock to Droitwich

Tuesday 15th July - 2.5 miles 9 locks

Cloudy start set off at 9.00am heading for Droitwich. Passed Saunter Together again at Hanbury junction. Turned off the Worcester and Birmingham Canal onto the Droitwich canals. Three locks with side ponds to conserve water - just letting Paul out of first lock when a volunteer lock keeper came to help - the locks were deep.

Then into Droitwich marina for water and pump out. Rang mum from there she knew exactly where we were as it had been on BBC breakfast at the end of last week.



Staircase Locks

On down the staircase locks and then under the M5 - all plants, TV aerial, watering cans etc off roof as the bridge is very low - just made it Paul had to crouch down to drive through, even I had to duck!

















Approaching the M5 bridge










Crouching to steer through the M5 bridge



Junction of the Droitwich Junction Canal and the River Salwarpe

Cruised through Vines Park Droitwich had trouble getting the padlocks off the swing bridges - man came to my aid. Moored in Netherwich basin boats on each side.













Approaching Droitwich

Walked into town after lunch did a Waitrose shop and browsed the charity shops. Got a bigger pot and some compost for the gerbera.














Very sunny and hot now chatty couple on boat two along with Joseph a spaniel! Also chatty chap next door electrician at Cheltenham University.

Went for a drink in the Gardeners Arms and Railway. Still very hot and forecast to get hotter.




Day 8 - Droitwich to Worcester

Wednesday 16th July - 8 miles, 9 locks (1 staffed)

Mural near Netherwich Basin

Quiet day enjoyed cruise down the Droitwich canals although locks were very heavy. I drove into the last lock there were men working on the paving and a single handed hirer waiting to come up. No pressure to get it right.












On to Severn uneventful trip into Worcester Paul's only excitement was to use radio to warn lock keeper of our imminent arrival. Moored at the racecourse. There was an evening meeting on but we decided not to go due to the cost and weather which was forecast to rain - which it did.

Quiet evening on the boat watching salmon fishing in the Yemen - not a bit like the book.


Day 9 - Worcester

Thursday 17th July

Hot day. I went shopping Paul spent morning cleaning outside of boat and trying to fix the toilet which he thought was blocked.

Very lazy afternoon due to heat listening to TMS - second test against India.

Walked along to the Diglis hotel for a couple of drinks. No cardigan required!

Day 10 - Worcester to Upton on Severn

Friday 18th July - 10 miles, 1 lock (staffed)

Toilet still playing up. Paul couldn't visit Worcester without a trip to homebase.



Upton moorings

Cruised to Upton on Severn to get a flavour of the blues festival. Booked a mooring in the marina. Hot day spent afternoon inside hiding from the sun.

Toilet fixed by disconnecting the gauge.

Laurence Jones on the main stage

Walked into town Paul enjoyed Lawrence Jones Band chatted with various festival goers re camping, weather, beer and music. Had a festival curry!

Walked back to listen to the band at the marina which was disappointing as was the wine. Walked back to boat for a decent glass of wine.

Lots of rain, lightening and thunder overnight.






Day 11 - Upton to Gloucester

Saturday 19th July - 18 miles, 2 locks (staffed)

Rain, rain, rain. Cruising new territory today down the Severn past Tewksbury - I was inside most of the way Paul got soaked and his new Nicholson guide too!

Upper Lode lock was enormous in with two other boats. Got a safety leaflet re getting into Gloucester lock and then docks. Still raining.



The channel between Upper Parting and Gloucester Lock

Gloucester lock wasn't as big as expected but was quite deep. We started off with three other boats in the dry but soon raining again. Got the last pontoon mooring - moored up in the rain. Sat it out whilst listening to TMS from Lords who kept telling us how hot and sunny it was there!












Gloucester lock
















Three abreast in the lock and one behind 














Mooring in Gloucester docks

Dried up about 3.00 and by 4.00 we had forgotten about the rain and were wandering around the food festival in summer clothes. Bought cheese, pickles and bread yum yum.













The red back of our boat is just visible









Water Gypsy in Gloucester docks

Back to boat for a shower before a drink at the bar overlooking the boats, decided as we were within walking distance of the city centre to have a curry - unusual not your korma or sagwala - very nice!












Day 12 Gloucester to Quedgley Wharf

Sunday 20th July - 4 miles (plus return trip with Mum, Jude and Dave)



Mooring with last night's bar behind

Woke to a beautiful morning. Got boat clean and tidy while Paul went to get a Sunday paper and soak up the Sunday morning food festival atmosphere. Had a coffee and then I went for a stroll got Paul some beer and a gourmet sausage roll for my lunch. Saw James Martin leave the demonstration tent.









Gloucester Cathedral looms over our mooring



Gloucester lock and the moorings







Leaving Gloucester docks through Llanthony bridge

Back to boat for a four mile cruise to Quedgely wharf near Hardwicke where Mum, Jude and Shine met us. We cruised back into Gloucester and had a quick stroll round the Quays and festival before boarding for the return cruise and tea.











Passing Edward Elgar on the Gloucester and Sharpness canal



Back at Quedgely Wharf

Mother and Daughters

Went to the Pilot Inn for a couple of drinks before dinner.



Day 13 - Quedgely Wharf to Saul Junction

Monday 21st July - 4 miles



Water Gypsy tucked between two cruisers on the left at Saul Junction

Another scorcher we are around 25 degrees. After a four mile cruise moored at Saul junction with the intention of a walk however it was too hot. Lazed around reading and listening to England's miserable defeat in the second test.












River Severn from Upper Framilode

After an early dinner walked down to the River Severn about 2.5 miles.

Saul junction is a very bust spot - walkers, cyclists and boats up and down all day.






Day 14 Saul Junction to Sharpness

Tuesday 22nd July - 8 miles


Passing a sailing ship on the canal

Even hotter!! Cruised along to Sharpness beautiful moorings between canal and Severn.

Walked around to the docks late afternoon one ship in saw evidence of grain, coal and scrap metal.

Spent a couple of hours inside avoiding the sun. Sat back outside after dinner - cooled down nicely.





Support for the old railway crossing



Sharpness old arm from our mooring



Sharpness old arm



Sharpness docks entrance from the canal



The old tidal basin



At the old tidal basin



Sharpness docks




Moorings viewed from near the dockers club

Day 15 - Sharpness

Wednesday 23rd July



Coffee time at Sharpness

Woke to another hot day but a nice breeze blowing. Decided to stay for another night at Sharpness so Paul walked 1.8 miles each way to the shop - Mace - which did not have a lot in it - green milk, cucumber and a loaf. No salad, tomatoes or veg.

Lazy day reading, playing guitar etc.











Looking back from the Purton "graveyard"

Went for a walk at 5.00pm to Purton, deviated off the path to follow the Purton boat graveyard a stretch of the Severn where boats had been intentionally beached to prevent erosion of the canal embankment. Quite amazing.











Purton boat graveyard



Purton boat graveyard




List of beached boats

Purton church

Visited Purton church very small with three new (2010) stained glass windows depicting life in abundance.

Window in Purton church



Hiding from the rain in the Berkeley Arms at Purton

Started walk back to the boat decided to use the path by the river rather than the towpath, passed a pub which was closed strict opening hours 7.00pm to 10.00pm. - shame if only it had been open we wouldn't have got soaked. As the heavens opened we were in t-shirts and shorts. Back to the pub which had just opened. Well it was old fashioned and minimalistic had a pint each and a packet of crisps with a pickled egg yum!

Dried out by the time we got back to boat for dinner.