Industrial Birmingham

Back onboard, at long last. Having effectively been under 'house arrest' due to our trusty old car not being so 'trusty' after all. We are back afloat in Birmingham. Though it was a little chilly today, we were feeling withdrawal symptoms so took a quiet cruisette around the industrial centre of Birmingham. It is said that there are more miles of canal in Birmingham than in Venice. The Birmingham Canal Navigations (BNC) is a collection of branch lines, loops and private arms that were originally built to service the heavy industry in the 18th century.

Here we are negotiating the only and very narrow link in the Gas Street Basin. Up until 1815 this channel was non-existent. In its place was The Worcester Bar where all cargo had to be unloaded from the Grand Union Canal boats into Birmingham Canal Company Boats and a toll paid for the privilege.

Straight ahead is The Mail Box which houses many restaurants and bars that take advantage of the waterfront, as well as the BBC.

Here is a rare shot of Sue at the helm as we approach what appeared to be a barge graveyard. The way they are partly grounded shows how low the water levels currently are.

We must have passed 20 to 25 similar craft all empty and rusting. Something Tempranillo won't ever suffer from, being totally aluminium.

We hope later this week to begin our journey south. Please come back and see how we get along.