Still, it was to be a good trip back to the Black Prince base at Stoke Prior, including two tests of canal boating skill.
The first was the Wast Hill tunnel, which we are approaching in my picture. This is a real biggie and it is 2726 yards long (that's nearly 3 km for those who have gone metric). This might sound long, (and it is long) but even so, it is only the 4th longest navigable tunnel on the canal system.
Canal tunnels are inevitably dark, gloomy and can be very wet, with lots of water dripping from the ceiling. The helmsman has to put on waterproofs and then those of us who are resting in the life ring on the hatch roof, all take cover from the wet, by sheltering under a minder's jacket .
As it was Polar's first tunnel of any size, he couldn't resist the temptation to look out, even though we did tell him there was nothing to see in the dark. As you can see, he perfected the technique of being able to look out and still stay dry.
The British Waterways sign at the tunnel entrance said that travelling time for the tunnel was about 1 hour. That must be for very nervous drivers who are timidly creeping along. Our guide book said that it would take about half an hour to negotiate and, being confident boaters, we did it in even less (without speeding of course).
When we entered the tunnel we were still in the urban sprawl of the West Midlands. By the time we had come out, we had reached the charming countryside of north-east Worcestershire - quite a change!
Lots of love, Eddie, Polar and crew xxx
1 comment:
you were very brave bears to go through that long tunnel. I do not like tunnels, and wonder if your minders are as dcared as I am? perhaps you had to hold their paws to give them confidance?
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