Bright Lights Approaching.

Our last post, ending with the picture of debris clearing, may have given you a hint that we were leaving behind the beautiful Warwickshire countryside and entering a far more urban environment, in this case that of the city of Birmingham.

First though we had needed to turn off the Stratford Canal and join the Grand Union.


Ungi took up position at the front of the boat so as to be the first to spot the turn off. As you can see it isn't that obvious, although if you're sharp eyed you can spot the finger posts ...


I have to admit that Polar and I were looking in completely the wrong direction and missed them (you'll no doubt have spotted what was behind us!)

We had no regrets at leaving the countryside behind, as we like the contrasts that canal travel provides: one minute we can be watching lambs gambolling in the fields, and the next, we can turn a corner and see city suburbs approaching and within a few miles, be travelling right through the city centre, watching people at work in offices, scurrying around or stuck in traffic jams (rarely experienced on canals!)


This is a typical scene as we approached the centre of Birmingham. I particularly liked seeing the dome of a mosque appearing behind an industrial unit, but I was too slow to get a photograph.

Lots of love Eddie and crew xxx

Towpath Travels

It's quite hard for me to drag myself away from my boat and take to dry land as I love boating so much (have I told you that before?) but I occasionally do so, as I have learnt that there are lots of things to see on the towpath that require a closer look. Also, it is always good to get some exercise, so I don't have to worry too much about putting on weight as result of all the beer and pub meals.


I know that I walked over 3 miles the other day as I passed 3 of these mile markers. They date back quite a few years as they were placed by the Grand Junction Canal Company which was one of the companies that built the Grand Junction Canal back in the late 1700s. The canal only changed it name to the Grand Union Canal in 1929. (Sorry but I specialise in canal trivia, perhaps I should apply for Mastermind).

Talking of history, while walking under the many canal bridges I kept my eyes open for grooves worn into the iron strips which protected the bridges from wear from the tow ropes of the horse drawn barges. Here I am inspecting some of the grooves I found.


I find it incredible to think how many horses and barges must have passed along the route I was now walking to have worn such deep grooves. I would love it if this aspect of the past could be brought back to life.

More about my towpath travels in my next blog.

Lots of love Eddie xxx