From Mike.Casswell@troy.blacksheep.org Wed Apr 14 14:47:23 1999
Date: Wed, 14 Apr 1999 19:09:53 +0000
From: Mike.Casswell@troy.blacksheep.org
Reply-To: canals@blacksheep.org
To: canals@blacksheep.org
Subject: Trip Report, Day 5

I hereby apologise to the Staffs and Worcester canal, all its family, 
friends, acquaintances and employees. Yesterday I made some very 
disparaging remarks about the weather on the S&W, suggesting that it 
was always foul. I now accept totally that this was in error.

Set off southwards from Greenforge Lock at 8.30, after filling with 
water. It was one of those mornings that remind you why you do it, 
one that stays in the memory forever. Bright blue sky, a few 
high, fluffy clouds. Bright, warm sunshine. A layer of frost 
glinting, nothing to cause inconvenience, just enough to stiffen the 
ropes. Smoke rising vertically from boat chimneys on the long term 
moorings - that wretched wind has gone! All the wildlife is awake, 
busy and in many cases distinctly amorous. Ans we are to spend the 
day cruising the canals, starting with this delightful wooded section 
which reminds me of the Caldon, near Consall.

A quick look back, firstly, though. I promised a report on the 
Navigation at Greenforge. We all presented in good time to eat, only 
to be told that there was none available due, I understand, to nthe 
illness of the proprietor. The staff could not have been more 
helpful, though, and we quickly arranged a fleet of cabs to take us 
to the in Swindon. We ate well and returned to the Navigation for the 
last few.

Back to today. The morning was absolutely idyllic. The weather 
continued to be superb, in spite of looking threatening in the 
distance. We were even more amazed whe the radio reported 20cm of 
snow on the Mendips!

Stopped for a quick couple of pints of excellent Pedigree at the 
Samson and Lion whilst negotiating the Stourbridge 16.

The next section was a really pleasant surprise. When we last came 
this way, five years ago, it took us an entire day to travel from 
Stourbridge town to the moorings at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre. 
The canal from the 16 to the Delph locks was appalling, a muddy ditch 
full of all the worst crap imaginable, a real struggle. Today we flew 
through. Congratulations to whoever, I don't know whether it was BW 
or if there was any voluntary input, but well done whoever.

The highlight of the day then for me - one of the highlights of the 
week. Delph is my favourite flight of all those I have ever 
travelled, I find it really attractive and exhiliarating. I struggle 
to define why, but it has something to do with its 19th rather than 
18th century character, the scale and the setting. Pure magic.

On to our mooring at Merry Hill, past the heron who has taken up 
position on the very raw and new realigned section, obviously a bird 
with a long perspective. We have moored here before, some of the 
party appreciate what is on offer, cinema, Pizza Hut etc. Others plan 
to walk back down to Delph to sample the pubs round there.

Will report tomorrow.
-- 
Mike  Casswell

On the move - posted using Nokia 9000i