From roger@haynes53.freeserve.co.uk Sun Apr 11 22:55:39 1999 Date: Wed, 07 Apr 1999 17:16:41 GMT From: Roger Haynes Reply-To: canals@blacksheep.org To: canals@blacksheep.org Subject: First Trip of 99 - Part 2 Sat Apr 3 Awoke and wondered where I was for a while and then heard the ducks Fa**ing and realised that we were back on the water. Left Swindon at about 9 o`clock after a leisurely breakfast and stopped at Greensforge lock for water, again as this is the first time we had been this far south on the S&W, it was nice to take time and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After a very pleasant journey through Stourton and Stewponey we then started to go through some really beautiful country, red rocky outcroppings hanging over the canal in places, lots of folks out walking, all passing the time of day and looking relaxed and happy with life. Just north of Kinver there is what looks to be a fairly new (not mentioned in either Pearsons or Nicholsons) toilet and DIY pump out(£6), Elsan disposal. All spotlessly clean, with even a mop for you to wipe muddy footmarks up with. The pump out is operated by a token obtained from a NB moored 100yds or so N of the facility, the name of which escapes me but is on a notice on the door. Suddenly at Kinver we met other boats, all heading south. While waiting for the lock a chap asked us if we were on our way to the boundary post ceremony, blank looks all round. Through Kinver, more nice countryside we then cam across a lot of boats moored out in the wilds, and there in the middle of them was a very nice stone plinth with a Staff & Worcs Canal society placque on the top with Worcester carved on one side and Staffordshire on the other(I have a piccy if anyone is interested). It looks really good and adds to charm of this stretch of the canal. Then by contrast came Kidderminster, I have driven through it a few times, but it is very tatty seen from a boat. The part above the lock overlooked by the church is nice, but after the lock the water is filthy and rubbish strewn and, apart from the old carpet works which add something the whole feeling is one of neglect and disinterest. But then when passing under the railway viaduct, one of the Severn Valley Railway trains passed overhead. The driver whistled(well the engine really) he waved and we waved back. "I feel like Jenny Agguter(sp)" said Pip. "So do I" I thinks "But where am I going to find her in Kiddy on a Saturday afternoon"? A gentle run brought us into Stourport and we turned in the basin. What a contrast to Kiddy! The town seems interested in the canal and there is a lively, cheerfull feeling about the place. Moored for the night above York St lock, opposite the back of a Tandoori takeaway. A couple of pints in the Black Star, but the music was too loud to think about eating in there, after a day standing above an SR3, you need a bit of peace. The smells from the Tandoori were too tempting so myself and son walked over and purchased a feast - recommended!!. Sun Homeward bound. -- Roger Haynes nb`Teasel` Reply to roger@haynes53.freeserve.co.uk