Off to Birmingham

A clear sky for us today and we are travelling through the residential outskirts of Birmingham.

They look nice don't they. 

Oh, but before I forget, take a look at the sunset from last night.

And the moon as well. 

Our guide book notes a small but very heavy swing bridge. Luckily for us, that's now been removed and we sailed straight through. 

We are now entering Brandwood Tunnel. Fortunately only 352yds long since the tunnel light has stopped working. Have to look at that later. 

Just before King's Norton Junction is the guillotine stop lock. 

This is no longer in use but when the canals were privately owned there was a difference of 1" and the stop lock made sure that each company had its own water. 

At the junction the toll house is being done up. 

And round we go. 

Now that's a familiar name. Bournville, the home of chocolate. We could have stopped for a tour of the factory - but not today. 

The canal is more industrialised now and university buildings are beginning to appear.

A good view of the Campanile Tower built in 1900. 

And more new buildings on the other side of the canal. 

The railway is our constant companion but there are not too many trains at the moment. 

And here we are moored right in the centre of Birmingham. 

You can still see the tracks in the pavement for the trucks used to offload the boats. 

Popped into Halfords to see if they had a headlamp bulb. The guy behind the counter looked at it, scratched his head, went out back and came back with just the thing. He then said 'take it mate, these are old stock, been sitting on the shelf for years. Cars don't use that type of bulb anymore.' Wow, a free replacement bulb. Good old Halfords. 

Then walked down to the Bullring. 

Then across town. 

Past a depiction of the diversity of the community. 

And back to the boat via Gas Street Basin.

Still not sure what is wrong with the headlight. I replaced the bulb and it still didn't work. Checked the circuit and all OK at 12v. Got a 6v torch battery and got the bulb to glow, even the original bulb glowed. So, nothing wrong with the bulbs after all. Checked the circuit again, still 12v but still it won't work. What's wrong with it? Grrr. 

Came over to Noel's for supper. 

Sea Bass for the captain. 

Seafood linguini for me. 

And that's what I call a wineglass! Sweet dreams.