Monday 27th

 I'm now a couple of days in arrears with the blog, so, sorry about that. 

It's quite amazing in that every time we come along this stretch of canal we always pass youngsters in canoes. And every time they stop to let us pass and shout out "Aye, aye captain." We shouted back about keelhauling them, the usual Jack Sparrow banter. 

At the Hatherton Branch there is a very nice marina. The branch used to connect with the Birmingham Canal Navigation but now only runs as far as the second derilect lock. 

Next warning signs about no mooring for just under a mile. We are passing a chemical plant where you don't stop, especially if you hear an alarm. Get out of the area as fast as 4mph will allow. 

And then Gailey top lock. It was a bit chaotic with 2 or 3 boats going down and a couple coming up but, fortunately, there were 5 volunteers keeping everything under control. We didn't have to lift a finger, everything was done for us. 

Exiting the lock through a couple of tunnels. 

I was quite taken aback. The captain told me to stay on the boat and that she wanted to walk to the next lock. Who was I to argue? 

And here we are moored for the night at Penkridge. Once again in sight of a pub, but only the outside!