Chasewater the Reservoir that isn’t.

0 Locks, 7.32 Miles. Now moored at Anglesey Basin.

Yesterday, rain stopped play as they say in cricket. After several days of heavy locking we were all quite happy to sit it out for a day. While chilling out we did receive an unusual phone call from Geoff ( I hope I’ve got that right) from Nb Dash that was moored immediately opposite us. He wasn’t on his boat but home somewhere in Suffolk. He has been following the blog and twigged that we were moored somewhere near his boat so gave us a call to ensure his boat was OK and a quick chat about the area. Thanks for that Geoff.

This morning was clear and bright so we watered up and gave the boat a bit of a wash before setting off once more. The first couple of miles through a vast area of warehouses and light industrial was slow going due to mud and weeds. Luckily we didn’t have any problems with a fouled propeller, just plenty of reverse thrusting kept it clear.

Once we got closer to Catshill Junction the condition of the canal improved in width and depth and we were able to make better progress.

Considering how close we are to Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton the scenery has been quite spectacular in places making our trip up here worth while. Arriving at the terminus of the canal we found one boat on the moorings so just moored in front of him on the grass bank. An hour or so later the owner of the other boat returned and left so we were able to pull back on to the wharf albeit breasted up as usual. There appeared to be a large rock or stone in the water on the other side of the moorings stopping either of us from getting in close. I tested the water depth which was fine it was just this obstruction.

Walking up to the reservoir we were among hundreds of others who had all come out for a stroll in the sunshine and a walk around the very empty reservoir. Despite signs to say “Stay off the Soft Mud” many people were walking right out to the edge of the present waterline and no doubt getting themselves in a mess. Looking at the water level and the position of the pump house I doubt whether they can lower the water level much further than they have already. Apparently stranded fish have been a bit of a problem during the draining process but all appeared well today.

Sorry no photos tonight as the internet is not stable enough. Normal service will resume as soon as possible.

2162 locks, 4187.23 miles, 87 tunnels, 130 swing bridges and 58 lift bridges since Nov 2006