November 22nd – Passing through Aldridge on the canal on my way home, the scent of woodsmoke was never far away. There are few things better than seeing an occupied narrowboat with a nicely smoking chimney. The sight and smell are a joy to behold – and the whole scene was set off beautifully by the autumn colours.
October 5th – The narrowboat Lowertown Lad has been moored up at the canal side by Tesco in Brownhills for a long time. A week or so ago it moved to jet near Anchor Bridge. I don’t know if anyone is living on it, or if it’s just moored idle, but it’s a nice boat and they’re always a welcome site on the canals of Brownhills.
July 11th – Heading back to Brownhills, I spotted this great pairing. I’ve noticed bargee and dog before; they’re regulars at the Brownhills Canal Festival. I love boater pets, and the patience and interest they show in what is really quite an alien environment to them.
These chaps seem like a great partnership.
May 21st – An odd day, I was at home until lunchtime, then had to nip out for a meeting. I returned late, and took a spin out along the canal to Chasewaer, and back to Brownhills over the common. The sunset and light were lovely tonight, but not golden. Everything had a soft pink tone, which was rather soft and charming. It looked best over water, whether it was the canal or Chasewater. A splendid evening after a hectic, stressful day.
October 30th – An odd day. I was in Kings Hill, between Darlaston and Wednesbury, and I had to nip to Tyseley. I figured the quickest way was to hop on the canal and cycle to Galton Bridge, where I could hop on the train. It was a nice, peaceful yet quick ride and I enjoyed it immensely. The waterways were quiet, and very autumnal. The only sound that disturbed me was the thud of a half-term holiday boat hirer crashing his craft through the narrows at Pudding Green…
Jun 2nd – On the way to Chasewater, I spotted this fine cargo boat heading for Anglesey basin. It was a very unusual craft, and I wonder as to it’s history. I regret now not asking the chaps on board about it – but I was so surprised to see such a huge narrowboat that I just took pictures, awestruck. I love how the front end, unladen, seems almost proud of the water. I guess there was a time when these types of freighter were an everyday sight here, plying their trade from wharf to wharf transferring coal, clay or other essential goods to drive the industrial heartlands. A fine thing, to be sure.
April 9th – one for the Bob watchers. This narrowboat, which has illicited some passing interest locally, being recorded near Riddians Bridge, Longwood and Anglesey Basin, has moved to Brownhills Canoe and Outdoor Centre at Silver Street, Brownhills. It had been near Chasewater for a couple of weeks, but seems to be on the move again. Never actually caught the owner, but it’s a lovely boat. Certainly brightened up the start of a rather wet bank holiday ride…
March 13th – Not far today, as I had other things to do, but I did get in a circuit of Chasewater and Brownhills at sundown. I optimistically approached via the canal, hoping the barriers had not been replaced, but sadly, they had. I did notice something interesting, however. Bob the boat, which reader Roger ‘Ziksby’ Jones had noted a few weeks ago up by Longwood Junction was now at Anglesey Basin. I’m sure I’ve seen the narrowboat at Hopwas and maybe Shugborough too. It certainly gets about a bit.
June 11th – When I finally got to Pelsall Canal Festival at about 2pm, there was a sharp downpour. For 20 minutes, everything was wet and miserable, but then the sun came out. Whilst wandering around looking at the boats, I noticed this fine old Raleigh roadster complete with steel rims, hub dynamo and 3 speed Sturmey Archer gears. Sadly, the Brooks leather saddle wasn’t looking in the best of condition. The hipsters in london would kill for a bike like this.
June 6th – Heading into Darlaston on the canal near Bentley Bridge, I saw these guys (there are actually two on the boat) doing sterling work fishing litter and junk from the waterway. People don’t realise there are regular rubbish sweeps like this going on, and the guys doing this work – hard, messy, often rather unpleasant – deserve much more credit than they get.
The whole waterway from Walsall to Darlaston is currently alive and dense with water lillies. This is clearly due to careful care from guys like these. Gentlemen, I salute you.
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