Vlog 45: Locking Hell
Finally the big day is here: a massive 27 locks await my pleasure on the way from Curdworth into the middle of Birmingham. It was a warm, sunny day and a lot of effort – I ached for several days afterwards – but it was rather satisfying. The route goes down the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, up the Aston and Farmers Bridge lock flights into the centre of the city.
Would you Adam and Eve it! On your Vlog Post for Nuneaton you saw manakins and I made a comment with a picture of a manakin, taken
in the 1980s on the Birmingham and Fazeley canal near Spaghetti Junction
and approaching Birmingham city centre. What a coincidence that, maybe 30 years later, her dress and bra should foul your propeller !
http://www.ipernity.com/doc/2254674/47630876/in/album/945568
All the best, Peter
Hahaha cheers Peter!
Been loving your vlogs for months. I was recently inspired to return to hiring on the canals after a 20-yr absence… We did the exact same journey as this (Curdworth tunnel to arena) almost to the exact metre! Although my younger generation family had zero experience before this holiday – I appreciated having a crew for the Birmingham ascent day and it made them locking pros by the end of the day – I wouldn’t fancy that single-handed… Hat duly doffed to you!!! (L&L later this year – the bug is back & biting!)
Wow, that’s a mighty challenge for a family to take on as their first taste of boating! Pleased you all enjoyed it, have fun on the L&L.
Brilliant, as always. No shots of “muscles – before and muscles – after”!
I remember going down that route as a student on a hire boat – even with three lads, it were tough. Look forward to the next saga – really like the high speed bits! Need that Benny Hill music though.
I think Mr Hill has a copyright on that :-)
I take my hat off to you fella, that looked unpleasant especially as you were on your own
It was a lot of work!
Wow! This one was quite interesting David. The Canal Roundabout was an unexpected treat. It looks like a unique place to stay for a day or two and taking in what Birmingham has to offer. I’ll bet the Aquarium would be fun.
Yes, Birmingham is often much-maligned but I rather like it.
It’s a gruelling climb into Brum, all single gates too. You earned more than a nice cup if tea my friend! Great video once again.
Two cups of tea? Maybe some cake? Cheers Ralph!
Fantastic day buddy. ..you deserve a pint or thrice. ..cheers.
Thank you!
One of these is useful for getting soft rubbish off your prop:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BILL-HOOK-LEATHER-HANDLE-Garden-Weed-Tree-Bush-Cutter-Cut-Down-HEAVY-DUTY-/201410844806?hash=item2ee5059886:g:XzIAAOxy2FZSTZRr
Also if using a knife think of getting a chain mail butchers glove for the other hand.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHAINEX-2000-SL-Chainmail-Protective-Glove-Textile-Strap-Reversible-Size-5-/252373659260?hash=item3ac2a46e7c:g:w-sAAOSw~oFXJQf7
Not cheap but I have yet to find spare fingers for sale on eBay.
Good idea, especially the glove. Cheers.