Farewell Adam!

Last evening we had a farewell meal with Adam as it was his last day with us.  The rain, which started around midday, never abated so we decided to eat at Strada which was only a short walk from our mooring.  We arrived reasonably dry to a virtually empty restaurant -  it seemed everyone else had sensibly stayed at home.

The rain continued through the night and for the whole of this morning.  After a breakfast of porridge we said a sad good bye to Adam as he disappeared into the rain to get back to his car.  We’ve had a brilliant few days while he’s been with us – we’ll miss his amazing knowledge of the canals.  Thanks Adam for a great time.

This is Old Turn Junction now dominated by the National Indoor Arena.

At 11 o’clock this morning we were invited to meet fellow bloggers Yvonne and Roger on nb ‘ Fizzical Attraction’ who were moored on the opposite side of the canal.  We had a good chat over coffee and some delicious home made fruit cake before taking a walk into town.   It was very nice to finally meet you both. 

Gas Street Basin – now established as the centre of the Birmingham Canal Network (BCN).

Walking along further to the end of Gas Street Basin and  the massive bulk of “The Cube” now dominates this area. When we were here in 2008 on our last boat ‘Spirit’, this building was just a huge hole in the ground. 

The old part of the city with the Town Hall on the left.

The Council House.

Great Name!

As we made our way to do a bit of shopping the rain finally stopped and the sun even shone for a few moments.   To celebrate a break in the weather James bought Doug a new wallet (as his old one had worn out!) and, for himself, a smart leather toiletries bag (as his old one had worn out!).  We then decided, as it was 3:30, to have some lunch so we found somewhere next to the canal and near to where we’ve moored. 

The place was completely empty as you can see and reminded us of last night in “Strada”.

During our lonely lunch we had a text message from Yvonne on nb'’ Fizzical Attraction’ asking us to call in on our way back to ‘Chance’ and, on doing so, she gave us a loaf of bread which she had just baked.  What a kind thing to do – thank you very much Yvonne.