The Droitwich Duck

Last night we all went to The Gardeners’Arms (thanks to Jane for your recommendation) for our evening meal but first there had to be pre dinner drinks and nibbles on ‘Chance’………

……. all aboard!  Vic (behind the glasses), Adam, June, James, Sue and Bob.

In the pub for a good meal and an hysterical evening:  Sue, James, Adam,Bob, June,Doug and Vic.

Today we said goodbye to Bob and June on nb ‘Autumn Myst’ for the third, but certainly not the last time!  With Adam on board, we left the Droitwich Basin and headed off to complete this, our first, journey up the canal.

Before we left we had coffee and cake al fresco, thanks to June and Bob. (Pic-James and June)

Not long out of Droitwich we came to the M5 tunnel – notorious for it’s lack of head room, variable to boot due to the changes in the river level.

The Droitwich Duck!  We know Doug is short but he’s definitely standing down in the stairwell this time!  Adam is bent double and James is steering on his knees!

The new double staircase locks on the Droitwich Canal – cast concrete is not very inspiring but it does the job.

‘Chance’ at the top of the staircase locks.

Corrugated bridge lining and hanging poles to keep within.

One and half miles from the Driotwich Basin and we were on the Birmingham and Worcester Canal and heading in the direction of  Birmingham. 

The very picturesque second lock going up the Astwood flight of locks.  Perfectly manicured and freshly grown vegetables for sale. 

Oscar has had a very mobile day today – but that doesn’t say very much!  Here he is as we are nearing the end of todays’ trip -  the top of  Stoke Locks.  We moored mid afternoon just below the daunting Tardebigge Flight of 30 locks which we will tackle tomorrow.  So this afternoon was spent regaining our strength by sitting on the rear deck and enjoying the last of a full days’ sunshine ( and a glass of wine or two Adam!)