Saturday morning we left the mooring and carried on the trip to the Hopwood House Inn where we moored for the evening and remained on Sunday.

This part of the Stratford Canal has lift bridges including one at Shirley which is electrically operated and where the traffic has to wait for boats to pass.

Graham and the dogs operating a lift bridge

Graham walking the dogs, leaving me in charge!

Stopped for water and met the people off the narrowboat Fandango.  They have the boat for three months and maybe planning to go up the Huddersfield Narrow Canal and through Standege Tunnel.  A trip that we did last year.

 Lock no1 on the Stratford Canal

Following Fandango through the guillotine lock

The above guillotine lock, now disused marks the beginnings of the Stratford Canal and was used to protect the water level.

Fandango didn't quite make it round King's Norton Junction on the first attempt.

Turn left at King's Norton Junction!

We followed Fandango round King's Norton Junction and on to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.  Turned left which is the wrong way for Birmingham.  The plan is to go through Wast Hill Tunnel, a long one at 2726 yards and moor up at the  Hopwood House Inn and spend Sunday there before turning round and heading for Birmingham.  Sunday was an interesting day which included one of Graham's magical mystery tours with lots of wet, slimy mud, dogs were filthy and had to have a swim to clean them up!  Enjoyed a lovely evening in the pub with a few beers and a good meal.

On Monday we cruised to Birmingham.  I love the trip into Birmingham and also mooring up.  Other times we have stayed for a few days but this time is just an overnight stay before heading of to the Black Country Museum.

New student accommodation for Birmingham University

Coming into Gas Street Basin

Old Turn Junction, Birmingham

Tonight we are moored outside the Black Country Museum.  Bit of an adventure getting here and we will be  staying over to look around tomorrow.  Will update tomorrow after visiting the museum.