We have had two very long and busy days.  This is mainly because we have packed too much in again and now have to push on to get back to Market Harborough to sort out some things before going to a big family party.  Then we have to rush of again because we have to get up towards Tarleton (near Preston) as we are booked in to cross the Ribble Link.

Usually we don't do much at weekends but on Saturday morning we were up bright and early and ready to set off at 8:15.  This was good because we were first away so had a clear run at the locks.  We worked down the Delph Nine, which as previously mentioned is now only eight locks.  This is a lovely and tranquil set off locks which is in contrast to the huge Merry Hill's shopping complex, which we were moored next to.

Coming down Delph Locks

Looking down Delph Flight

A quiet Saturday fishing

An picturesque flight with waterfall style runoffs and more fisherman

After a short respite and a cup of coffee we quickly reached Stourbridge Locks a flight of 16.  

Coming down Stourbridge Locks 

A tranquil setting on Stourbridge Locks

A group of kids having a good time without computer games

 We saw this group of kids about halfway down the flight playing on a rope swing and in the lock runoff.  They were having a great time and not a computer game in sight.  They asked me to retrieve their ball, which was in the middle of the canal, which I managed to do.

Red House Cone part of a glass works

At the bottom of the Stourbridge Flight we were going to venture down the arm to Town Wharf at Stourbridge.  However we decided to leave this trip for another time when we can stay for longer.  Instead we pushed on and moored for the evening just before Hincksford Bridge.  A total of 31 locks for the day.  Decided that we deserved a beer and walked back to the Navigation pub for a pint.

The Navigation pub is right next to Greenforge Lock and when we came through earlier Truly jumped off the boat and made friends with all the customers who were around the lock.  When it was time to leave she wouldn't get on the boat but jumped on the wall and tried to get into the pub garden to meet more friends.  A customer had to grab her and bundle her back over the wall.  She looked a bit miffed about it!

Sunday morning we were even earlier leaving by 8:00!  15 locks today including Botterham staircase lock where we met a couple in a yogurt pot (small plastic boat).  They were stuck in the bottom lock and couldn't open the top gate.  A paddle had been left slightly open, just enough to prevent the lock from filling.  Soon sorted and they were on their way.

Approaching Botterham staircase

Botterham staircase locks

Also came through Bratch Locks today.  A strange flight of three locks which at first glance looks like a staircase.  However it is three separate locks, which are so close together that there is no room for boats to pass.  Bratch Locks is overseen by a lock keeper, who was saying that there have been very few boats around, apparently only four on Saturday and we were the second through today.

Entering Bratch Locks

Coming up in Bratch Locks

Octagonal lock keepers office at the top of Bratch Locks

Tonight's mooring is near Coven on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.  Ready for another long day tomorrow!