Astwood Bridge to Hanbury Wharf (Worcester & Birmingham Canal)

We are chugging off today, so got ready, then off we went to Astwood Top Lock, we have six locks to do today.  It was empty, so had to fill it first, then in Kev came.  We decided to put our Plan B into action today, Kev pulling the boat out the lock (he is in training for Team Mabey in the tug of war!!), holding onto the rope, shutting the offside gate and then getting on the boat via the steps, it worked really well and we flew through the locks, well not literally, but at a nice pace!!  And we had to set every lock.

Going into Astwood Top Lock

Working through the Astwood Flight

We got through the last lock and coming down the canal towards us was a monster, well, it was the reed cutting machine, but it looked like a monster!!  Past that and also the machine that picks up the cut reeds and puts them on the bank and moored up at Hanbury Wharf outside the Eagle and Sun pub. 

Pretty lock on the Astwood flight

Passing Reed Cutter

 

In Astwood Bottom Lock

Chilled out for a bit, then walked down the Droitwich canal to Droitwich.  It is a really nice town.  Had a wander around, went for a coffee in a nice coffee shop and got abit of shopping in the Morrisons, then walked back up the canal to the boat.  There is a house near the canal that sells free range eggs and vegetables, so walked down there and got some eggs, onions and a lovely pot of home-made Damson jam.  Had a drink in the pub and sat outside by the canal.  Chilled out for the rest of the evening.  We are staying here tomorrow and chugging off on Sunday.

Moored at Hanbury Wharf