Symphony Court to The Black Country Living Museum

Started today early and slowly, and another, but only slight change of plans. Decided to go to the Black Country Living Museum first, so we had a relaxing morning and visited the Sea Life Centre right close to where we're moored. Fascinating and informative. We were surprised by how well everything is kept and how crystal clear the water is. Expensive admission though, nearly £32 for two adults, and the admission price is nowhere to be seen in the foyer, so you don't know how much 'till you get there. And it was full of school children. Later we did some shopping in Sainsburys, then back to TQ.


A shark in The Sea Life Centre aquarium.


A Stingray?


Fired up the engine and pootled off up the Main Line to Smethwick where we turned right and went up the three locks to the summit level. As we passed under Smethwick Bridge we saw a notice strapped to the iron work but couldn't read it in time. (The bottom lock is where I bumped my head in Florence last September). All the locks had to be emptied before we could go through. No change there, then. At Spon Lane Junction there was another notice. this time we stopped to read it, and it wasn't good news. The canal was closed at Stewart Aqueduct, just around the corner. A quick phone call to British Waterways to confirm this and all was well, the canal is open and the notice should have been removed. Onward and under the M5 Motorway. What a weird place this is. Its desolate and concrete and eerie, and with all that road roar from above...!


Further into Oldbury and oh! look, its Florence.

N B Florence on her moorings in Oldbury.

We hired Florence last September

Arrived at The Black Country Living Museum an hour before dark, winded (turned TQ around) and moored near the water point. Spotted a fellow jumping over the wall from the BCLM. He was covered in paint and was carrying paint pots and brushes. He explained he'd left his BW key in his car which is why he couldn't get out of the museum grounds. Also he was trapped on the wrong side of the canal and couldn't get to his car, so I ferried him across to the other side. He was appreciative. We'll be going in the BCLM tomorrow, got to have some fish and chips and a pint from the Bottle and Glass. Gotta be dun annit.