Our last day...

...and despite the weather we've had a great time aboard Tranquility. We left Oozells Loop early this morning in fog and made our way to Winson Green Junction where we turned right and cruised up the Soho Loop.

Our turn into the Soho Loop

It was a pleasant trip and I think if we as boaters don't use these backwaters, we'll lose them, if not to neglect and nature, then to the authorities and developers. That's why we went up there, just to add to the numbers and help prevent their loss. Although a bit shallow in places, its surprisingly easy to navigate and relatively free of detritus.

The Main Line Railway Bridge

Winson Green Prison Bridge

This appears to go under the prison although its not big enough to get a narrow boat through, I wonder if any prisoners have tried to escape through here.

Moving across the BCN Main Line at Rotton Park Junction into the Icknield Loop we found this to be more compact waters and speed should be kept to a minimum. Also if you have a chimney up, take it down. The bridges are very low.

This is a familiar name

In the Icknield Loop

Behind the grassy bank is Rotton Park Reservoir.

Farmers Bridge Top Lock and Cambrian Wharf

Back on the Main BCN Line we crused back to Old Turn Junction and a short way down the Birmingham and Fazeley to fill with water before winding and mooring up in Gas Street Basin and visiting Brenda and David aboard NB Mr David. Its nice to natter.

The Selly Oak works

I forgot to photograph this on the way to Birmingham, but I remembered on the way back to Alvechurch. You'll need to go dead slow here and wait for the workmen to raise the bridge for you. At weekends its left open.

A closer look

Tonight we're moored about a mile short of Alvechurch, just South of the M42 Motorway, the darkness and cold beat us. Tomorrow we go back to Alvechurch, load up the car and sprint back down the M5 to Somerset, picking up the cat on the way home. Another holiday over, we've had a great time, back to work on Tuesday. Roll on May.