Monday morning dawned fine and sunny, and I was able to get out for a run by about 6.30am. Just below Dunsley Tunnel I came across NB Ichthus moored up (Malcolm, the owner, is another Boaters' Christian Fellowship member). He too is an early bird, and we were able to pass the time of day for a bit. One thing he did tell me was that the Stourbridge Canal was still closed after its recent stoppage, even though it was meant to have opened last week.
Back along in September last year, there had been a serious breach, and the canal had de-watered for about two miles.
The repair was completed just before Christmas, but the fist boats through discovered that the profile was too shallow at the repair site, and many had great difficulty in getting past.
So, about a month ago, the canal was closed again so that the problem could be sorted out. Sadly, that has taken longer than planned, and it is unlikely to open bfore the middle of the week. Apparently it is still leaking!
There was nothing for it but to retrace my journey of Sunday back to Wombourne. It was still raining, although not quite as heavily as the previous day, and I made good time, eventually mooring here above Bratch Locks. I will probably stay here for a second night, and move on on Wednesday.
Those interested in a fuller history etc. of The Bratch could do little better than following this link: http://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=13246
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