Extremely wet.

Oh what a wet day. We left Birmingham in a light drizzle, after about half an hour it was light rain that really soaks you to the skin. Managed to get the waterproof trousers on in time so things weren't too bad. Came up the Smethwick locks of course I forgot my water saver key I was most baffled when I tried to empty the lock and the paddle gear wouldn't go up then the little light lit up in my brain "water saver key" back to the boat to get it and hey presto we were on a roll. Must admit it is a bit run down by the bottom lock and we were beginning to think we had made the wrong decision going the Old Line way but once through the first lock it improved. Passed this New pumping station below it on the left hand side runs the New Line. Surprisingly we saw lots of wildlife and was surprised at how many Canada Geese there were with young. At the tunnel we met another boat coming through so hung back to let him have a clear passage.

At Spon Lane Locks you can join the New Line but we bore round to right carrying on on the Old Line. Was rather eerie as along this stretch you are under the M5 for quite a way.

At one point we were approaching a bridge and the Virgin Train went past quick wave to the passengers, not too sure if any waved back as the train was going quite fast.

Here there were 3 forms of transport in close proximity. The motorway, the train line and the canal. That's progress for you.

The journey from Olbury junction to Tipton junction is very straight with lots of bridges we only passed 3 other boats the whole of the way. Sharp left at Tipton and onto the 48hr moorings at the Black Country museum, it is gated here so quite safe. We will have a look round tomorrow just want to get our old bones warm again after the soaking this morning. Paul is in the land of nod, all this fresh air and long days isn't doing him any good. To cap it all no joggers today just a lady on a bike dressed in Lycra who didn't meet with Paul's approval at all.