Photoblog: BCN Marathon Challenge Day 1
Posted by indigodream on 7 June, 2009
On the way up the day before:
Following a well driven hire boat through Lady Lane Wharf
Fulbourne stuck mid-channel (or were they trying to save on diesel?)
Traffic jam
On their way to the marathon (Thursday) - many hands helping Fulbourne through Shirley Drawbridge
Almost through ....
Such a perfect pose.....
Hawne Basin looking lovely - a good omen for tomorrow's challenge
And we're off.....
The fortified approach to Gosty Tunnel's southern portal
Fine views on the approach to Windmill End Junction
The view up a ventilation shaft in the Netherton Tunnel
Passing nb Saltaire near Dudley Port Junction - the first of many meetings!
Marathon first aid - fuel and service boat. We'll be seeing you tomorrow!
nb Api Wanderings at Spon Lane
Tug Joanna at Spon Lane Top Lock
Crossing over the New Main Line
The traditional Blakeley Hall Bridge under the elephantine legs of the M5
Gloomy surroundings at Anchor Bridge
The boat-friendly cafe by Chemical Arm - no time to stop for coffee though.....
The cheery crew of nb Solatium
We've squared the circle! Looking down at Netherton Tunnel's northern portal from Tividale Aqueduct
Tividale Aqueduct: the view the other way with the fine sight of narrowboats on the move...
The broad reaches of the Wolverhampton Levels
nb Shropshire Lass
Dudley Tunnel's northern portal - good moorings, services and a museum - what more could you ask for?
Green and pleasant land around Coseley Tunnel
And it's positively rural on the Wednesbury Oak Loop
End of the road - Bradley Works at the end of the Wednesdbury Oak Loop
Passing nb Whitchurch (or should that be Just) - only just enough room to pass through the weed near the end of the Wednesbury Oak Loop
Oooh another trip down the weed hatch
Traffic on the Wolverhampton Levels!
An opportunity for youth to take out (of the canal) what they put in! This yard near Horseley Fields Junction had several 'community' boats
View towards Horseley Fields Junction
Promising outlook - a view onto the Wyrley and Essington Canal
Where are you taking that mattress?! It would be nice to think that the towpath was just a shortcut to the local rubbish tip....
Reflective pipe bridge on the Curly Wurley - so shapely, a real feature.
Grand duck house - which MP paid for that on expenses then??
Fulbourne be-weeded on the Wyrley and Essington
Good place for a rummage while the boat keeps moving....
Quite a convoy - the tug's pushing the dredger and pulling a full size butty.....
Ooh that's good - cooling splosh on a hot hot day....
The Wyrley and Essington at its best.....
Friendly boating community at Sneyd Junction
Sue, Mark, Steve and Robert of nb Tawny Owl looking good with the bunting - we must get some for next time...
Passing nb. Kershez in the wonderful dusk light
Sunset
John Slee said
Great photographic record. Well done
indigodream said
Thanks John, it was a job and a half to choose a selection from the over 500 photos that we took over the weekend.
Anyone remember the days when you’d make one 24-exposure film last for a whole holiday?! Long live digital……
Richard Powell said
Hi,
The crew of Tawny Owl in your picture are Sue, Mark, Steve and Robert. There are more hiding inside.
I missed that ‘photo as I was off singing for the Lord Mayor of Coventry at the time having jumped ship at the Cannock Extension.
Richard
indigodream said
Hi Richard and the good crew of the Tawny Owl
Thanks for getting in touch – it’s great to put some names to faces. Whether we’ll remember the next time we see you on the cut is another matter……:-)
indigodream said
And congratulations on coming second!