BCNS Explorer Cruise—day four

DAY Four of the BCNS Explorer Cruise was from Pelsall Common to Walsall basin, writes Keith Gudgin.

Dirtiest stretch seen

Well, what do I say about today's run? Most of the boaters on the trip have said to me that they think it was the dirtiest stretch of canal they have seen. We have had tents, tarpaulins, umbrellas, clothes and plastic bags etc. around various props.

I have seen multiple fridges, armchairs, tyres, plastic road cones and hundreds of plastic shopping bags among the rubbish on the small amount of canal we did today.

Local deadheads

When we got to the Walsall Lock Flight we found two CaRT men there and they asked us to stay put while they filled the interlock pounds with water as they had been emptied by the local deadheads.

On the other hand the trip was through some very nice country and there were some very pleasant views in the warm sunshine. It was a short day compared with the last few so not so energetic and the lock-wheelers had to get us all through the locks again.

Walsall Basin

We are now in Walsall basin, pictured, so have had an opportunity to do some shopping. I have been to stock up with burgers etc. for the barbecue tomorrow.

For those who may be interested I have not had a reply from CaRT about the fallen tree yesterday even though I was told they would get back to me as soon as possible.

Well I need to get down the weed-hatch now to see if it is still clear ready for tomorrow and then I'm off for a meal in one of the local eating houses followed by a well-earned pint in a CAMRA pub so see you tomorrow with another instalment.