Saved from destruction
Mind you this flight is not particularly hard work, as the locks both fill and empty very quickly. I find it very remarkable, how the massive buildings are constructed over the waterway, with pounds and weirs actually under the buildings. I'm sure no one can fail to be impressed by the way the waterway was saved from destruction during the massive building development.
Early on in our cruising career when dropping down these locks, the accompanying photograph was taken showing three British Waterways staff quickly responding to a call that there were low pounds. This time we rang British Waterways as paddles on one lock had been left up emptying the pound above. No great problem, but thought we should report. "We will try and get someone there." The three men appearing again? No way José! After 30 minutes, with no one obviously available due no doubt to the many 'reorganisations', we went back to the top lock and slowly let water through, and shortly after we were on our way.
Visitors?
It was at the top end of the flight we saw quite a few 'visitors'—young people obviously making their way to college, but after about the fourth lock, no one. Just one solitary fellow near the bottom lock, a British Waterways man no less, but alas no windless in sight but paper and tablet—another important box ticker no doubt. What a mess!
We knew there were good safe moorings at Star City on the top of the Grand Union, so for the second time in two years it was it was the Digbeth Branch, but the locks are now leaking so badly the towpath was flooded, not helped by the bywash not being cleared out. The towpath at another lock needed wellies too.
Gate replaced
But at least that rotting beam and gate on one of the Garrison Locks had been replaced—but the same worn-out paddle gear had been put back, with the ratchet well missing the teeth and not holding. Another local manager obviously short of maintenance cash. And it was by no means the only problem on this neglected flight.
Though there were all those 'clutches' of boats on the waterways to the Wolverhampton 21, after this moored boats were a rarity, except for the middle of Birmingham.
The picture shows the visitor moorings on the Grand Union after leaving the Digbeth Branch. Completely devoid of a boat or living thing!
Though She Who Must forsook her crispy duck by us not mooring in Birmingham city centre, we went somewhat down market and gave her Kentucky Fried Chicken instead at Star City. There actually was a 'buffet' Chinese restaurant, but she was not enamoured.
For those of you who have not used these moorings, they are on the off-side behind a locked (BW key) gate, with the complex offering every kind of eatery and entertainment including an umpteen screen cinema, and for those who have more money than sense a casino and lots of other ways to have your cash removed.