June 9th 2011 - The Delph Conundrum!

An 0645 start and straight into the Delph locks, all close together, into lock, set next lock, open paddle 2 locks ahead, move boat, close gates and on and on. No rain, less wind than yesterday and sunny periods, good boating weather. So I descend the 8 Delph locks, then see the pub at the bottom lock. It's called the 'Tenth lock' I sort of get it, I assume it's like the 19th hole (clubhouse) at the golf course. So where is the ninth lock? A visit to the Nicholsons reveals the answer - in the 1850's 7 locks were rebuilt as 6, so the pub has been there for a while I think!

So Delph locks done and conundrum solved and a 2 mile cruise to the Stourbridge canal and the 16 lock flight, so into the rhythm again and down we go. Just over half way down, lock 10 I think, there is a view of the 'Glass Cone':

It's something to do with the glass works, one day I'll stop for a tour and find out more about it. Edited to add that the Nicholsons says its the bottle kiln.

There was also a small shop to pick up milk and a few bits, very handy. So, on down the flight to Wordsley Junction, where the Stourbridge Town Arm heads to Stourbridge, I've done this before and can't be bothered this time. I head straight on towards Stourton Junction, the connection to the Staffs & Worcs canal - a whole 25 miles of new territory for me!!

Good job they put sign posts up, it would be ever so easy to get lost!

Down the four Stourton locks, the anorak in me noting that the second was my 100th of the trip to date! To see the lock cottage for sale, how much Penny?

I duly turned left at the Junction and tied up for the night at Stewponey Wharf. A point of interest, I had not seen another boat (on the move) since setting off this morning, so just after stopping a Viking hire boat passed by on its way back to Worcester, as I type (1600) that remains the only one.

Today:    6 miles -   28 locks -   8 hours
So Far: 58 miles - 102 locks - 41 hours