Base is now a Basin

2 hours, 5.4 miles, 0 locks


I am alive - just! I have not jumped ship in disgust because of all the computer time taken by my darling husband! I am here to rescue you from all that "nerdy" (his word, not mine!) language he is so fond of!

All the above means that I am more communicative now after a nasty dose of D & V. Moral of the story - do not eat raw mushrooms.

However, I was not much use on our journey today as I stayed below, letting John single-hand down the Coventry Arm. We left Hawkesbury Junction behind - most of the moorings had filled up over the weekend.

There was a little ice; we hit something under the water in one bridge hole and passed at least three boats that had left the basin at the end of the arm. Phew, that meant that there would be room for us! In fact the helmsman from Pinks said the one remaining narrowboat would be pleased to see us.

From what I could see from below, the arm is alternately lined with factories and new housing developments. Most of the factories were well protected from the canal by metal fences and in one case barbed wire.

The bridges varied from traditional brick to horrible metal with a bit of graffiti on.

We took on water just before the entrance to the basin. The entrance is a bit of a squeeze! It is the smallest bridge on the system, apparently. We only had to take our Chinese hat off, though. For the uninitiated that is the cowl over the chimney that looks like a Koolie’s hat!

Bridge 1

Plaque on Bridge 1

In Coventry Basin we were greeted by this chap!

James Brindley still working?

John winded once we were in the basin - it is a bit tight, especially when we needed to reverse to our spot just behind Nb Combs Lass - last seen in
Rugby. He had a chat to Ian who said that they have had no problems here.

Brief history of the basin

So we are settled again for a few days. Hopefully I shall be fit enough to get out and see the Cathedral and maybe even visit that other cathedral, the cathedral of commerce that is Ikea! oh, and the Transport Museum.

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