Hobbled

Looked on google maps only to see we are moored 5 minutes away from Sainsburys in Merryhill, very convenient as we should now have enough food to last until we get back to Droitwich Spa Marina.
The canal passes high above Merryhill, 3 boats have moored with the whole centre as their vista - David's worst nightmare!



So we're on the Dudly Canal & have 24 locks to do today, the Delph 8 & Stourbridge 16. We meet our first Hobbler on the Delph 8 he is a welcome sight. The blustery wind was horrid and all the locks were set against us. Tipped him the cost of a pint in the West Midlands.

Saw the most gorgeous little ducklings today. Mama and all 7 were perched on a log - we were past them before I could reach for my camera.

Turned left onto the Stourbridge 16 - took us a long long time. Stopped after lock 8 for lunch at about 2.45pm. As luck would have it another boat came up the other way so the last 8 were more or less set for us although some locks leaked,so some of the locks needed filling. Thankfully beyond lock 8 proves to be much more rural at last. Little shop selling ice creams at lock 12 provided refreshment!

Moored up in the countryside before the Stourton 4 at about 6.00pm. Long tiring day.