The Engine Arm

We weren’t the first to depart but then we did wait until the water point was vacant so we could slip across and top up the tank.

Somehow I managed the turn onto the Old Main Line at Tipton Junction in one bite <fluke>.  We were now retracing our route.  There has obviously been some urban redevelopment along the canal in the past couple of decades.  It appears what might have been a former industrial basin has been converted into attractive residential accommodation.

There were mooring rings along the canal frontage and in the basin.  I was almost tempted to cruise into the basin before winding and exiting.  But the water lilies looked thick and and depth of the water in the basin was unknown.  Still, it might have given the residents a thrill!

Later we passed some good floating moorings on the ‘off-side’.  There were no signs indicating mooring was forbidden or limited.  Maybe the adjacent cafe installed them?

It felt as if we picked up something around the propeller just prior to Summit Tunnel but we kept going in the hope we could flick it off.

The tunnel actually looks reasonably modern being made from reinforced concrete.  Maybe it has been relined…. But we suspect not!

Immediately after the tunnel there was a strange object on the distant skyline.  A gold and white tulip shaped dome.  From a distance it appeared to have a golden cross on the top.  Perhaps an orthodox church?

I think this might be another mosque rather than an eastern orthodox church.  A walk back for a closer inspection may be required.

We managed to turn right onto the Engine Arm and then stopped on the aqueduct over the New Main line for a photo opportunity.

Looking down at the New Main Line.

There’s a sharp left turn at the far end of the aqueduct followed by a short cruise to the end of the arm which takes you past a row of friendly long term residential moorers.

The CRT facilities block and winding hole is at the far end of the arm.  The sole visitor mooring (48 hr) is in the winding hole.  It must have been our day because there was already a visiting boat on the mooring plus two CRT working boats.  Winding proved to be more complex than we had anticipated.

I used the electric boat pole to get us around!

By now were were getting heartily sick of the cr@p stuff around the prop.  Bursts of reverse wasn’t working so we stopped in the top lock the see what new possessions we had acquired.

Can I come out now mum….. I promise to be good!

Les, If you need any additional stoma bags we have a few.  Yes,  I had to use the bread knife (serrated edge) to cut that lot away.  Don’t worry, I wiped it on the back of my jeans before returning it.

Jan obviously thought we might need some divine assistance. 

I’d have preferred the lucky white rabbit’s foot myself! 

The last interesting observation for the day was a large temporary roof which has been erected over what appears to be at least one old brick building.

A major restoration project?????