Cambrian Wharf

We set off even earlier than usual today to get an early arrival at Birmingham City Centre hopefully to get a mooring in Cambrian Wharf.  As it turned out there was plenty of room.    Leaving Wiggins Bridge we soon reached the first of the Minworth three locks which was in our favour.   Expecting the same at the next we were pleased to see that a gentleman standing by the lock gate saw us and opened the gate for us.  Seeing the boat name he said; "I know that boat.  I follow your blog!"  After a pleasant chat we went on our way.   Arriving at the bottom of the Aston Locks we set about the climb up to the city centre. As we were leaving the first lock a boat appeared behind and was winding the bottom paddles as I closed the gate.   Pat had of course walkd on by this time.  Hmm, I thought - we are being chased.    As we reached the next lock a cyclist appeared with a windlass  My immediate thought was that was the lock wheeler from the boat behind. But it wasn't.  It was Aidan Matthews, the chap from the second Minworth Lock who had decided to come and lock wheel for us up the Aston Flight.  He said that he often helps Andrew Denny (Hi Andrew if you're reading this) and knew the late Mike Stevens.  What a mine of local information he was, and what a rapid transit. We never saw the boat behind us again.  He needed to get back to work and so left us at the Ason Junction.   Thanks again Aidan.     At the bottom of Farmer's Bridge we found ourselves behind two boats  One that had overtaken us yesterday afternoon and a BW workboat working its way along spraying the vegetation on the walls with weedkiller.   As I approached to stop behind them I took a fleece jacket (it later transpired once removed) on the prop and lost most propulsion and steering. There was a metallic clang as I hit the BW boat gently.    We actually had no delay going up and the BW chaps were kind enough to set the last few locks for us.  The underground section was more tricky that usual as it is a construction site and covered in scaffolding. Even less room than usual.   So, after reaching the top, and taking water, we moored up on the wharfside at Cambrian Wharf.  We like this mooring.   It is just out of the main waterway, away from the central bars and opposite the lock keepers office.   It is also 14 days.   Apart from the nearby "Flapper" bar at the weekends it is quiet.   There is a small convenience store reached round the back of the bar.