Geocaches - 6 Found, 6 Not Found
Walk Inspiration
Gaggles of Tramps - 2
Sonia is working in Birmingham today. In preparation for when I am a kept man, I decide to support her and share the commute. The plan is to go for a walk that take me through the heartland of my birthplace and spiritual home - the Black Country.
I didn't realise quite how many canals there would be.
Train from Kidderminster and I leave Sonia at the Hawthorns to pick up a tram. I go to the office and ask for a single to Wednesbury Parkway. He serves me but gives me the look of "Are you sure?".
A whole 1 minute wait for my virgin tram experience. They can get quite a wriggle on when they want. After many stops, we arrive at Wednesbury Parkway and I am the only person to disembark. I feel like the cowboy at the start of "Once upon a time in the West", about to be met by the local baddies. Fantasy ruined when I see the sign saying how close Walsall is.
Cue Harmonica Soundtrack in my head |
Lets follow the canal all the way back to Birmingham |
After a couple of caches that are no longer there, the first place we hit is Great Bridge. I know this, as the black country people spin beautiful poems with their words.
Couldn't stop laughing at the name of this bridge |
Pass my first "Gentlemen of the Waterways" and head down to the locks at Rydal Green. Have you ever wondered what happens when someone lets the plug out of a canal?
Mud Pit |
Ride on past - he's acting odd. |
This break does lead to rather a nice discovery. Fine looking pub, next to a series of eight locks.
Boing Boing - More Black Country Poetry with their place names. |
In the distance, I can see what I think is a teenager bombing towards me on a moped with no helmet. This isn't on and I resolve to distract myself from the canal by giving him a piece of my mind when he pulls level.
He's 70, so I respect my elders and give it a miss.
Spon Lane Locks provides me with another DNF cache and at least a decision to make..... which fork shall I take?
Left or Right> |
Its only Nan's Heron! |
Have you ever wondered what its like under Junction 1 of the M5?
Me Neither. |
50 Years to build between 1800 and 1849 and once the worlds highest Iron bridge |
Seeing them enjoying their special brew has made me thirsty and at Rofle Street, I do pop my head up into civilisation - hoping for a pub for some refreshment. I was halfway successful.
Hopes dashed |
Very cute. The big ones hiss if you get close. |
I know there is a pub close now |
Good enough for the president of the USA - good enough for Mappiman after 9 miles. |
Almost too good to touch |
A nice way to end an adventure.
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