July 6th moored on 5day mooring at Stourport on Staffs & Worcs canal

         171 miles, 170 locks, 3 swing bridges and 10 tunnels from Dunham Massey

Friday 6th July

Well typical, yesterday when we couldn't move we had what would have been good weather for cruising, whereas today the rain started in the early hours and it has poured steadily all day.  Over 100 flood alerts out
according to the news.  Being fair weather sailors we quickly decided to stay indoors and read.   Although
Bridie braved the elements with two reluctant dogs first thing.  They are both decidedly reluctant to venture
out again.

Thursday 5th July

Better start to the day but Bridie needs a dentist and we start the day trying to get an appointment. Luckily
no problem and she got an appointment in York Street (which passes over the lock just behind us).   However only temporary fix possible to her bridge which only had to last until her August appointment.  Now looks as if she needs to get home to see her dentist earlier than that. So re thinking current plan and she may need to catch train north from Stafford sometime next week.

Wednesday 4th July

Wet and grey start to the day again.  Lynne arrived just before 10 by which time we had boat ready to move (in the rain)! Just moved out of the basin, off the 24hr mooring, through the lock and managed to moor below the property which was once Fred Landon's Auction Rooms (see July Waterways World).  I think he was the son of Edwin Landon, son of James, my great great great grandfather.
Once moored we left the boat for the day and went in Lynnes car to Kidderminster to meet my cousins and go for a day out on the Severn Valley Railway. Caught the 11:40 for Bridgenorth where we wandered across the bridge to the castle gardens

and on to the White Swan (oldest pub in the town) for lunch in the beer garden.  Would have been fine had the heavens not opened before we had finished.  Back to the station and caught a train to Highly

for a short visit to the 'Engine Shed' for tea and a look round the engines and other exhibits. We watched a train heading up the valley with same engine (prairie 5164) and coach set we had travelled up the valley on.

Next a brief ride down to the next station at Arley where, after watching our train headed this time by 'Erlstoke Manor' depart for Kidderminster,

we walked down to the river and across the footbridge for an ice cream and then wandered up the hill to the church.

I stayed outside with the dogs who were busy watching a small herd of young Jersey cows, while everyone else went in to see the floral displays.

Actually felt quite warm at this point and apart from a couple of brief showers while we at Highley the afternoon was almost summery.  Back to Arley and caught last train back to Kidderminster hauled by class diesel D8188 which put up quite a spirited performance heading towards and through Bewdley tunnel. Even Mac got excited nd wanted to look out of the window.

We all headed back to Stourport in 2 cars and then spent an 'interesting' time in the basin car park watching a rainstorm pass over before we braved the wet and returned to Prairie Oyster. 
Repaired to 'Black Star' for drink, meal and amusing off stage banter from chaps trying to stem a plumbing leak. Great to see Peter and Barbara again (you must join us again soon).