A trip to the market

Friday 24th September 2021

We started the day with a trip to the Bullring covered market to restock the larder, and for the fun of it. The Harnser crew came along too and can now see why we enjoy going there so much. We stocked up on fresh fruit and veg, bread, cheese, pies and best of all – some goat. Inside the rag market we found things that we didn’t know that we needed – as always.

Then into the market cafe for a brew and some roast pork baps – meat, gravy, apple sauce, stuffing and some crackling all in a bun – to take back to the boat for lunch. That cafe always leaves you with a smile, the friendliness and service with a joke.

 

After lunch we set off with a smile, and full tummies, towards Tipton. We detoured via the Ickield loop to see how the new housing was coming along. They reminded me of the song ‘little boxes’. We are not sure why they have a teepee there. One of the houses had an inflatable boat complete with cushions in the lounge, maybe they are saving for a sofa.

 

Back onto the new main line and then up the three Smethwick locks onto the old main line (Graham’s favourite of the two choices). The toll house here was burnt out last time we passed here, now it is resplendent in a new roof. I hope that was paid for by an insurance claim or a donation. 

 

Along here between the top lock and the tunnel, two new wood sculptures have appeared, one of an owl and one of a fox.

 

On the old main line, once you’ve passed beneath the M5 motorway, the water gradually changes from a thick black sludge to water so clear that you can fish-watch whilst going along.

We arrived at Tipton and moored up along with all the other boats gathering there for the BCNS cruise to Bradley Workshops. A trip down to the local co-op (permanently closing next month) was made and an order was placed in the Indian restaurant for a take-out. We were well fed for less than £10 per head and a curry was ‘banked’ for later on this trip.

Most of the shops in Tipton Green appear to be closing down or empty but the many take-aways were extremely busy. Fried food rules!

G&B