Compton Park, Wolverhampton

We started by saying our goodbyes to Jenny and Boy. Travelling along the same stretch of canal has been a real pleasure over the past few weeks. The dogs have loved their visits to The Black Cat so much they have cheekily begun hopping onto other boats to see if there are any nice people to befriend 🙈

Today we'll all cruise to Autherley Junction at the end of the Shropshire Union Canal and joining the Staffordshire and Worcester Canal. Jenny will turn left and head in a northerly direction and we'll go right towards Wolverhampton.

We were in the midst of May's mini heatwave, so set off early(ish) in order to avoid the hottest part of the day. The route showed pleasingly few signs of its proximity to one of the UKs largest conurbations. There was only one little stop lock to do, but Vicky was tired so we moored soon after entering the Staffs and Worcester, by a fairly busy towpath opposite Park Homes.

Will took the bike and explored while Vi rested. He returned having found a lot quieter and more scenic mooring just a mile away. We shuffled on that afternoon, stopping opposite Compton Park, close to Smestow Local Nature Reserve.

Mature trees, incuding Copper Beech lined the opposite bank shading Rainboat from the morning sun.

Will used his bus card to travel the few miles to Sainsburys on the Wolverhampton ring road and we returned the following day to a builders merchants to buy some wooden planks, planning to make a cover for the bath, creating extra surface space.

It felt very strange returning to an area we knew before we were boaters. We even bumped into Big Dave; a friend of Will's son!

A 15 minute walk away was the Oddfellows canalside pub, so we took the dogs for a visit. Will was cheered to see the local Banks's beer on tap but the rest of the experience was disappointing. Despite there being other customers, the place had no atmosphere. Being part of a chain there were no quirky or individual touches. The bartender was friendly but was only really counting the hours 'til their shift ended. Nobody came up to Leo to say hello and we couldn't bare seeing his obvious disappointment as he watched anyone that moved, tense with hopeful anticipation. The Swan wasn't too far away so we decided to give it a go and are so glad we did. A dozen or so men sat chatting in groups in the front room and the bar tender lent his heart to his job. It was a proper welcoming Black Country pub with cobs and pork pies on sale along with the Banks's. Leo caught the eye of one guy and was soon happy as Larry with all the attention and treats being lavished upon him!Read more