Dog and Doublet, Bodymoor Heath

There were 'only' 11 locks to do between Erdington and Bodymoor Heath. We were getting ready to leave when Will spotted a barge towing a butty coming up behind us. They would take an extremely long time descending the locks so we cheekily made a quick get away and nipped in front of them.

The weather was good and our spirits lifted as we saw our surroundings gradually change from the built up urban environment to wide open agricultural fields with denuded oak trees dotted about.

We moored just before the Dog and Doublet pub and despite the constant white noise from the M42 the rural surroundings felt relaxing. Will nipped in to the pub and had a veggie burger for lunch. They were really friendly and the food was good. The following day was 1st December and Will donned his santa jumper and hat 🎅😳 While walking the dogs along the towpath we came accross a Christmas display of reindeer and swans on the opposite bank. They were courtesy of the couple who had just moved in to one of the lockside cottages and opened up a little coffee shop using a converted horse box in their back garden! There wasn't anything vegan but Will had an espresso and a yummy mince pie with crumble topping.

Come tea time we left the dogs and went to the pub for a meal. When opening the door a little black cat darted out. The bartender was really chatty, making us feel welcome and relaxed. She assured us that the cat (who belonged to a customer) nips in and out as she wants. A high proportion of the customers seemed to be regulars who had brought their dogs with them. We think many were from the long term moorings further down the canal. By chance we sat at the table beside the cat's owner and got chatting. Pretty the 7 month old kitten returned and enjoyed strokes from everyone. Vicky enjoyed playing with her and the bell on Will's santa hat. The whiskey soaked butternut tart was really good and Will was raving about his lamb shank. It was a really enjoyable evening.

There weren't any shops nearby but the pub was happy for us to use their car park for a Sainsbury's delivery; the first we've had since moving on board. It turned out the driver's parents lived on a boat and she delivered to quite a few so she parked as close as she could to the canal and gave us a call when she arrived. Brilliant stuff 😁

We tried to return for an evening meal on Tuesday as 'Pete's Wok Kitchen' was advertised on this day. We were disappointed when we arrived and were told that he'd normally be there but wasn't on this occasion. All they could offer was some pork scratchings 😐 Vicky fetched the dogs in and we had a drink before walking back to Rainboat, where Will cooked up some mushroom burgers and chips. Thank goodness for that Sainsbury's delivery and Will's efficiency in the galley!Leer más