Well this is our final day of the BCNS Explorer Cruise and we have certainly explored!  Our second night was spent at Tipton, where the next morning we had a talk in the library about all the canals which used to make up the BCN back in the days when canal boats were the main form of transport.  We then made our way to Wolverhampton, which was the stop for the next night.  However we didn’t get into the town and the next morning we turned and set off for Walsall. Firstly on the Wyreley and Essington Canal, and then on to the Walsall Canal.  This was quite challenging as the canal is not much used so there is much weed growing which slowed us down.  During this week Paul has spent more time clearing the weed hatch than he did all last summer!  We did make it safely into the basin at Walsall and had a look around the town.  A mix of old and new buildings, with a large Tesco nearby which was handy!  On Wednesday we had a visit to a Canal and River Trust workshop where they make lock gates.  I didn’t realise how much solid oak I was trying to move at a lock, without the part that is hidden under the water they look huge!  Yesterday we cruised the Tame Valley and Rushall Canals, much clearer of weed, and today are on our last lap towards Pelsall where we will spend the weekend at the BCNS Rally.