Stage two

Red flag for where we are, blue where we’ve been

Following a relaxing few days in Pembroke with the family, we’re back on the boat and on the move again – this time travelling generally South (or that’s the plan).  Whilst in Pembroke we did some coast walking, and near Solva came across the remains of a large six cylinder engine amongst the rocks.

An interesting rock formation

As usual being unable to resist a little research, Mr Google informed that it was an engine from one of three tugs wrecked in 1973. Apparently they’d been sold and were on their way to Greece, one of them towing the other two. The engine in the towing boat failed, the tow line caught in the propeller and all three ran on to the rocks. What’s the link with our canal adventure ? – well, each of the tugs was fitted with a Ruston & Hornsby engine.  Our Brutus Maximus is fitted with a Ruston & Hornsby – hope we don’t end up wrecked on the Welsh coast.

Brutus’ power house – a 1951 3 cyl Ruston & Hornsby

Now for a little bit of heritage. Near where we’re moored tonight are a number of bridges, each with a cast iron corner protector as in the photo below :

A closer examination shows that each is deeply grooved. Before diesel engines started to become more commonplace in canal boats (around 1920 or so), this particular canal (Shropshire Union) saw 100 years of horse drawn boats ply their trade up and down, and the grooves were made by the towing lines. These lines were cotton and around 70ft to 100ft in length.  Think how many had to run round the cast iron bridge protectors to cut in so deep !