Leek Tunnel

Had a brilliant day today weather wise and a very enjoyable cruise of about nine miles and eight locks up to Hazlehurst Junction and turn left for Leek branch.  Met up with BW men at Consall Mill Lock trying to fettle gates that were leeking badly. borrowed our pole as they didn't have one long enough.  Helicopter landed just ahead of us between Oakmeadow lock and Wood's lock in field by some moored boats.  Past milestone with boat engine at Wood's lock of 3000 engine hours.
Very quiet mooring again, we were here last Easter.  I walked down the fields and over the footbridge across the River Churnett towards the old asylum to see the railway tracks have been cleared since we were here last.

Froghall

Moved down to Froghall about 3 miles and just one lock at Consall Mill.  It wasa rather grey start to the day and absolutely poured down at lunch time while we were visiting Froghall station to see the Classic Car Show - about 37 entrants from standarad triumph car club. pictures to follow.   We had a bite to eat in the station and watched 5199 in charge again.  bridie very intriged by the collection of Morris (?) men and women - Black Dog Molly (?)

Consall Forge

Moved down 2 miles and 1 lock to moor on the 48hr moorings on River Churnett at consall Forge just before the Black Lion. Stayed here two nights enjoying the walks and isolated atmosphere.  Visited the Black lion both days and had very pleasant meal on saturday night after I had been on the CVR enjoying the steam trips with GWR 5199 at the front.  Plenty of pictures to follow.

Wood's Lock Cheddleton

Sunny and bright start to the day after a little overnight rain.  Close enough to water tap to water up without moving the boat.  Moved off about 11:00am and descended the three locks at Hazlehurst junction heading for Froghall ( and Uttoxeter according to sign post at the junction).  On through Cheddleton and down another three locks getting close now to the River Churnet we moored up just below Wood's lock for lunch. 

Will stay here today as we can walk up the hill to shop for milk in the morning and want to moor on the river tomorrow so we can see the steam trains on the CVR over the weekend.

Park Lane Endon

We stayed at Engine Lock for a second night having woken to pouring rain with very low cloud.  It did brighten in the afternoon and we managed a circuit with the dogs and did some blackberry picking along the old railway line between Stockton Brook and Milton the track of which is yet to be cleared.

Today started sunny and bright although it did get rather blustery by mid morning. Set off through Engine Lock about 10am and made steady progress through lift bridges and the flight of locks at Stockton Brook.  Not many boats on the move again.  Moored at Post bridge Endon for lunch and for a minor shop at the local Spa.  Intrigued by planning application posted by level crossing for railway track through Endon to become common land.  Ms Birk must be unaware of plans by Network Rail, MCR and CVR?   Given that the track bed has been cleared of all undergrowth from Leek Jctn to the crossing at Endon as declared last May I would have thought it a bit late.

We moved on just as far as the 24hour moorings by the services at Park Lane Endon.  All the better for a visit to the Toby carvery for an evening meal.

Engine Lock Milton on the Caldon Canal

Yesterday we stayed put in Barleston.  It was a mainly sunny and dry day but we decided to visit the Wedgwood Outlet and have a generally leisurely day off from cruising.  Spoilt ourselves and purchased a Stuart Crystal decanter and some matching wine glasses and goblets (all at discounted prices of course). The bottle of wine we opened last night tasted much better out of a decanter!

Today we made an early start in bright sunshine.  Too much TV last night watching the new Downton Abbey series had drained our batteries and the flashing fridge light showed we needed to recharge quickly! We made steady progress up Trentham Lock following and assisting a single hander.  Then along the four mile pound through Hem Heath and passed the Britannia stadium into Stoke where we climbed the five deep locks up to Etruria Junction.  Here we executed a right hand hairpin turn onto the Caldon Canal and stopped at the services by the BW yard.  Moved onto moorings outside the Industrial Museum for lunch before tackling the staircase and on through Hanley Park.  At Planet Lock Bridie went to the local shop (an Asian Halal supermarket) for milk and sundries.

As the afternoon wore on it got depressingly grey although we were still dry and there was no wind. Onwards through new housing developments where the old pottery factories once had canal wharves to Ivy House Lift Bridge.  No problem here today, we have only passed one boat moving and two moored up.  Once we were thirteenth in the queue for this bridge when it failed and required attention from BW.  Moored just below Engine lock about 5:30 after 9 locks and ten miles ready for dinner.

Barleston

We cruised fo just four miles and eight locks today and despite a poor weather forecast we managed to beat the heavy rain to Barleston.  Up the eight locks through Stone, topping up fuel at Stone Boat Building and using the services just beyond.   It had a few attempts at rain, we even got coats and umbrella out but it didn't last.  However the sky was getting a bit dramatic by the time we moored at Barleston at 2pm, although while we had lunch the sun was still shining.  As the afternoon wore on the showers got heavier and we had some rolls of thunder so stayed put and had a siesta!

We are moored near bridge 104, as we have before, within easy walking distance of the Wedgwood museum.  Intend to visit tomorrow and see if new outlet centre is open.  We visited the museum last spring and work was just starting.

For some time we thought Bridies great great grandfather Thomas Allen was the director of the Fine Art Studios at Wedgewood (effectively art director) at Etruria but this turned out not to be the case although her great grandfather Robert Allen held a similar position at Royal Doulton in Burslem.

Stone on the Trent & Mersey

Thursday dawned with Tixall Wide looking like a mill pond, not a ripple to be seen.  Made a leisurely start after walking dogs back to Tixall lock.  Allthough the sun did not manage to stay with us all day, it remained calm and reasonably warm and we had a very pleasant cruise through Great Haywood Junction left onto the Trent & Mersey canal and, after a brief pause for the services and visits to canalside farm shop and chandlery we were soon heading north up the Trent Valley.   After we had passed through Hoo Mill and Weston Locks we stopped in Weston on Trent for lunch and Bridie and I went for a walk to see what it was like never having stopped here before.  I think it safe (and sad) to say we probably won't bother next time!   The village is nice enough, though rather infilled with modern housing that spoils the charm,  what really spoiled it for us was having to cross two busy roads in our circumnavigation due to lack of pavements, traffic noise, heavy lorries passing within inches of us on the pavement and to cap it all, two extremely noisy police bikes hurtling towards Stafford. We regained the peace and serenity of the canal and headed north!

On passed Salt and through Sandon lock (another lock keepers cottage being extended here). Moored for the night by bridge 88 between Burston and Aston.  An old chap in his canoe that we had passed by earlier now passed us again this time under sail.   It looked a really great way to travel, just laid back and slowly skimming the water, although he shortly had to resort to using his paddle as he had trees on both sides sheltering him from the wind.

Today we had a very short cruise passed the new Aston Marina, through Aston lock and into Stone.  Walked up to Stone boat building chandlery and were at last succesful in getting the prestud repair kit I have been after since visiting Nantwich.  We went into Stone for lunch and a bit of shopping.  There are lots of charity shops and we actually made use of them, buying a couple of sherry glasses for the boat, and a couple of books and a waistcoat for me.  Have been walking by the River Trent with the dogs this afternoon and visited The Star, initially just for a drink, but the food was too good to miss out, so we treated ourselves and then went a walk up by St Michaels to try and walk it off!

Tixall Wide

Yesterday we made a reasonably early start stopping to use the services across from where we were moored and then down the first lock before 9:30.  |Made steady progress alongside and under the M6 through Broom and Parkgate locks at Teddersley.  On to Shut Hill lock and through Acton Trussell still within sight (and hearing) of the M6.   Not a spot we would want to moor or buy a house!  Quite breezy at Deptmore lock and had difficulty getting PO alongside the towpath.   The lock cottage is being renovated and is no longer looking derelict. As we approached Baswich the wind was getting stronger and we encountered a shower that persisted as we followed the railway line towards Milford. Soon through Tixall lock and moored in Tixall Wide,  7 miles and six locks from where we set off. Rocked about a bit during the afternoon as the wind got stronger but it calmed and we had a good nights sleep.

 Today we have walked through Great Haywood and the Shugborough estate.  Kept hearing a steam whistle and thought there might be traction engine about but saw nothing.  Had refreshments at the Clifford (too late for lunch).  Found the two shops wanting and bought nothing but then visited the canalside Farm shop and could have spent a fortune. Then as we returned to PO we encountered the steam narrow boat President with butty Kildare in tow.

Whistle now explained!  Crew all resplendent in white shirts, red neckerchiefs and grey caps - very smart.  The boat Grace May moored just ahead has two scottie silouettes on the side of the boat and they have three scotties. (two older males and a young bitch which Bridie was very taken with)!  Sally and Mac were very impressed although they were bigger dogs (and much smarter).

Penkridge

Moored up between the locks in Penkridge after a blustery 7 miles and six locks yesterday afternoon.  Arranged  to meet up with my sister for the afternoon and early evening. Today we have walked dogs down the canal past next two locks to Midland chandlers at Teddersley and been shopping in Penkridge.  The sun is shining and the sky is blue BUT it is blowing a gale and we are staying put.

Son has sent us a picture of front garden at home with tree uprooted across the lawn.  It missed the cars thank goodness!

Cross Green on the Staffs and Worcester

Yesterday we had a very short cruise (enough to recharge the batteries) from Brewood to bridge 8. We had bought some chrysanths and Bridie potted them up in our planter during the afternoon just before it started to rain about 5pm This was after shopping and looking round Brewood in the morning.  For once it was a lovely calm sunny morning and Bullfinch had departed north and Barola headed off south to explore the Staffs & Worcs.  There was a wedding starting at the church as we walked in the churchyard and we were treated to the bells ringing.

This morning we had a slow start as it was not very pleasant weather with very strong wind and light showers. Walked dogs back through bridge 9 and over bridge 10 Avenue bridge to walk a mile or so along the Lower Avenue which was pleasantly sheltered from the wind.

Eventually set off and watered up after 3 miles at Autherley Junction before passing through the stop lock and turning left onto the S&W. finally mooring at end of the 48hr moorings (just out of the trees) after the pub at Cross Green.

Brewood

Pleasant cruise south stopping for services at Wheaton Aston and moored up on one of the few gaps in the moorings at Brewood about 2pm. Within minutes of switching engine off everyone else except boat in front departed (was it something we said ?).  Bridie got talking to Peter and Linda off n.b. Bullfinch from Rufford moored facing us and heading north.  They have recently had a repaint and we were very impressed with the finish and I loved the look of their Sab engine.  David having just moored Barolo ahead joined in conversation and soon found that Peter and Linda were also from Chorley and remembered him from schooldays (and the 109 bus! )

The upshot of all this was that we all gathered in the Bridge Inn for a drink (or three) and spent a very convivial evening reminiscing and talking boats etc.

Gnosall on the S.U.

Spent the day moored at Shebdon Wharf yesterday walked dogs as far as the Anchor (but not open).  Although very blustery it was not too bad a day despite odd brief shower. In the evening went to the Wharf for dinner. Talked to  David and Yvonne on next table about boating and the weather only to realize they are the 'proud' owners of n.b. Barola.    This morning we were shown round their new build and we were rather green, it certainly has some great features and finishes. We reciprocated and showed off P.O. and they put up with us graciously before we both set off down the S.U.

We stopped at Norbury for services and to visit the chandlery and then motored on in rather breezy but pleasant weather as far as bridge 35A in Gnosall where we moored up and did a qick grocery shop before taking the dogs along the Millennium walk (the old Shrewsbury to Stafford railway line - yet another victim of Dr Beeching).

On the way back spotted nb Barola and invited David and Yvonne to join us for a chat over drinks this evening.

Shebdon Wharf

Storms forecast for tonight and tomorrow so made reasonably early start and tackled the five locks ahead of us stopping to purchase some excellent pork and apple burgers at the top lock.  Not many boats on the move again and it got progressively windier as we headed towards Market Drayton.  Carried on up the five Tyrley locks, much easier progress as we past a boat at each of first four locks. Had to use the brolly several times today as we passd through squally showers. Finall moored up at Shebdon wharf right by the 'Wharf Inn' at about 3:15. These 48 hr moorings have wooden edging and mooring rings, ideal for a windy night, and as we did not want to be under the trees we moored right at the end almost on the road bridge.

Adderley on the Shropshire Union

On Thursday we headed south via the M6 to Overwater marina and were back on board Prairie Oyster at last. Rest of the day spent unpacking the car and stowing away our possessions on board. We did manage an evening towpath walk into Audlem and back with the dogs.  On Friday the main objective was a trip into Nantwich in the car for a (massive!) shopping trip to Wm Morrison to replenish stocks of food and drink. Saturday I took the car north and returned by train to Nantwich walking final four miles along the towpath.

Sunday dawned calm and sunny and we made an early departure from Overwater, turning right onto the Shropshire Union heading into Audlem and the lock flight.  It was fairly quiet with few boats moving in the opposite direction.   Made good progress up the flight after quick vegitable shop at Georges food stall at the bottom lock.  Fifteen locks under our belts on the first day out after our break we only went as far as the moorings below the bottom lock of the Adderley flight.   Spent the afternoon sitting and enjoying the sunshine and then walked the flight with the dogs for a bit more exercise (as if we hadn't had enough).