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.