Leek Canal Terminus

Having watched the weather forecasts over the last couple of days get worse Mick decided to not risk getting a bus over to Tim Tylers today, there was a chance that by the time he was on his way back that the buses might have been grounded due to the wind. We also wanted to be around should anything happen, not that we’d have been able to do much with a bread knife!

As the wind blustered around us we pottered the morning away, a couple more boats arrived, winded and then found themselves moorings one behind us the other at the front. Mick made sure that things that couldn’t be tied down were removed from the roof and brought into the pram cover. We even wondered whether it would be best to take down and remove the pram cover and frame, but decided to make sure it was fully closed with all poppers firmly done up.

Gradually the morning turned red. Smoke and dust had been whipped up by Hurricane Ophelia and was having an effect on the sun. All very eerie and other worldly, just as it would be before an eclipse. But today it went on for far longer, hours.

Tilly had been allowed out first thing but probably because of the wind she came back after a short while. Huffy Fuffy blowing up your bum! No good that!! So we then had to spend the rest of the day with her shouting at the doors to be let out, by now the wind was getting stronger and we didn’t want her to be blown away, but you try explaining that to a cat who obviously had unfinished business to attend to.

I walked up to Morrisons for a few bits and thought that the wind wasn’t so bad, I’ve certainly known it worse in Scarborough. A couple of hire boats had appeared and winded (most probably helped by the wind direction today) and then disappeared heading straight back into the wind. We wondered how many boats had taken refuge on the other side of the tunnel, so went for a walk. Much to our surprise there were no boats there. The sun had now returned to it’s normal colour and the skies were blue, so we decided to walk along the hill to do a circle back to the boat.

From above the tunnel there were great views across the valleys and all those trees. Our route brought us to the road into Leek, from there we followed the feeder channel back to the end of the canal. Quite windy, but nothing extreme. We settled down for the rest of the afternoon and evening. We found that the volume on the TV gradually had to be turned up, then running the engine helped to block out the now howling gale outside. Suspect nobody would have noticed should we have left it running past 8pm. Mick every now and then went into the pram cover with a torch to check that all was okay. The plank and poles vibrated on their rack for much of the evening despite being tied down. Thank goodness we’d found a good silted up bit of canal to sit out the storm in. Not quite into the side and on a soft bottom Oleanna sat quite happily, not able to bump the armco and no fenders were needed. All we got was the occasional rocking as the cabin side tilted in the gusts.

It was around midnight before it started to calm down outside, we’d decided to wait to go to bed as neither of us would have been able to sleep, which gave us the excuse of another glass of wine!

0 locks, 0 miles, 1 red sun, 1 eerie day, 6 apples, 5 bananas, 4 toilet rolls, 1 bum needing protection, 1 shouting cat, 1 ghost train, 1 diddy feeder, 2 portions Lasagne, 3 glasses each, 7th bag completed, 6/7 hours of major wind.

Brindley Statue to Long Butts Lift Bridge

When Mick turned on his tablet this morning it wasn’t feeling too good. The Android chap seemed to have at least fainted or had he died! Some hunting around on the internet suggested that there may be a solution, but that would have to wait until later in the day. October is a bad time for things like this to die, too long til Christmas to live without one and too close to Christmas to just go out and buy one. Fingers crossed that it could be mended.

Once a newspaper had been bought we winded Oleanna and returned to the services to fill with water and empty our yellow water tank which is so much easier with the port side to the tow path. We’d just tied up when a boat turned in off the Trent and Mersey to fill up. They asked if they could pull along side as there wasn’t enough room, so we passed their ropes around Oleanna`s dollies and chatted as our water tank filled. NB Knightlow is a couple of months newer than Oleanna and was built by MGM. The last couple of times we’ve passed the workshops on the Soar there had been a bright green boat sitting there, now it was breasted up to us, glad we’re no longer yellow as that would have woken up the whole of Staffordshire! Apparently they will be in the next issue of Waterways World, a nice looking boat with a lovely couple, maybe our paths will cross again next year.

Once we were filled and empty we winded at the junction and returned to start our ascent up the Caldon Canal. We’ve only been this way once before with our friend Frank on board as we moved NB Winding Down to a new base further south. Then it was cold, snow in the air we even got iced in for a day up at Leek. Today was the opposite, mid October and we were down to t-shirts, around 20C.

First off was Etruria Staircase. A boat was just finishing going up in the top chamber so I could empty the bottom one. Mick brought Oleanna in and once the chamber above was free I lifted the paddles to fill the lower chamber with it’s water. The top chamber was built bigger then the lower one, so there is an overflow (a bit like in a bath) that takes the excess water off to the side into the bywash. The overflow isn’t unique to here a lot of staircases have them, but it is a little unnerving as the water you have just let down starts to disappear out to the side until the chambers are level.

I decided to walk between locks arriving before Oleanna and able to reset the next chamber. We’d forgotten to get our Nicholsons guide out so were working from memory from 2013. I could have sworn there was another lock before we left the environs of Stoke, but somehow it had evaporated! One good thing being on the towpath was that I could take photos as we passed under the low bridges to see how much if any clearance there was above our chimney. These are some of the lowest bridges we’ve been under (Ashton and Droitwich Canals still to do).

At Bridge 8 we had around 16 inches of clearance.

At Bridge 9, the lowest, we had 8 inches clearance. Phew! We could now enjoy the Caldon.

At Bridge 11 I turned the key of power and raised the road, only holding up one, then decided to walk on to the next lock. This of course was where it had evaporated from, the pound now being 4.7 miles long! On a warm afternoon it was a pleasant walk crunching my way over crab apples whilst Mick brought Oleanna along behind. New buildings have gone up, mostly what look like student accommodation and new mooring rings have been provided along quite a few stretches.

On I walked past football matches further into the green, whilst Mick made slow progress a couple of the tight bends he couldn’t do in one holding him up. On a couple of long straights (not that long) I’d wait to see the bow come into sight before carrying on, that next lock must just be around the next bend surely! By Bridge 18, after 4 miles I decided to hitch a ride the rest of the way, making note that the local chippy does gluten free batter three days a week for our return.

Once up Engine Lock there are a couple of lift bridges, we were wanting to stop, but nowhere seemed to be suitable so we carried on. The first bridge is key operated and makes a prolonged squeak as it rises and then a slightly higher pitched squeak as it takes forever to go down. As I got repetitive strain holding onto the button I felt as though I was in an Ayckbourn play sound track, sheep bleating in a field, general bird song with the odd diva singing out way above the others and the comedy squeeeeak of the bridge. After the second bridge (hand wound) we pulled in on a straight section of armco, more or less where we’d stopped on WD.

Much of the late afternoon and evening was spent with Mick watching an instructive video of how to reflash the stock ROM on his tablet to try to get the Android chap back on his feet. As parts were watched over and over I really wished the fella in the video would blow his nose as his sniff was really irritating. But when all of a sudden Android man got off his back the sniffing man was forgiven, all was mended.

4 locks, 2 a staircase, 6.05 miles, 3 lift bridges holding 1 up, 1 proper poorly Android man, 2 winds, 20 degrees in October, 1 vanished lock, 4 mile walk looking for it, 1 cat not enamoured by horses, 1 nice roof to sit on, 4 frozen sausages still frozen, 0 toads in the hole, 1 Christmas present dilemma sorted, 1 standing man.

Brindley Statue

With it being windy and the occasional strong gust we decided to stay put for the day. My lovely (half) clean roof had become disguised overnight with a thick carpet of leaves and the towpath has nearly reached good leaf kicking depth.

Before heading up the Caldon we needed to restock on a few bits of food, so the two of us walked up the hill to Hanley where the glowing Tesco sign sits on the hill. We did a reasonable shop, but not too much for Mick to carry back down the hill. I then headed further upwards in search of another wool shop at intu Potteries. Google maps is very handy apart from when it can’t tell you what floor a shop is on. It had me walking through the shopping centre, around the back, then back down the side I’d already walked from and I’d apparently reached my destination outside a chip kiosk! Inside I visited each floor in turn and eventually saw signs for the Market Hall.

Sadly my original thoughts on Hanley knitters were just reinforced with only acrylic yarns available, at least Abakhan had one or two 100% wool yarns. Hunting through all the wools I managed to find some that I could double up to make some hats with.

Having walked up into Hanley via a different route today I found myself in the Cultural Quarter, museums, arts centres and galleries. Worth having a proper look at another time. One building stood out which is currently empty on the corner of Albion Street and Bethesda Street. Originally the Staffordshire Potteries Waterboard Company offices built in 1858, it is Grade 2 listed. A very pretty building with it’s tiled archways over the windows, it looks like it’s been iced by an expert. The area it sits in has had a lot of work going on, new offices fill the area and opposite it is planned to install a Spitfire to commemorate Hanley born Reginald Mitchell who designed the plane.

Sadly our plan of getting a new pump delivered to Tim Tylers today hadn’t come off as they don’t work Fridays. Mick had been trying to work out where else we could get it sent to, but in the end we decided to stick to the plan of Tim’s and one of us will catch a bus there when it arrives.

My second lot of bags arrived with my friend Julia today, even before she put them on her Etsy shop one was already sold! So I’d better getting ripping up more fabric. A check on Post Restante at a Post Office a bit further up the canal, they actually knew what I was talking about, came up trumps so I’ve placed an order for some proper wool to be delivered to me there. Looks like the dark evenings are going to be busy.

0 locks, 0 miles, 1 uphill walk, 1 down hill walk, 5728 leaves, 2 many people, 1 very interesting mill, 1 slightly dusty cat, 1 water pump on its way, 3 projects run out of wool, 3 balls on the way, 1 hat made.

Brook House Winding Hole to Etruria, Brindley Statue

What a difference to yesterday, the sun was busy drying everything out as we set off to head up into Stoke. Someone had been busy yarn bombing the foot bridge over to the Wedgwood visitors centre, I wonder if they plan to carry on right across the mesh?

As we approached Stoke Bottom Lock a boat was just appearing through the gates, we’d timed our arrival well. The chap at the helm then told us that there were volunteers on, so we’d timed it very well. I hopped off and sure enough leaning on the bottom gates were two lockies. We were told we’d be getting the full service up the locks. With me helping work one side, a volunteer would work the other, then close up afterwards whilst the other chap had walked ahead to set the next lock ready for us. This made our passage very speedy.

The two chaps were very jolly and helpful. I asked where they considered to be best to moor, Etruria or Festival Park. ‘Etruria everytime’ I was told. I then explained that we were going to the New Vic to see a show tonight, he still thought Etruria would be best, not a direct route to the theatre but more pleasant through a housing estate and the mooring would be far quieter. It turns out that he has tickets to see the same show in a couple of weeks, so we passed the time whilst waiting for the locks to fill chatting about plays.

On reaching the summit we did the steep (handbrake) right turn onto the bottom of the Caldon Canal and found ourselves a mooring right outside Etruria Industrial Museum. We’ve moored here before on our shareboat, but never managed to time a visit when the museum has been open. After lunch I decided to celebrate Oleanna having just completed her 1000th mile by giving her a wash in the sunshine. With two buckets of water, a scrubbing brush and various cloths I set too with the intention of washing the roof. With one side complete I considered doing the other side, but that would mean removing everything from the roof and balancing on the gunnel, the port side could wait. I just had enough shampoo to wash down the cabin side, gunnels far too low to bother with here.

As I washed Oleanna Mick volunteered to help a couple down the locks as the lockies had just finished for the day. We’d stood chatting to them and they’d missed their turn, so it was the least we could do. They were soon followed by a couple of single handers, so Mick carried on to the lock where the railway crosses to give them a hand, saving them climbing ladders. As he returned he spotted NB Halsal coming down the staircase so waved him down for some coal. Our gas bottle had just run out, but we’ll get a new one from the Calor gas place about 100yards away as it’s much cheaper.

Back at Etruria boats came winded and topped up their water tanks. One backed in in front of us, NB Ploddinon. Last summer our paths had crossed several times, Boston, the Chesterfield, Goole so we had quite a chat with them.

This evening we walked through the housing estate past The Holy Inadequate pub (one day we’ll sample their beers) crossed the busy A53 and A500, the footpath takes you across the roundabout and then we climbed up the hill to the theatre. I have brought several shows here in the past, both from the Stephen Joseph Theatre and Hull Truck. Only once have I designed a show just for the New Vic and that was 11 years ago, a production of Oleanna, a David Mamet play. So it felt like we had to pay a visit. This is the first time that we have managed to coincide with a show whilst we’ve been here. It was the first night of the new Ayckbourn play ‘A Short History Of Women’ that has come over from Scarborough.

A journey through 60 years of the life of an unremarkable man and the remarkable women who loved, left or lost him and of the equally remarkable manor house which saw and heard it all. It is funny and touching and worth a visit if you are either in Stoke or Bowness later in the year. I suspect it will also be touring come January along with ‘Taking Steps’ an Ayckbourn classic.

With it being first night there were a couple of familiar faces from Scarborough, so we stayed for a beer and catch up with them in the bar after the show.

6 locks, 5.53 miles, 1000 miles in total! 1 right, 0.5 washed boat, 0.5 filthy boat, 2 familiar boats, 2 volunteers, 3 bags coal, 3 rounds short of wool for a hat, 1st night at New Vic, 81st Ayckbourn, £14, 12 people, 1 Denzil, 1 Paul, 1 new deputy technician, 1 catch up from home.

Bridge 85 to Brook House Winding Hole

The forecast for today wasn’t so good, rain after a dry morning, sadly we had a delayed start. For the last couple of days I’ve noticed a slightly different noise from the water pump, which is situated under the front steps. I tend to hear things like this more than Mick and it normally gets dismissed. However this morning I decided to actually go so far as to lift the lid on the bottom step and have a look to see if there was anything obvious. There was, water! Not much but enough for my fingers to be wet. We’d had a small leak here before which when Andy from Finesse came to check it out seemed to have fixed itself, well it has now unfixed itself!

Mick tried tightening screws, but they were already tight. The leak is coming from a join in the casing and only drips when the pump is being used. Yesterday we’d done a couple of loads of washing and had a shower, so it had worked hard. Strategic positioning of a nappy under the drip to keep us going and an email sent to Finesse. We’re not sure about warranties on such things, do they start from when we picked her up six months ago? Or from when things were first fitted? So maybe a year. We decided to see if the chandlers in Stone had a pump as we passed through today.

After a couple of miles we were at Aston Lock and swapped with a hire boat. At the first two locks into Stone we did the same again. On the second boat there was an antipodean couple who had just had a month on a hire boat. She was asking so many questions about living on board fulltime, she definitely has the bug but the look on her husbands face suggested that he needed a bit of working on before he’d consider buying a boat.

We pulled into the chandlers mooring and as Mick started to chat to them about pumps I went into town for some fresh veg and to post my latest creations for my friends Etsy shop. When I returned Mick had moved up to the water point and was busy filling and emptying tanks. As thought, the chandlers couldn’t help us as we need a 24volt pump. Whilst I’d been out Ricky had emailed back from Finesse, the pump would still be in warranty and they would send us out a replacement pump if we let them know where we were.

Moving up the last two Stone locks the heavens opened, as it was lunchtime we pulled over as soon as we could and retreated inside. Some thought was put to where a new pump could be sent to in the next couple of days. As we were heading through Stoke we’d be able to pick it up from Tim Tylers in Newcastle, so we rang Ricky and suggested this. Talks about bow thrusters followed and they will have a look when they come to see us next as it may not be weed causing the problem, just a coincidence. News on our third battery was good, they have tracking on it and it should be with them in the next few days! So hopefully soon Oleanna will be sorted power wise. Fingers crossed!

The rain subsided and we were wanting to get a bit further today. We passed a lot of old work boats moored up before Meaford Locks, including Tench, is there going to be a gathering of some sort? NB Hadar was moored a bit further up too. All the locks seemed to be set against us and as I walked up to set the third lock the heavens opened again. This time we had to carry on to clear the flight. The slow filling chamber at the last but one took it’s time. When we’d come down it took two people to move the beam to open the top gate, I’d checked with Mick that he’d be okay doing this on his own before I walked on. Just as I reached the top lock a hire boat was just entering it and with spare crew one headed down to help Mick with the gate.

Once up, I retired inside to get the fire going and left Mick at the helm with a brolli. It rained for much of the two miles to Barlaston where we’d moored on our way south. But as soon as we were moored up again the sun came out. Looks like we had little rain compared to those further north. Tilly was straight off and into the sideways trees, returning a couple of hours later with absolutely drenched legs! I think she’d been paddling somewhere.

9 locks, 7.2 miles, 2 soakings, 1 leaking water pump, 8 fingers crossed, 1 full water tank, 1 empty yellow tank, 4 drenched paws, 1 spare water pump on the wish list.

Taft Bridge 69 to Lower Burston Bridge 85

After breakfast Mick climbed into his waders.  He then lowered himself into the water and undid the nuts that hold the grill covering the end of the bow thruster tube. With the water at below waist height the only part of him that got wet was his arm pit and of course his arm. His finger tips could just touch the prop, not enough to be able to sus what was happening, or not happening. Using our prop mate he was able to turn the prop in both directions quite freely. So it seems as if there is nothing obstructing it on that side. There could be something causing the problem on the starboard side of course. This would mean mooring somewhere shallow with the tow path on the other side. Wading out to the other side of the bow would not be a sensible idea, passing boats, depth of water, submerged stuff all sorts of hazards. When we find a suitable place he’ll have another go, but as the prop is off centre he will only be able to feel if there is an obstruction in the tube. If that doesn’t come up with anything then Oleanna will need to come out of the water at some point to see what the problem is and why it keeps blowing a fuse.

Once he was out of the water and tools packed away we could carry on heading northwards. The sun kept showing it’s face which made us feel like summer had returned. The washing machine went on whilst we worked our way back to Great Haywood where we pulled in to fill the tank and dispose of rubbish. The waders lying on the roof looked like Mick had totally shrunk away to nothing, or evaporated into a puff of smoke.

We carried on retracing ourselves occasionally meeting other boats at the few locks. One was NB Zelda who we’d shared the locks through Wigan with, suspect we’ll see them again in a few weeks as we both plan to cruise the Llangollen Canal. Another boat came around a bend just before a lock and being surprised that we were there he ended up ploughing straight on and into the offside, which took a little bit to get out of.

Across the fields there was what looked like a rather elaborate tree house, with a full rope walkway to reach it. Maybe next time we pass it might be worth going for a walk to have a better look.

The afternoon was so warm, we wondered if it was possible to barbecue a steak pie and jacket potatoes. But as we moored up the warmth of the sun disappeared and put us off the idea of sitting out.

5 locks, 9.13 miles, 1 very short Mick, 1 soggy arm pit, 0 zero zilch, 1 straight on, 0 fleeces required, 1 full water tank, 2 loads washing, 6.30pm getting dark not good for drying clothes outside, 1 friend confiscated off the sofa, 2 chilly for a barbecue.

Tixall Wide to Rugeley to Taft Bridge

The depth of the canal at Tixall was too deep again for Mick to explore the bow thruster tube so after a cooked breakfast we moved on. I can vouch for the gluten free black pudding, a little more crumbly than normal, but very tasty. A lot of the git gaps had vanished as boats had moved off before us. Prime position was available with the view straight out across to the gate house, but we were moving now.

Turning right at the junction we pulled in at the end of the line of moored boats above the lock. There were a few trading boats here including The Pirate Boat, owned by Heidi who we met on the Macc last January when trying to refloat the sunken boat. No-one was home, so we’ll have to say hello another time. Mick popped to the Post Office to collect a parcel of more fuses for the bow thruster and then we were on our way again.

We took our turn at Haywood Lock and cruised our way to Colwich Lock. This lock for us always seems to have a queue, not as bad as the queuing lock on the Middlewich Branch, but still bad. Today we were surprised as we were next into the lock and below there was not one single boat waiting. Shortly afterwards we realised that this is only the second time that we have been in this direction along this stretch, we seem to prefer heading north.

As we approached Taft Bridge I went up the front so that we could pull in on the off side for diesel at Dexta. There was no sign on the roof, so maybe they didn’t have any. Mick tied up the stern as a chap walked over from the farm buildings. He had to get the keys, they’d had a delivery this morning so he’d have to pump some down to the boat if we could wait a while. This was fine, at 63p a litre we’d have waited a while longer. On his third trip back to Dexta there was enough diesel pumped down and we filled the tank.

Approaching Bridge 68 a brightly coloured chap sat on a fence post watching us.

He stayed put for quite a while before darting off again into a tree. Here he sat and waited until we’d almost come level before swooping down, touching the water and doing the Heron thing of moving up a short distance hoping we wouldn’t follow.

Certainly not shy he stayed put long enough for me to focus and take several photos at each of his perches. When he thought we’d seen enough he upped and disappeared high into the branches.

Sorry Bridget, maybe they prefer blue boats!

We could have winded before Rugeley, but with a wool shop in town I wanted to have a look at what they did. So we pootled on into town, Oleanna rearing up on an underwater obstacle as we went. Mick stayed to look at the prop whilst I headed into town only to find that the shop had closed ten minutes earlier! With a mug of tea in hand each we carried on under the railway bridges to wind. We were now heading north for Christmas.

Finding a mooring opposite Dexta we pulled in away from the noisy dog a few boats behind and let Tilly out. The fallen down tree was great to climb around, it was nice of all the birdies to welcome me with so much singing too. The depth of water was measured, around about hip height and a lowish bank. I think I know what we’ll be doing in the morning.

2 locks, 9.11 miles, 1 right, 2 winds, 1 reverse, 1 Rum Wench, 4 more fuses, 1 big house, 124 litres, 3.30pm closing time, 2 conditioners, 1 big lump under the water, 2wice found, 0 camera shy kingfisher, 2ft 6ish, 1 pair of waders coming out in the morning.

Lower Burston Bridge to Tixall Wide

Before we pushed off this morning there were quite a few boats that passed us heading north. One of the first was very familiar, Tench, last seen with Heather Bleasdale at the helm, but today there was a man. I’m fairly sure it was Brian who we’d seen the new year in with at Bugsworth Basin, we waved but not being yellow we were out of context. As we untied the ropes a boat was coming towards us so we clung on and waited for it to pass, then another appeared around the bend behind us. This necessitated clinging on even harder as they showed no inclination of slowing down and Oleanna was wanting to speed up to join in. Mick thanked them (!) but it fell on deaf ears as the chaps were too busy chatting at the stern. Yesterday we’d come across the same boat near a bridge hole, there was no slowing down then, it was as if we’d not existed as Mick quickly brought Oleanna to a stop to avoid collision.

A  short distance further on and another familiar boat. NB Ferndale with her new owners at the helm. I wonder how many jolly cheery waves they get from people as they pass?

At Sandon Lock the speedy boat sat waiting almost mid channel for one to come up in the lock, waving at the lady to whip the paddles up. Once they were up his crew hopped off to work the lock for him. Normally I’d have headed up to help, but today I had no inclination, so we just waited for them to close the gates so that we could refill the lock. Soon from behind we were caught up by a boat we’ve been leapfrogging with for the last week or so since we were at Bramble Cuttings. Today they would reach their home mooring, so this would be the last we see of them.

Before Weston Lock we passed Dante and his acquaintances. He seems to be stuck now with the wrong crowd, turning greyer every day, such a sad demise of such a talented one.

At the line of moored boats there was another boat we knew, NB Calon Lan. We’d shared crossing the Ribble with them back in August. No-one was home to say hello to.

Once we were down the next two locks we carried on, passing the entrance to Great Haywood Marina (Broken Foot Marina). A space opposite the cafe was free so we pulled in for some lunch. Opposite NB Autumn Wine was on it’s home mooring, they’d helped ferry me to Stafford Hospital back in February with my broken ankle. After devouring some of the cheese we’d bought at the festival for lunch, Mick set off with Oleanna to find a mooring as I headed to the Farm Shop for a couple of bits.

The hill up to the bridge seemed so small today. Last time we were here I hopped all the way up it with the support of Mick to a hire car to get me to hospital. Looking back we should really have called for an ambulance to help. With some mushrooms, tomatoes and hash browns I then walked along the towpath to meet up with Mick.

Who told so many boaters about Tixall Wide? The line of moored boats started and carried on, I could see the stern of Oleanna getting further away. There were plenty of git gaps, but few people around to ask to nudge up, anyway I hadn’t got a boat with me. Eventually Mick added Oleanna to the end of the line and was just tying up as I arrived. None of the really good view for us this time. We had pulled in next to NB Jemima, it also seemed familiar. It turned out that he and his five dogs had spent last winter on the Macc and I’m fairly sure he was moored opposite us at Christmas.

With so many woofers behind, what was I to do? I used the front door until I realised they were all either too slow or not interested in me. Then another boat arrived with another woofer. I was surrounded! But with plenty of friendly cover I managed to go for an explore. Playing chicken with pheasants is quite good fun.

The tunnel light has been gradually changing from chrome to orange so as it was still fine I got the Bar Keepers Friend out and returned it to silver. I also, at last, got round to soaking off the label on the stove flue pipe.

3 locks, 7 miles, 1 right, 1 speedy boater, 5 familiar boats, 2 new owners, 3 mushrooms, 6 tomatoes, 4 hash browns, 1 barbecue, 1 camp fire, 0 further to fall, 152 paces of git gaps, 6 boats worth, 6 woofers, 0 broken bones, 1 clean tunnel light, 1 clean flue, 1 battery being chased up!

Stone Top Lock to Lower Burston Bridge 85

After an email yesterday morning our plans have changed. We no longer need to head south, apart from to pick up a parcel of fuses in Great Haywood.

So this morning we could take our time looking round the Farmers Market on the High Street. It is held on the first Saturday of every month, but with it being the festival it is bigger than normal. Here we found what I felt was missing yesterday. If you were to come to the festival for just one day, today would have to be it so that you catch the market too.

A few of the stalls were familiar from Macclesfield’s Treacle Market last year, well we are only 30 miles away. Today there was bread, meat galore, black puddings, cakes, bags(!), huge Russian pies rammed full of tasty looking things. The Port of Lancaster Smokehouse was there with masses of game 4 small birds for £10, I was tempted but our freezer is quite full.

We had a good look round first. You never know where the best looking pies are, if you buy one at the first stall you might get pie envy five minutes later at the next stall. The mushroom man was here, I’d wondered what to do with a punnet last year on the Macc, but now I have two recipes that would be spot on for them. A gluten free meat pie and Black Pudding to try along with a big treat of a joint of beef. The only thing lacking was veg on the market, but the local green grocer provided us with what we were after and we went back to the boat with bags full of goodies to enjoy over the next few days.

After some lunch and emptying the yellow water tank we were ready for the off. We stopped at the water point two locks down to fill the tank. Mick popped to the chandlers and bought a bag of coal, sadly we’d missed a coal boat this morning (not Halsall) as we didn’t know of it’s existence until it had already passed us.

The Star had plenty of people drinking outside which gave us an audience as we passed down the last of the Stone locks. We were lucky to have arrived in Stone when we did as all but one mooring were taken through the town.

At Aston Lock the local trip boat was coming up. The tourists had been having a look at the mile stone here, half way between Preston Brook and Shardlow. The chap at the helm, said ‘We always like to point out that this is the middle of the Trent and Mersey Canal’. To which I replied, ‘Except it isn’t, there’s around another mile from Shardlow to Derwent Mouth on the T&M’. He’s either got so used to telling his passengers this or wasn’t aware of the actual end of the canal, or maybe I was just being pedantic.

No more Farm Shop at Aston Marina, it is now all restaurant and The Boat House is a huge venue for weddings and such.

Onwards to find a mooring for the night, just far enough away from the busy road and railway with plenty for Tilly to explore. She made the most of it even though it started to pour down once we’d moored up.

Today marks our first six months on board Oleanna. She has lived up  to our expectations and more. If we won the Euro millions then maybe we’d change the windows for double glazing, air vent from the engine bay would move and we wouldn’t still be waiting for a third lithium battery! Here’s to plenty more cruising months and years.

5 locks, 4.15 miles, 1 black pud, 1 pie, 2 Portuguese custard tarts, 1 joint beef, 5 varieties mushrooms, 1 loaf, 1 empty yellow tank, 1 full water tank, 3 hours of pouncing soggyness friend finding, 2 plates of pasta with garlicy mushrooms, 5th bag complete, 6 months in our new floating home.

In the last six months Oleanna has travelled 962 miles, been through 541 locks and done 676 engine hours. Think she’s earning her keep!