Before we set off, Mike walked into Kidsgrove. In the past we have only called at Tesco and not the town centre shops. As well as a newspaper, he was in search of some more paintbrushes, not something that Tesco stock. He was somewhat underwhelmed by the shops that he found. The only food shops seemed to be several butchers, a number of small scale discount shops, specialists like toy balloons, games and tattooists - and Home Bargains! There were a couple of newsagents but the first that Mike called at did not accept subscription tokens so no sale! At least the other one did - he really did not want to have to make his way back to Tesco again. A strange discount shop - that seemed to have all sorts of things piled high, randomly and in every nook and cranny - did have some brushes but at 99p each they will hardly be lasting very long, we suspect.
Back at the boat we made ready to set off, with just the top Red Bull lock to complete before the entrance to Harecastle Tunnel.
When we arrived at the waiting area, the tunnel keeper told us that a boat had just entered from the other end and seemed to be rather slow. He warned that it might be 45 minutes before we could enter - which proved correct. At least Mike could look at an urgent email that needed a careful reply.
It was just before half past eleven when we were allowed to proceed with another boat following on a careful distance behind. Mike was particularly disappointed: after having managed two thirds of the distance keeping well clear of the sides, he momentarily lost concentration, thinking about taking a photo - and drifted to the side. But only the once, you understand.
When we emerged, just over half an hour later, it was raining. Gentle drizzle but persistent and not in line with the forecast which had promised us that it would be dry from noon onwards.
This inflow seems to be doing a good job at keeping the summit level topped up, although as we saw later, plenty feeds down from the Caldon as well.
We passed the usually popular moorings at Westport Lake - there were only four boats today, the last had a sign to indicate that it is owned by one of the Waterways Chaplains.
We saw a number of the 47 remaining bottle kilns - at its height, the pottery industry had over 4000 kilns in Stoke on Trent. They were individually designed and constructed to a shape that was each designer's 'great idea', all different.
We had thought of mooring at Etruria, before the service block, for lunch but just a little earlier Mike spotted a good row of rings with a decent bank edge so pulled in, just alongside the huge water slides of Waterworld.
After lunch we moved down to to Etruria Junction where we made use of the service block. Just before the junction we saw Rosie, from Scholar Green - we think we recall seeing her at 'Teapot Hall' when we came by earlier in the year.
Opposite the service block is an elegant statue to James Brindley, the famous canal pioneer.
Sadly, the Etruria Industrial Museum never seems to be open when we pass by. This impressive Goodwin Ball Mill stands alongside. It was manufactured in Germany in 1907 and installed in a mill in Hanley, not far away. It was used to grind materials - the raw stuff was mixed with water and hard balls (such as flint or ceramic) which, as the drum rotated, gradually reduced it to a fine powder suspended in the water.
Next came the two lock staircase at the start of the Caldon Canal. Unusually, it was built with the upper chamber rather larger than the lower one. The extra water discharges over a side weir. This means that when descending it is not necessary to empty the lower lock before the upper one - which is what usually has to be done in a staircase.
Shortly after came Planet Lock, compared with all the locks we have passed through in the last few days, this one is remarkably shallow.
Gradually the rain eased off and eventually we saw spells of blue sky but drizzle was never far away. We were becoming aware of a large plume of black smoke in the distance and wondered where it was.
Since we were here three years ago, it seems that several places have been fitted with useful looking mooring rings, several in use. In the past the run from Planet Lock through Hanley Park to the edge of the city was not recommended for mooring so perhaps things are on the up.
This splendid remaining industrial building is inscribed Johnson Brothers (Hanley) Limited Sanitary Works Erected 1896. Three of the brothers built this factory, along with several others nearby, to produce their range of durable earthenware which became very popular as it was both inexpensive and long lasting. The fourth brother moved to New York around 1896 and successfully marketed the products for the American customers.
Ivy House Lift Bridge is mechanised and the road over it is fairly busy but all of the cars that we held up came from the same direction.
We were now heading out of the main urban sprawl and into green lined canal. We were heading for a spot we found last time, just after a disused railway bridge. The black smoke was now alarmingly close and then a passing cyclist warned us not to go any further as there was a boat on fire, blocking the canal, not far ahead, Fortunately we were alongside a good mooring bank.
Whilst Mike made a start on preparing the meal for later, Christine opted to take a look along with the camera.
She found that it was a plastic cruiser that was by now almost completely destroyed and the fire service were in attendance - they had taken some time to reach the incident as they has gone to the next road bridge, confused with the old railway bridge. They were pulling the boat up to that road bridge where they would have resources to douse it properly. Al.though it looked as if the fire had burnt itself out, suddenly as they were spraying it with water, it burst into flames yet again.
It seems as if the boat had been empty at the time and at that stage no-one could identify who was the owner. sadly it seems that it may have been someone's home - hopefully the relevant agencies will be in touch with appropriate support. The Fire Incident Manager told Christine that he anticipated that we would be able to pass through by tomorrow morning.
9.1 Miles - 4 Locks
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