Salt

Today's Canal : Trent and Mersey

Another prompt start (but not as prompt as yesterday!) As soon as we pushed off, very light rain arrived but went away quite quick9ly.

Our first lock, Meaford Top, was only a few minutes away but there was already a queue (well, one other boat!) so it took a while especially as only the single gate paddle was functional. The top gate footboard was also wrapped in the dreaded plastic as it is close to falling off altogether. However, with the ground paddle on the offside not working, this was of little consequence.

By the time we reached the third lock, blue sky was much in evidence.

This is the same bridge, from the other side, where it can be seen that this is a turnover bridge. However, unlike the one just before we moored last night, this one was built to the less ergonomic design with the two ramps on the same side. 

As we neared Stone itself, we passed the winding hole that was where we turned Alchemy around on its Trial/Test Run back in 2017.

On one of the bottom balance beams of the first of the four locks in Stone, is this notice "Please do not sit on the lock beam - Beam us weak and awaits repair" As far as we can see it is not on the winter maintenance programme . . . 

It is not very clear from this photo but it is just possible to see that the left (in the photo) beam is drooping and very close to the ground at its outer end.

The Joules Stone Ales building is currently being worked on and so, with all the scaffolding and netting, the usual iconic photo is not available this time.

In 2019, the Crown Wharf building was just a skeleton of girders but has now been finished and very much in operation.

We cannot pass Stone without a picture of Canal Cruising where we first experienced the canals on a small boat hired from here in 1967. Much has changed since then, even if canals still hold their fascination for us - and some changes are not always for the better! The company must be one of the longest canal-related business still in operation. It is a family firm and new generations still keep the tradition going.

And this was the first lock we ever went through - with much better tuition than many hirers elsewhere get today. Christine walked to the shops for a pork pie and some oatcakes - remembered from the last time here. Mike was about to single hand down the lock, having let a couple of others go ahead, when she returned.

The statue of famed local character Christine, is looking the worse for wear.

Below Star Lock, the last in Stone, we filled with water. The tap was already being used when we arrived so we started on lunch, which we continued whilst filling when he other  boat moved on.

The afternoon cruise, with just two locks, was very pleasant and the bright blue sky remained with us - almost.

At Aston Lock we had a wait as a queue in both directions had formed but everyone was helping each other so progress was fairly smooth.

Another sunny view.

Last lock today - Sandon Lock. Again is was fairly busy in both directions.

We went a little further to the planned mooring just before Salt Bridge. This was the first night stop in 1967 but the view now is very different as vegetation blocks the way across the fields. As we approached we could see black clouds coming up behind us and - of course - they dropped their content just as we pulled in to the towpath!

Salt Bridge is quite ornate but only from the other side so that will have to wait until tomorrow's blog  (if we remember!)

7.4 Miles - 10 Lock