Bottom of Etruria Staircase Lock on 17th September
Repairs to a collapsed towpath near Planet Lock
Regeneration continues apace along the Caldon since we visited last 5 years ago ...
… but the countryside when it appears is wide open.
An old Manchester Ship Canal Company boat emerges from Engine Lock
Approaching Stanley Moss with the higher ground of Endon in the distance ...
… and where there is an obstruction in the middle of the canal - the remains of a swing bridge that carried the railway line from Victoria Flint Mill to Stanley Moss
I love this mooring on Hazelhurst Aqueduct looking down at the Hollybush Inn whilst moored on the Leek Branch of the Caldon Canal
We winded (turned) at the ‘lagoon’ at Horse Bridge on the 21st September ...
… and traced our way back over the aqueduct passing this garden with its very grand thrones, huge pumpkins and weird purple flowers!
We dropped down Hazelhurst Locks onto the Froghall Branch passing this winding hole where the moored boats make that manoeuvre impossible!
The start of a beautiful day moored outside the Hollybush Inn where we'd met up with old friends Dennis and Barbara for meal in the pub
Rock n Roll negotiating the canal’s twists and turns as I walk with Molly ...
… to Cheddleton Flint Mill where we walked down the towpath in the hot sunshine ...
… to visit with George’s Auntie Janet at his cousin Gary and wife Kath’s home and was joined by their son Ben and partner Lisa, enjoying the fantastic view from the garden in the sunshine
We’ve had a real mixture of weather on this cruise - sometimes misty and drizzly, sometimes cool, even cold winds but mainly lots of warm sunny days … but it is definitely the start of autumn with the leaves falling like rain at times.
We winded (turned) at the mill and George enjoyed the meandering as we returned to the Hollybush Inn ...
We moved off the visitor moorings for a couple of nights whilst we had an appointment with our new boat builders!!!!
… We’ve decided to continue our journey which has taken longer than planned but now back towards Etruria again.
The beautiful lock house at Hazelhurst ...
… with it’s beautifully formed garden in such a small space ...
… and wonderful views over the countryside.
Saturday 28th and we’re at Stockton Brook Locks ...
… with reminders of the history of Stoke-on-Trent including this lovely Victorian pumping house. Some pictures of the interior taken in 2007 here
Saturday was the main reason for our visit to the Calden Canal - a visit to meet the new grand-daughter of George’s brother Dave and sister-in-law Bev. Baby Victoria Poppy was
unwell on our way onto the canal so we had to be patient - but it was sooooo worth it ….
… dancing to the music on the baby channel!
What’s Dad feeding her just before teatime?
… chocolate!!
Proud grandparents ...
… and proud ‘grand’ aunt and uncle too!
They came to see us on Sunday morning as Anna has never been on a narrowboat before - she was most impressed with how much will fit in a small space - we’ve arranged to meet up again with them and Dave and Bev on Tuesday evening.
Another visit from Dennis and his grandson Finlay for Sunday lunch (partner Barbara has flown off to Spain for a week of sunshine) rounded off a great weekend.
A late start this morning as we set off for Etruria ...
This foal can’t be more than a couple of days old
His legs look far too long for him!
There was quite a breeze blowing as we cruised ...
… past these now defunct bottle kilns ...
… and Johnson’s Sanitary Ware factory erected in 1896.
Waiting at the top of Etruria Staircase Lock for it to be set for Rock n Roll
George closed the gates between the top and bottom lock ...
… and descending in the lower lock chamber.
We’re moored up once again opposite the Brindley Statue at Etruria Junction; back where we started just two weeks ago and looking forward to the next few weeks and all that they will bring … watch this space!
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