Raindrops keep falling on my head

Tuesday & Wednesday, what a washout!

You're lucky to get any pictures at all as it was raining on and off most of both days. At one point we even stopped under a bridge to let the worst of the downpour go over. There was a party of youngsters there as well with their minders/teachers but none of them seemed too downhearted by it all.

First thing we set off to take advantage of the little good weather that was likely to be around during the day. We hoped that we would clear all of the Stone locks before any rain set in, and in this we were quite lucky.

Passing Crown Wharf there is a bit of a development in progress. Joules brewery have acquired the site next to the brewery and are building their own pub along with a Studio Theatre and a site for a Heritage and Visitor facility. A marvellous centre for the whole community.

And here is the old brewery building next door.

We then stopped at Stone Boat Building Chandlers and bought 3 replacement leisure batteries. The old ones have not been holding their charge too well, so it was a case of bite the bullet time. Mind you, I did get a discount for buying 3 batteries and they took the old ones for recycling.

A little further on and we passed another boatyard which had a narrow-gauge railway on the quayside complete with trucks of coal ready for offloading. (in theory)

Even more houses canalside.

We ploughed on for the rest of the day through rainstorms and showers and managed to moor for the night opposite Stoke City FC ground on a brand new mooring. A quiet night, except for the rain.

The next morning, started the engine to a shower of sooty rain! Water had gone down the funnel and I hadn't put the cap on the top. (note to self - don't forget next time)

On the approach to Stoke-on-Trent you pass through all the old industrial area which is evidenced by the pottery kilns, now listed buildings in the middle of modern factory sites.

As we pass herons usually fly off ahead of the boat but this one just carried on walking along the path.

Jesse Shirley's Etruscan Bone & Flint Mill. A Victorian steam-powered potter's miller's works built in 1857. Phew, the old spellchecker didn't like any of that. Anyway, in steam every weekend. Shame it's only Wednesday!

After that, through Harecastle Tunnel (2926 yds) not raining inside but still quite wet in places. After you enter the tunnel, giant doors are closed across the entrance and extractor fans are turned on to keep the air clear. Passage takes about 40 minutes. The brown colour is caused by local ironstone strata. (rusty water)

Have tackled a couple of the locks in 'heartbreak hill' but there is a secure mooring in a wooded area so we are now stopping for the night.

That's more like it

Normal service has been resumed.

Monday and the sun is shining, clear blue skies as we cross the river Trent.

Motored past Shugborough Hall and stopped briefly at Great Heywood junction to take advantage of the facilities.

Now passing the headquarters of the Christian Boaters Fellowship. (CBF for short)

A lovely lock coming up but a queue of 2 or 3 boats ahead of us. Everyone is moving on after the washout yesterday.

And awkward approach with the lock being immediately after the bridge.

Where there used to be a wooded stretch, now a stretch of des res.

Sheep going home for the night.

Moored up just before Stone on a very quiet length. The trouble is that you moor and others join you - never mind, still a quiet spot.

This says it all

Sunday - no comment!

The day that the rain came down

Should have known, weekend, Saturday and it's raining. Must confess that it's a refreshing change from the superheated days we've been having. But, after nearly 3 hours travelling, enough's enough.

We are now just above Fradley Junction where we stopped for lunch and to dry off, and the sun comes out. Sorry mate, too late now, Brigid's started cooking.

Here’s a picture from a couple of days ago where Brigid is taking the boat down the Atherstone flight of locks.

And this is at Fazeley Junction, just passing the former BW offices which have now been transformed into high end apartments - all very private - they've even taken away the Elsan point - can't think why!

Friday and we met up with Harvey and Helen for lunch in Hopwas and then a little trip up to Huddlesford.

First mate trying to look busy.

We had put Harvey's bike on the top of the boat and he cycled back along the towpath to collect the car.

Now then, apologies for an omission. I have received a complaint about the lack of pictures of food.

This was a lunch of sausage, burger and Italian salad.

A starter of smoked salmon for Brigid.

And devilled whitebait for me.

All eaten in the 'not so secret garden' at the back of the Plough, Huddlesford.

PS have managed to kill the big generator yet again! Luckily we've got the new small one, so, all's well for the moment. Just have to order another capacitor. Silly me!

Ramblings

The hottest day of the year and we moved up to Hawkesbury Junction. We were going to go further but we found a nice bit of shade where we could have a braai.

There's the shade.

And there's the braai. (South African term for barbecue)

Went out for a walk in the evening and here is a view of the junction.

Red sky at night and a 'barndoor' thunderstorm in the middle of the night.

As we've been travelling we have often delighted in the variety of artwork on the sides of boats. Here are a few examples.

Painted in Pulman livery.

Imaginations certainly run free on the canal.

Where did Monday go?

What did we do on Monday? I've lost a day!

I know, we set off through Hillmorton locks.

Here's the captain waiting for the lock to empty. There are only 3 locks and we had C&RT volunteers helping out with 2 of them.

Some of the lock gates have poetry carved on them. There's a board somewhere with the whole poem written out. Makes a bit more sense then.

Past Badsey's Wharf where the café is.

And opposite is a book exchange. We get quite a few books this way.

Now approaching the outskirts of Rugby and a few years ago this part of the canal was open countryside. Now look at it.

Stopped in Rugby for a mega supermarket shopping bash to stock up with supplies.

Motored on toward Brinklow and stopped for a roast chicken supper. Should have had the roast on Sunday but we had a meal out instead. Also, we only bought the chicken this morning!

Sunday, day of rest

Well, that's what I thought!

As planned, got up in time to go to church. It's a church we've been to before and we were looking forward to the worship. We had a great time there with lovely cakes after. Interestingly, last year the associate priest and the vicar swopped roles. The lady priest was coming up to retirement and so the associate male priest stepped into her shoes and vice versa.

As usual, we stayed chatting and by the time we left it was nearly lunchtime. So, back to the boat? No, back to the locks and the Canalchef café for an unexpected lunch.

The café was taken over in 2003 by a couple who were really looking for a suitable mooring for an old boat that they wanted to restore. Ideal mooring, but café came with it.

The walls are covered with canal memorabilia and pictures of their boat Badsey.

Here's the captain waiting for her mutton stew - I had the lamb chops (3). Yummy.

Looking back at the café on the way back to the boat.

We often see people using sea magnets near locks or under bridges (I've got one myself) but have not seen what they find. In this instance two men pulled out the back of a car seat! Get that round the prop and you won't be going far.

Right then, back to the boat for tea and a kip. No chance! When we were at Braunston we bought a new battery charger.

So, what better time than Sunday afternoon to pull the boat apart and put the new one in.

Gulp, what have I started? Cutting wires left, right and centre. What if it doesn't work?

Phew, all done and guages reading what they should be reading.

Thought I should read the instructions and the first page says 'Only to be installed by qualified personnel.' Looks like I'm qualified!

After that, a quiet evening playing bezique.