Along to Stone

The forecast for today is sun all day with a temperature of 21°C.

So, shorts on and off we go.

A last look at the pub and a pootle along to Stone.

Now wouldn't I love to own this place. The boat would fit that dock quite nicely.

Oh, and here's a crossover bridge. The towing horse would be able to cross the canal from right to left without having to slip the rope. 

And here we are at Stone. Well, on the edge.

On the way down, at the Meaford locks, we had help from 3 volunteers. Help like that is always welcome especially when it's the captain's turn at working the locks.

We have moored above the Stone locks and walked into town for lunch and shopping. 

The 2nd lock has this horse tunnel at the side.

And this is the home of Joules beers. It's good to see an original building still in use.

Now, guess what, Google found us another café. The Secret Tea Room. 

It fascinates me as to how many tea rooms we have found this trip. I know that food features heavily on the blog but these cafés have all been amazing. We were discussing this over lunch and it seems that most pubs have good food these days but their menus are very similar. The cafés offer something different.

Here's the centre of the town and it's just a short walk down a side alley to the butchers for a top-up of supplies. Guess what we're having this evening. Fish! 

The captain allowed me to carry the vittals back to the boat and rewarded me with a nice cuppa.

Quite a pleasant place to stay and this afternoon I managed to get a bit of the stern rail painted. Had to stop as we are alongside a dusty towpath, the wind has got up a bit (nothing too much) but every time a cyclist goes past there are billows of dust. Also little flying things are starting to appear. I have admitted defeat for the moment. Better luck tomorrow!?