Neil Morrissey here we come

Once again a cool start to the day. However, the wind wasn't as cutting as previously and the sun soon came out.

At the staircase lock there was a gang of a dozen or more volunteers cleaning all the steps and trimming the edges. 

And as we came to the end of the Caldon Canal, the statue of James Brindley, the renowned canal engineer.

Through the second lock on the Trent and Mersey and we come to the bone and flint mill. This was a steam driven mill and can now be seen working on highdays and holidays. 

Now the captain said 'You can walk to the next lock, it's not too far.' And there she is, sailing off and not a lock in sight!

When we did get to the lock there was this official mural advertising C&RTs plastics challenge. With other unofficial graffiti alongside.

Saw this boat called Wild Wood. I'm sure they're wooden shingles along the sides.

All the things you can buy along with Country and Western line dancing.

And then under the massive recycling centre.

And a constant reminder of the mining heritage of the area.

But, oh dear, more houses going up.

Hundreds of them.

Now Brigid hates working this lock because of the fact that you can easily fall down the steps if you're not careful. The extended bar stops you accidentally stepping backwards and coming a cropper  

Past the Wedgwood factory which we have visited before.

And now we are at Barlaston and have had time to wash the other side of the boat.

Golly gosh! Scrubs up quite well does the captain. We are now in the Plume of Feathers, Neil Morrissey's pub. We have had a splendid supper, ate too much, drank too much but it was worth it.

And a last look at the pub and the night sky before returning to the boat.