Which way now?

 A day of decisions. 

People always ask us where we are going on the boat and we tell them that we get to a junction and decide left or right!? 

Initially we were thinking of going up the Macclesfield Canal and then on to Whaley Bridge. However, there hasn't been much rain lately and we're worried that we could get stuck if locks are closed. 

So, what to do? 

Well, let's get to the next junction and decide then. 

Our first priority was to get rid of the rubbish, recycling and food waste. Many of the old C&RT facilities have been closed. Fortunately there were new facilities at the nearby marina.

We are really in the heart of the potteries. 

Here's Middleport Pottery where the Great Pottery Throw Down was filmed. 

Last time we were in Stoke it was still in operation and we had a tour round the factory. 

The café and shop are still there and going strong by the looks of it. 

Some pictures of other potteries that haven't fared so well. 

And then there was Harecastle Tunnel. We only had to wait a little while before we entered the tunnel. During that time we had the safety talk and received various warnings about the lack of height in parts of the tunnel. 

It took about 3/4 of an hour to get through but, because we were 3rd in line, we couldn't go as fast as I would have liked. 

The water is really that colour and is due to the local ironstone strata. 

Right, decision time. We're at Hardings Wood Junction. Left or straight on? 

Well, if we were to go straight on we would be straight into a run of 12 locks. Which is all right in the morning but not at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. So we followed our original plan and turned onto the Macclesfield Canal. However, we'll probably only go up to the foot of Bosley Locks, turn round and continue up the Trent and Mersey. Perhaps when we get to the junction again we may decide on something different, who knows? 

We are now crossing over the T&M, waving to the boat we followed through the tunnel. 

Hall Green Lock, a very beautiful place. It's only a stop lock but it's a lovely place to stop for a moment or two. 

Our first real view of Mow Cop. Built by Randle Wilbraham in 1754 as a folly, it was designed to resemble medieval ruins. Wilbraham of nearby Rode Hall constructed the elaborate summerhouse and circular tower to look like medieval fortress ruins. 

A view of Ramsdell Hall as we sail past. 

We stopped by Bridge 85, Simpson Bridge, by ourselves, nice and quiet.