Monday 24th August

We left about 8.30 after Graham mopped out all the water from the bilges after the downpour on Sunday. It was a clear run to the first set of Meaford locks but we found that we were 3rd in line. The lead boat was a hirer who was trying to turn round. Apparently they had tried once but were unsuccessful. They now had to go through a lock to try at the winding hole just below and then come back up again. Unfortunately they were unsuccessful again and continued on. It was 3rd time lucky as we met them later coming the other way. They told another boater that they had to be back at their base on the Macclesfield canal at 3pm.- they wouldn't make it.

We entered Stone which is always welcoming to boaters.

There are quite a few boat builders and hire companies based here and it is incredible to think that these relatively thin straps can support a narrowboat if it needs to be lifted from the water.

Still in Stone we saw the statue of Christina Collins who was murdered in 1839 further down the canal. 

 The last lock in Stone is next to the Star Inn which dates from the 14th Century and none of the rooms are at the same level - as accepted by the Guiness Book of Records. Being a Monday lunchtime there were not many gongoozlers watching our progress down the lock.

We had planned today's cruise so that we ended up at a village called Weston upon Trent. The menu of the pub called 'The Woolpack' looks very nice so we shall give it a try.

PostScript:- The Woolpack food was as good as it sounded. Very busy but quick service. Monday night turned out to be 2 for 1 on Steaks so that is what we had!