When we were here 6 weeks ago one of the locks was undergoing repairs. These have now been completed as testified by the new plate on the lock gate.
The long line of available moorings at Kidsgrove again made us wonder where everyone is. A shopping trip to Tesco, lunch and then through the Harecastle Tunnel from North to South. The tunnel keeper also commented on how quiet it is. Harecastle is a one way only tunnel and is 1 and three quarter miles long. It took us 45 mins. to pass through and we emerged to bright sunshine.
The welcome to Stoke on Trent sign was free of graffiti, sad to say that this is unusual on this stretch of the canal.
We moored at Westport Lake which is a nature reserve. There were lots of boats here and many hire boats passed us in the opposite direction. They are obviously starting the 4 counties ring.
The weather was so nice that we were able to sit out on the stern to read the newspapers and debated about having a BBQ. Luckily we decided against it as by 7.30 we had heavy rain and thunderstorms! A good night for staying in and watching Tim West and Prunella Scales canal prog. This week they went along the Rochdale Canal and through the Standedge Tunnel which is what we had hoped to do this year until we found that In the Mood is too high. Seeing the sheer rock which they passed through we are glad that we didn't attempt it with our boat. Like Tim and Pru we shall hire at some point to take this journey.
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