Monday 6th July

OWe left the mooring at 8am and rescued a boat which had grounded. Very easy to do if you lose concentration for a minute and the boat veers off in the wrong direction. We entered Harecastle tunnel at 9am. This time we were the first boat in a convoy of 4. The tunnel is about 1and a half miles long and we were advised to keep a steady speed and not to go too slowly to avoid hitting the walls. At least it is a straight tunnel. There are fans to support the air flow but being the first boat we didn't hear the gates clang shut behind us. 

At the Southern Portal the setting is lovely.

During the journey.

Emerging from the other end where the water has turned orange due to seepage through the ironstone rock.

It took 35mins to pass through and shortly afterwards the rain started. It continued unabated and we finally moored for lunch at Congleton where they are obviously competing with Milton Keynes for concrete animal of the year.

We watched some tennis and then when the rain stopped we continued for an hour or so until it started to rain again.

Sunday 5th July

Up early and on our way by 7.40am. Already 3 boats had passed us as we headed for the locks in Stoke which are big and heavy and can attract unsavoury characters so it is best to go through early in the day. All was quiet.

I thought that these two signs warranted a photo. Think maybe a 'U' is missing from the second building or maybe they just ran out of space'

We last came this way two years ago and unfortunately little has been done to the several derelict buildings and old kilns. At least they have kept some of them and it was interesting to see the new apartments next to two old kilns.

We moored at Westport Lake and between showers (and one clap of thunder) we walked round the lake and enjoyed the fresh air after the heat of last week. 

When we returned to the boat another had moored in front and the occupants were having a BBQ. We thought that they were here for the night but they packed everything away and tried to turn the boat. They discovered that the canal was not wide enough and had to go on to the next winding hole. I'm afraid that I couldn't resist a photo especially as we were hearing comments such as "We're stuck!".

Saturday 4th July

A terrific storm during the night. Rain, thunder and lightning. It woke us up but not for long. We always sleep really well on the boat. 

The Farmer's market in Stone was excellent and the choice of food superb. Good job we don't live there.

The extensive selection of mushrooms, which we remembered from 2 years ago, was there and also a lady patting up butter. 

The day then had a rather disastrous incident which could have been awful but ultimately was fine.

We set off through the locks in Stone - mooring just before the 3rd lock to dispose of the rubbish. Graham went to set the lock and I was driving. Unfortunately as I left the mooring the exhaust cap for the waste fumes from the diesel heater caught on one of the metal facia boards was ripped off. We now had a hole in the side of the boat. We were moored next to the  chandlery where a very helpful lady tried to find either a new exhaust fitting or a blank cap. She was unsuccessful but a couple of men arrived who took on the challenge. They disappeared into a workshop/storeroom and came back with two plates to block the hole and a bolt to hold it in place. We were ready to continue our journey. How helpful canal people can be. They didn't want any payment but hopefully they are now enjoying a pint at the Stone beer festival!

We moored in our favourite place just past Barleston and managed to watch the James Ward tennis match and have a BBQ. The neighbours will hopefully be quiet tonight!

Friday 3rd July

An interesting start to the day. Last night the mist had started to roll in and we awoke at 6.45 am to find the canal swathed in mist and the stern of the boat floating across the canal! A boat had just passed (rather early) and we think that somehow it had dislodged the D mooring ring. We quickly realised and no damage was done. A couple of boats passed us with the front light on which was doing no good in the fog and all they needed was an hour's patience while the mist cleared.

We filled with water, Carole having now graduated to boat stabilising duties, and then passed the farm shop at Great Haywood with its many poly tunnels packed with growing produce.

The cruise to Stone was quite uneventful and it is good to report that there will be a good choice of goose for next Christmas.

In Stone, we were very lucky to get a mooring spot near the winding hole although the chap in the next boat watched us struggle for a while before deciding that he was leaving. 

Carole and Doug left by train for Willington and the journey home whilst Graham and I enjoyed watching Serena Williams and Heather Watson play before going for a Thai meal.

Carole and Doug earned the right to wear In The Mood T shirts - the proof is in the photo shoot.

Much cooler and quite windy tonight.

Thursday 2nd July

Thankfully a cooler day today. We sailed a short distance to bridge 70 and walked to Wolseley Bridge to have a look at the garden centre and antique shop. Doug thought that the 4G reception was not too good so he bought a Telephone!

After arriving at Great Haywood we visited the farmshop and then walked along the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal to Tixall Wide where we had a good view of the Elizabethan gatehouse of the now demolished Tixall House. 

This boat certainly managed to fit a lot of "stuff" on the outside.

I found a lovely little boat for your puppy Sue!

We had a heavy rainstorm this afternoon. What a difference 24 hours makes. Off to the pub for a meal this evening.

Wednesday 1st July

Another scorching day although the first photo shows Valerie left in splendid isolation writing the blog last night when the others had put away their chairs.

We travelled through Alrewas although Carole found the first lock gate rather difficult at 9am.

We were then off through Fradley and onto Rugeley where luckily we were not caught by the Trent and Mersy canal speed camera and 'Police boat' 

The temperature peaked at 34 degrees C so we were all keen to visit the air conditioned Tesco at Rugeley and to linger in the frozen aisles! 

We are moored in the countryside with Cannock Chase in the distance and a BBQ to look forward to when it cools down!      

Tuesday 30th June

What a wonderful start to the holiday. Clear blue skies, boiling temperatures and a lock crew!

Doug and Carole- being 'In the Mood' newbies, travelled to the marina yesterday and we left at 9.15am today. Heading for the Pennines and the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

We cruised along familiar territory and Doug was pleased to pass Branston the original home of the pickle! 

One interesting observation was seeing 2 tortoises being taken for a walk at Shobnall Fields. 

Wychnor church looked lovely in the sunlight and we were able to sit out all evening as the temperature was so pleasant.