Taking Flight

Our overnight stop was very peaceful with just the sound of the birds and cows nearby. After casting off this morning we had a bit of a stretch before our first lock of the day. Edward of course wanted another go at the tiller and now frequently sits with his hand behind the skipper’s.

We stopped in Stone and were lucky enough to get the mooring right next to M&S. After a quick shop we were straight into lock routine, with a slight delay as we were following another boat. This was the first of four very close locks (the Stone Flight) raising us a total of 39 ft 4 inches. The friendly crew of the boat behind us helping us up the flight. It pays for crews to help each other in locks as it also speeds up their passage. In the second lock of the flight a crew member from the descending boat opened the gate paddle a little too soon and quickly for this skipper’s liking - sending a raging torrent of water into the lock chamber and our boat bobbing about like a cork!

At the top of the flight we stopped for lunch and a recharge before the next flight of four locks at Meaford, another 32 ft 5 inches. This time with no outside help the skipper assisted with some paddles and gates when he could. Our experience of these locks was considerably drier than on the descent!

A bit of a cruise followed and saw us moor up a short distance from the Plume of Feathers pub, owned by Neil Morrissey, and just before the Wedgwood factory. We have been entertained this evening by geese coming to the offside window and waiting expectantly for food!Read more