The peacock paddock, Endon

It was a lock free journey between the end of Leek Canal and the peacock paddock; woo hoo! Vicky was feeling more sprightly and managed to slowly walk the dogs up and over Leek Tunnel while Will took Rainboat through. A cluster of cows were gathered by the large winding hole on the other side, watching as we all piled back aboard.

Low water levels continued to hamper cruising; we grounded a few times and had to use the long wooden pole to free ourselves. We rejoined the main Caldon Canal at Hazelhurst Junction and filled with water at Park Lane services before mooring beside the peacock paddock we'd stayed at on the way up.

The evening was warm and we postponed tea just to sit out and make the most of the sun's rays. Leo poddled up and down, Tiger sunbathed on the path and Whiskers slinked along the hedgerow. He must have stepped too close to crow nests because they started up an almighty cacophony and half a dozen began mobbing him. Thankfully he came bounding back to the boat for safety and waited for things to calm down before amusing himself watching a clutch of ducklings swimming nearby.

Later that evening the first spots of rain began to fall, dampening the dusty towpath. Overnight there was a downpour, which continued as sporadic showers the following day. Will dodged them when visiting the coop and later the pub. He returned in a jolly mood 'complaining' that the locals were far too friendly, buying him a pint and convincing him to stay longer. Poor Will 😂Read more