Wednesday 22nd November – Day 123
It’s a morning of jobs today as we decide to give the outside of the boat a clean. The covers need some attention and the bow needs hoovering as we use that area to store coal and logs so it gets a bit grubby. We still need to finish grinding the old paint off and then repainting but that is going to be added to the never-ending list of jobs to do once we get in the Marina, as long as we get a break in the weather to do it.
I also start a wash as we have plenty of hot water from popping the central heating on this morning and we are going to run the engine whilst we hoover up as usual the boat batteries are on half come the morning.
As is the norm when starting one job it leads to another so not only do we clean the bow but we also take the mats out of the stern and clean the area which gets covered in mud, leaves and muck from getting on and off the boat when cruising and doing locks. That all done I decide to clean down the gunnel of the canalside as it’s full of leaves and muck which then leads to me climbing on the roof ((Please tell me you fell in!)) No, such luck, and cleaning the solar panels. Not that we are going to get much solar today, it’s not like yesterday at all. It started off a dull day and stayed that way throughout but no rain or wind so that’s a good day in the boating world.
Outside of the boat all spick and span on one side we have lunch and then get cruising. We only have one lock to do today and then we are turning around before the Stoke on Trent flight and coming back so then we can clean the other side of the boat tomorrow. We might aim to moor up as there is an Aldi on this stretch, although we possibly can manage with just the One Stop which is near Barlaston where we intend to return to once we have ‘winded’ the boat at Stoke.
It’s a pleasant cruise past the famous Wedgewood factory which will explore at some point, maybe in the next few days. I keep saying I need to have a full day writing and tomorrow might be the day as it’s looking to be a bit windy. On Friday and Saturday it’s predicting full sunshine but -1 degree overnight and max 6 degrees in the day so the fire will need stoking up. There also looks like there might be rain incoming for the next week on and off so I think along with the cold temperatures it’s telling us to get into the Marina. ((Turns out it’s a good job you listened to yourself for a change!))
I cannot remember if I said but we are booked into Great Haywood marina from the 1st December which is next Friday. I was happy to cruise a bit longer but as I’ve said we do have a lot of boat jobs to do which are easier when we have access to water and electric without the need to think about draining the batteries or getting to the facilities point.
We reach Trentham lock which is a deep on at 11ft 11in! But lovely to work and I explored a little bit around the area whilst we were there and finally got Chris to film me doing some of the lock as I’d promised to show my friends for ages but it’s not always easy to film. I’m certainly not up to the standard of some of these Youtubers who get all the fancy shots!
After Trentham Lock it’s a cruise through to the area of Stoke on Trent. It’s strange to have the fields replaced by lorries, cars and industry once again. I’m not sure when we will be coming back up this way come spring. Weather permitting, we will do some nice little cruises even when we are wintering at the marina as Great Haywood is a great location for many different arms of the canal. ((You’ve already this!))
We get to the bridge and wind the boat which is a slight faff as the boat nearly grinds out as it’s a bit shallow but we ((Royal we)) get it done and then it’s back the way we came. We have really enjoyed being on the Trent and Mersey Canal, it has so much to offer and as you know I absolutely love the locks on here.
Once moored up – ((Peachy has used the excuse to write this blog to come back into the boat now)) Well, it’s not really any warmer! We don’t normally keep the fire going as it just blows smoke in your face when cruising. Where was I… once moored up I’m going to make a veggie sausage casserole with some leeks we need to use up and some mash potatoes. We might even sneak in some dumplings!
If anything else exciting happens on the route back I will of course report in. Hopefully we will get moored up somewhere near Barlaston again and then poss have a couple of days here before cruising back to Stone. Our original plan was to get back to stone for tomorrow night as they have the Christmas light switch on but we will just have a wander up at night when we get back there. From Barlaston to Stone is more or less a one-day cruise and then the same again to Great Haywood so we have a few days to play around with to explore before it’s into the marina!
Until tomorrow… x word count: 793 Total: 26,950
miles: 10 locks: 2
C.L. Peache 