Despite the persistent drizzle we set off at 0825 this morning, past Great Haywood and the Shugborough estate, past Salt, Weston and Aston Marina . . some five locks and some 5 hours chugging until we reach Stone.
This is Essex bridge. Enabling the Anston family to take their carriage directly to church.
It was not the best of weathers …
Past Haywood junction and the entrance to the Staffs & Worcs canal …
Some wonderful bridges . . on this wide and serene Trent & Mersey canal
The sun started to shine and Viv had a go at a lock – just 7 wide and our boat is 6 feet 10 inches – so not much to spare . .
And lo, in without a bump! Bravo!
Another lock and Viv’s “man” is on hand to operate the lock (Aston lock)
And then it was Stone. We moored up as soon as we could – a method that works, as sometimes you keep going and find there are no further moorings!
We wandered around the town – successfully collecting our mail from the post office – it worked! And ended up in the CAMRA local pub of the year, the Swan
Loadsa real ales to sample – we only had halves but promised to go back later tonight – I took an albeit wobbly photo of this unusual beer
Then we wobbled back to the boat, past an unusual mosaic (note the electrical insulators on the feet)
With several weeks in hand we may spend a few days here and no, not just residing in the Swan!