THURSDAY. Wedgwood visitor moorings.
The 2008 trip thus far: 428Locks; 770.5 Miles; 74 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 36
We had a delivery of coal to the boat this morning, courtesy of Ivor. Having paid for the fuel, we said our farewells and moved away. There was a mist on the water although the sky was almost clear and more blue showing than we had seen for ages.
Arriving at Stoke top lock, we were assisted by the crew of the following hire boat.
There used to be a factory with two bottle kilns, on the west side of the canal just below the third lock. All traces have disappeared with the exception of the two kilns; they now stand looking completely out of place between two newly built blocks of flats. The design of these flats would not have looked out of place in communist East Germany.
I am sure that these blocks must have looked wonderful on the drawing board of their architect. Unfortunately, the height and close proximity of the trees at the site boundary has resulted in a major loss of light entering the flats. The only green aspect of this development is the colour of the trees. Carbon footprint - size 12 and increasing.
We had most of the locks in our favour with boats coming up the flight, it makes a nice change. Arriving at Wedgewood visitor moorings, there was just enough space for us near the bridge. We had a solo game of non musical chairs as each boat moved off; we ended up at the north end, where the sun reaches in the evening as well as having open views both ways.
We spent the afternoon sitting OUTSIDE, IN THE SUN chatting to our neighbouring crew.
It was difficult to remember the last time this year that we had done this; it was probably at Castford in early June.
Weather – Dry all day, then a sunny afternoon.
