The weather forecast was not looking brilliant so we decided to press on to Milton and do some late evening shopping where the local shops are near the canal.
It was becoming rather wintry.
We also made the bold decision to set off early tomorrow morning to try to catch the dryer part of another expectedly damp day.
We’ve had drone day so we thought we would add drudge day. In reality the work was rather satisfying and the walk very pleasant.
We adjusted the fenders fore and aft, refilled the greaser and sent some pictures of the water to system to Pat’s son Trevor.
We walked to the Fox and Goose for lunch but…it was closed. How can a pub be closed for Friday lunch time? A short cut back to Oliver meant beating our way through long grass, avoiding stinging nettles but finding some wild orchids.
We arrived back on board just before the rain. It was heavy with thunder and lightening.
So what can one do?
We set off a little later, after the rain, stopping for Judith and Romy to take turns turning Oliver in the winding hole both very successfully.
We arrived at Consall Forge just in time to order dinner before last orders at 20:30. £8.95 for fish and chips and a pint.
A lovely day with warm sunshine dawn to dusk. We were lucky to visit the Flint Mill on a day when volunteers were working on the water wheel and set it running especially for us.
Romy was very keen to see the Burnes-Jones windows in the local church and so we had a pleasant walk around Cheddleton.
A pretty section of the Caldon with lots of wild flowers and several heron sightings.
If you wish to go through the Froghall Tunnel you must not touch the curtain at the last lock before it. The curtain is strategically placed so you can’t see the canal ahead!
Peter did an excellent job turning Oliver in the winding hole and reversing onto our mooring. Does this help you with the quiz?
We had a nice chat with Josiah yesterday but were surprised when he dropped in today and insisted on taking the helm.
He left after we had finished shopping at Milton.
The Caldon starts off looking OK, becomes dilapidated industrial and then patchy before becoming very attractive countryside.
Parts of the canal are very twisty with narrow bridges and sharp bends. We had to stop for a sudden sharp burst of rain between the locks to avoid getting very wet but were soon able to continue and the sun came out again for the evening.
At last the world can see Oliver from the air.
You may notice a small glitch at the end of this short movie.
The drone now has a plaster cast on one leg (gaffer tape).
It suddenly developed a mind of its own – a few beeps and it headed of into the unknown. A test flight is now planned in an open area before the next session over the canal.
There are two there clips before the “oh dear” but the blog can only handle very short movies. The epic will have to be put on hold for a while.
Had a bit of a lie-in before visiting World of Wedgwood where we had a very interesting self guided tour. The people working in the pottery were very friendly and informative and it was great to be able to see them on BBC iPlayer the same evening. By Royal Appointment BBC 4. We recognised several of the participants.
We then headed through Etruria Junction and onto the Caldon Canal. Have a look at the turn managed with great aplomb to a round of applause from the onlookers. Followed by another exquisite manoeuvre under the bridge.
A relatively short journey today bringing us to bridge 104 in preparation for a visit to Wedgwood tomorrow.
We used the excellent facilities at Aston Marina for fuel, pump out and water. Unfortunately Peter didn’t feel too well. He had a couple of nasty turns – one into the marina and one out of the marina. Not executed to his usual demanding standards but without any real distress to Oliver or his crew.
Lock work is often considered strenuous but clearly that is not always the case.
We popped in to Stone chandlery and bought some “bits” to see if we can solve the “rumbling pump”. This also provided an opportunity for a photo of Romy and the Winnie Ther Pooh tank.
Surprisingly en route we spotted Toby. Isn’t he handsome?
So today we have had lots of:
We spent some of the day at Shugborough Hall and some of the day at the local farm shop. We are just about to have a BBQ in the delightful evening sun and there is no time for a proper blog.
The Update:
Here is a picture of the sunset just so you can see why today’s blog is rather short. The wine may have also contributed! I have also been reminded that the Sloe Gin, which had excellent legs but left us without any, may also have been an influence.
Today’s theme is: (with apologies to Sarah and Toby for not choosing their favourite songstress)
Lazy old day, Rolling away, Dreaming the day away. Don’t want to go, now that I’m in the flow, Crazy amazing day.
And here is a picture from the lovely Shugborough Gardens.
This entry may (it’s by no means certain) be enhanced tomorrow.
Soon after leaving our mooring just past Wood End Lock we entered the land of the potters. Armitage Shanks and Spode perhaps bring to mind slightly different aspects of this trade. After a chilly start the day turned pleasantly warm and inspite of this being a somewhat industrial area there were many stretches with pleasant views across the countryside. During the chilly bit Peter was allowed to take to the tiller again.
Shopping in Rugeley was convenient and easy but the Farm Shop at Haywood Junction was a lot more interesting. The award winning Plum Porter and Guniess and Porter cheese went down very well.
We moored up close to Shugborough Hall and enjoyed an excellent supper of herby loin of pork accompanied by a bottle of Nettie Viognier. This was followed by cherry pie with custard. You can see how we are enjoying our evenings. Please note the beautiful new tablecloth.
En route we acquired a handsome antique boat hook which had been wedged in the bed of the canal awaiting King Arthur (aka Pat) to pull it out with superhuman strength.
Tomorrow is Derby Day at Epsom but for us today is Dhobi Day! We washed Boat, Bodies, Bras, Briefs and Boxers.
There was a very pleasant section near Hopwas Wood Bridge which looked lovely in the morning sun. The ladies both seemed to enjoy it.
