Leeds 2016

Pootling by the Potteries

After all the double locks, it’s lovely to finally be going down hill through the single locks. We have a slick routine going, where I get off the boat to close the rear off-side paddle and then walk up to open the front one, whilst Sarah closes the gate behind Oliver and then walks up to open the front paddle on her side . I then step back on the boat before the water level drops down too far.

It was cold first thing, but bright and sunny
It was a little chilly in the morning, but bright and sunny
Sarah steering during a lull in the lock action
Sarah steering during a lull in the lock action

We passed through most of the potteries, including the site where they film ‘The Great Pottery Throwdown‘, and some other sites which have been long since abandoned by the potters, but the old kilns have been kept

These reminded us of two champagne bottles fizzing open
These reminded us of two champagne bottles fizzing open

We got to Stone today, and were surprised to find the moorings extremely busy with boats. All was soon explained when we were told that the Stone Food & Drink festival is on this weekend. We got lucky and found a space that we could just fit into (with about 1 foot to spare!), so moored up and then went into town for some shopping.  Tonight we plan to visit Chico’s for some mexican food before bake off and another early night.