Wednesday 3rd June
13 miles
We set off for our summer tour today. The weather is much milder and calmer than it has been recently. Cruised into Birmingham and moored opposite the NIA. Saw yellow iris, goslings and one swan family with a cygnet having a ride on an adult's back.
Rachael phoned. She and Anna were shopping in Birmingham so I give up the tennis quarter finals to meet them. Anna spent a lot of the afternoon smiling and chatting to the colourful clothes. Didn't get back to boat until 6.15 to catch the end of the Murray match that Paul had been watching all afternoon. He won.
Went to Brindley Place for a drink and a pizza (nicoise is back on the menu) in Pizza Express. Back to boat just after 10 pm for an early night ready for a long day tomorrow.
Day 2 - Birmingham to Curdworth
Thursday 4th June
9 miles 27 locks
A very sunny and warm day. Set off by reversing down to Sherborne wharf for a pump out. Met Malcolm who works there now - he used to work for Ian but was laid off. He fitted out our boat and recognised it.
We headed down the Farmers lock flight - 13 locks, the 10th and 11th under bridges and buildings leaving very little room for manoeuvre and, yes, that is where we met two boats coming up the flight!
After a very short cruise we arrived at the top of the Aston flight and moored up for a coffee before making the descent. Met a couple who are continuous cruisers who had been out for the last five months cruising the route that we are planning to take.
This area is very industrialised and the canal is full of plastic bags, takeaway containers and plastic bottles but there is still lots of wildlife including baby moorhens, poppies, wild lupins, moon daisies, goslings and ducklings.
Paul was disappointed when we went under spaghetti junction - you could not see the full extent of the interchange. We continued on the Birmingham and Fazeley canal but the Tame Valley and Grand Union converge there too.
Cruised through Minworth where the odour from the sewage works wasn't as bad as when you drive through. Passed Ink on the Drink which used to hang out on the North Stratford.Completed the last three locks of the day meeting an American family with three teenagers who were quarrelling. They were hoping to get back to Alvechurch today as they had had enough but there chances were extremely slim as it was already 3 pm.
Cruised into Curdworth where we moored in a cutting just before the tunnel. Just us and an Alvechurch boat. Roads are quite noisy though. Strolled into the village after we had eaten. I thought we would find the church if we walked to Curdworth church bridge where we had to scramble up a muddy bank and walk through a grassy field - I was only wearing flip flops. Walked up to the church which was still surprisingly open at 8 pm. It is celebrating its 850th anniversary - St Nicholas. Quite plain but peaceful and surprisingly big. Called into the White Horse for two drinks before strolling back along the road to the boat - ie the direct route. Sat out and listened to the birds sing the last notes of the day and watched the bats with a cup of tea.
9 miles 27 locks
A very sunny and warm day. Set off by reversing down to Sherborne wharf for a pump out. Met Malcolm who works there now - he used to work for Ian but was laid off. He fitted out our boat and recognised it.
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| Farmers Bridge Locks |
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| Looking back up Farmers Bridge locks |
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| Coffee break at Aston Junction |
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| Poppies on the Aston flight |
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| Spaghetti Junction |
Paul was disappointed when we went under spaghetti junction - you could not see the full extent of the interchange. We continued on the Birmingham and Fazeley canal but the Tame Valley and Grand Union converge there too.
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| Spaghetti Junction |
Cruised through Minworth where the odour from the sewage works wasn't as bad as when you drive through. Passed Ink on the Drink which used to hang out on the North Stratford.Completed the last three locks of the day meeting an American family with three teenagers who were quarrelling. They were hoping to get back to Alvechurch today as they had had enough but there chances were extremely slim as it was already 3 pm.
Cruised into Curdworth where we moored in a cutting just before the tunnel. Just us and an Alvechurch boat. Roads are quite noisy though. Strolled into the village after we had eaten. I thought we would find the church if we walked to Curdworth church bridge where we had to scramble up a muddy bank and walk through a grassy field - I was only wearing flip flops. Walked up to the church which was still surprisingly open at 8 pm. It is celebrating its 850th anniversary - St Nicholas. Quite plain but peaceful and surprisingly big. Called into the White Horse for two drinks before strolling back along the road to the boat - ie the direct route. Sat out and listened to the birds sing the last notes of the day and watched the bats with a cup of tea.
Day 3 - Curdworth Tunnel to Dog and Doublet
Friday 5th June
2 miles, 8 locks
Another birthday! Pleasant weather, better than forecast. Cruised a couple of miles - 8 locks and moored near Kingsbury Water Park to meet Rach, Ross, Rob and Anna (Claire in on a hen do) tomorrow.
Watched French open semi-finals until they were suspended due to heavy rain.
A man walking along the towpath asked to borrow a windlass as two baby moorhens were stranded in an empty lock and their mother was with another chick above the lock. We slowly filled the lock and opened the top gate. The chicks heard the hen and swam out to be reunited - Ahhh!
Strolled along to the Dog and Doublet where we intended to have a couple of drinks before eating the curry I had made earlier. However, got chatting to Jim the landlord from Barnsley, a couple from Sutton Coldfield and a couple from Huddersfield who were staying at the camp site on the water park. No dinner, just snacks!
2 miles, 8 locks
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| Descending Curdsworth Locks |
Watched French open semi-finals until they were suspended due to heavy rain.
A man walking along the towpath asked to borrow a windlass as two baby moorhens were stranded in an empty lock and their mother was with another chick above the lock. We slowly filled the lock and opened the top gate. The chicks heard the hen and swam out to be reunited - Ahhh!
Strolled along to the Dog and Doublet where we intended to have a couple of drinks before eating the curry I had made earlier. However, got chatting to Jim the landlord from Barnsley, a couple from Sutton Coldfield and a couple from Huddersfield who were staying at the camp site on the water park. No dinner, just snacks!
Day 4 - Dog and Doublet
Saturday 6th June
Very windy but sunny and dry. Cleaned boat through ready for visitors later.
Watched the end of the French open semi-final - Andy lost!
Walked to the Kingsbury water park to meet Rach, Ross, Rob and Anna (Claire is on a hen weekend). Had presents - pyjamas from Rach, herb pot from Rob and Claire, birthday cake and Prosecco. Then walked round the lake - plenty of geese, ducks and coots, no babies. Only saw a pair of swans with cygnets in the distance.
Returned to Dog and Doublet for an early dinner. Back to boat afterwards for a cuppa. Anna very happy propped up in her pram watched everything that was going on. She got bathed in the sink!
Loud music from the hotel along the canal but finished soon after 11 pm
Quiet night in, finished a puzzle and caught up with the Archers!
Very windy but sunny and dry. Cleaned boat through ready for visitors later.
Watched the end of the French open semi-final - Andy lost!
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| Kingsbury Water Park |
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| Birthday Cake |
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| Anna Enjoying The View |
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| The Herb Garden |
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| Anna and her Nanny |
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| Anna in the pub |
Returned to Dog and Doublet for an early dinner. Back to boat afterwards for a cuppa. Anna very happy propped up in her pram watched everything that was going on. She got bathed in the sink!
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| Anna has a bath on the boat |
Loud music from the hotel along the canal but finished soon after 11 pm
Quiet night in, finished a puzzle and caught up with the Archers!
Day 5 - Dog and Doublet to Hopwas
Sunday 7th June
6.5 miles, 3 locks
Another dry, cool and breezy day. Set off down last three locks lovely views over the lakes to our right. Lots of common orchids alomg the towpath interspersed with red clover and buttercups very pretty.
Stopped at Fazeley junction for bread and milk. Got very excited to see a wool/craft shop/fair only to find wool very expensive mostly alpaca. Had lunch there before turning left to fill up with water and dispose of rubbish at the CRT office.
Cruised on to Hopwas a small village near Tamworth. Pub on each side of the canal absolutely heaving. Then went past a social club where a party was in full flow. My washing was on the line an attracted comments from a woman who had had a few. My reply caused great hilarity.
Moored up a little further along to watch the French open final - Stan the man beat Djokovic - what a turn up!
Strolled along and saw the River Tame before sampling both hostelries. Enjoyed homemade curry and more cold feat before retiring to bed.
6.5 miles, 3 locks
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| Kingsbury Water Park |
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| Drayton Footbridge |
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| On Drayton Footbridge |
Stopped at Fazeley junction for bread and milk. Got very excited to see a wool/craft shop/fair only to find wool very expensive mostly alpaca. Had lunch there before turning left to fill up with water and dispose of rubbish at the CRT office.
Cruised on to Hopwas a small village near Tamworth. Pub on each side of the canal absolutely heaving. Then went past a social club where a party was in full flow. My washing was on the line an attracted comments from a woman who had had a few. My reply caused great hilarity.
Moored up a little further along to watch the French open final - Stan the man beat Djokovic - what a turn up!
Strolled along and saw the River Tame before sampling both hostelries. Enjoyed homemade curry and more cold feat before retiring to bed.
Day 6 - Hopwas to Rugeley
Monday 8th June
15 miles, 3 locks
7.15 alarm as Paul had a meeting in the Swan at Fradley Junction at noon about the data job at BEP!
Canal was noticeably busier today weather bright but still breezy below average temperature. Passed the stone where the Birmingham and Fazeley canal becomes the Coventry canal that we missed last year.
After coffee in the café at Fradley junction and lunch at the boat we decided to cruise on to Rugeley. Moored near bridge 66 just as a shower occurred. When rain had stopped we walked up to Tesco and did the shopping.
Quiet evening watching nature programmes. Plenty of boats on moorings but very quiet.
15 miles, 3 locks
7.15 alarm as Paul had a meeting in the Swan at Fradley Junction at noon about the data job at BEP!
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| Boundary between the Birmingham and Fazeley and the Coventry Canals |
After coffee in the café at Fradley junction and lunch at the boat we decided to cruise on to Rugeley. Moored near bridge 66 just as a shower occurred. When rain had stopped we walked up to Tesco and did the shopping.
Quiet evening watching nature programmes. Plenty of boats on moorings but very quiet.
Day 7 - Rugeley to Little Hayward
Tuesday 9th June
4 miles, 1 lock
Strolled into Rugeley still looks run down. There was a market on in the square. Only bought some soya mince and a birthday card for Spike.
Started to cruise late morning - a lot of boats on the move and moored so progress slow. Got to Little Hayward where we stopped for lunch and didn't get going again! Paul sat out and played his guitar until his fingers froze and I did a jigsaw. It was so cold that we actually resorted to lighting the fire.
Strolled into village in the evening for a pre dinner drink both pubs very quiet - still it is a Tuesday. Watched the end of the cricket - big win for England at Edgebaston over New Zealand. Weather still cool and wind still an issue - they are promising better over the next couple of days.
4 miles, 1 lock
Strolled into Rugeley still looks run down. There was a market on in the square. Only bought some soya mince and a birthday card for Spike.
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| Sue doing the washing at Little Hayward |
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| Happy in her work |
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| Our mooring at Little Hayward |
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| Time for a little music |
Strolled into village in the evening for a pre dinner drink both pubs very quiet - still it is a Tuesday. Watched the end of the cricket - big win for England at Edgebaston over New Zealand. Weather still cool and wind still an issue - they are promising better over the next couple of days.
Day 8 - Little Hayward to Stone
Wednesday 10th June
10 miles, 5 locks
Still dry and cold. Used the loo at 5.30 only to look out at mist rising from the canal and the fields! Should this happen in June? I'm not sure.
Cruised along past Shugborough which looked very regal - a boat "Definitive" pulled out in front of us beating us to the empty lock. Had a chat with them and met them on and off throughout the day.
Had to do a quick reverse at Great Hayward junction as a boat pulled out without looking and without using his horn.
Saw a large pike swimming near the surface at Weston lock. Paul was so amazed he didn't see me open the lock gates!
Cruised into Stone expecting to struggle to find a mooring but we had a choice of many. Chose to moor opposite a swan's nest.
Walked into Stone centre which was full of charity shops and looking a tad run down. Did spot a nice looking family run Italian restaurant so we went there for my birthday meal. It was lovely.
10 miles, 5 locks
Still dry and cold. Used the loo at 5.30 only to look out at mist rising from the canal and the fields! Should this happen in June? I'm not sure.
Cruised along past Shugborough which looked very regal - a boat "Definitive" pulled out in front of us beating us to the empty lock. Had a chat with them and met them on and off throughout the day.
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| Passing Great Hayward junction |
Had to do a quick reverse at Great Hayward junction as a boat pulled out without looking and without using his horn.
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| A pike lurking at Weston lock |
Saw a large pike swimming near the surface at Weston lock. Paul was so amazed he didn't see me open the lock gates!
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| Ponies drinking! |
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| Tiny building at Aston Lock |
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| Outside with book at Stone - first time on this trip |
Cruised into Stone expecting to struggle to find a mooring but we had a choice of many. Chose to moor opposite a swan's nest.
Walked into Stone centre which was full of charity shops and looking a tad run down. Did spot a nice looking family run Italian restaurant so we went there for my birthday meal. It was lovely.
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| Walking home from the restaurant |
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| Near our mooring |
Day 9 - Stone to Barlaston
Thursday 11th June
4 miles, 8 locks
A very lovely warm day although still breezy. I walked back into Stone to stock up at the co-op. After topping up the water we joined the queue to go up Stone locks - slow progress but everyone was chatty and enjoying the sunshine. The queue was bigger going down. At the top I realised that no photos had been taken We moored up and walked back down to lock 2 where there was a statue of Christina who had been hanged for murder. We had passed the bloody steps where she was supposed to have taken the body.
Next the Joules brewery and a lovely clump of huge pink poppies in someone's garden. The owner says everyone stops to admire them. There was also a horse tunnel and a boatyard.
We called into the chandlery to buy the no. 5 Nicholson guide for the Macclesfield and Pennine canals later in the trip and a water filter as we have black bits coming out of the tap.
After lunch and cleaning half the boat we cruised on through Meaford locks - another 4 locks still quite busy. The water level had suddenly dropped - we didn't know why but we noticed when stopped for lunch we were on a tilt.
Spoke to a lady at the locks who asked where we were going and I told her just along to the Wedgewood factory. She said it is closed at the moment so we were disappointed. It is being developed into a Wedgewood experience of all things!
Decided to moor for the night at Barlaston. Cooked a nice meat and two veg dinner before strolling along to the Plume of Feathers a pub connected to Neil Morrisey of Men Behaving Badly fame.The barman said he had been there the night before. I bet he says that every night!
Oh, forgot to mention the mobile pump out wagon at the boatyard - a beaten up vintage lorry with a tank on the back onto which had been painted Winnie the Pooh and Piglet!
4 miles, 8 locks
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| Welcome to Stone |
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| Christina at bridge 94 |
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| Joules brewery |
Next the Joules brewery and a lovely clump of huge pink poppies in someone's garden. The owner says everyone stops to admire them. There was also a horse tunnel and a boatyard.
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| Lock with horse tunnel |
We called into the chandlery to buy the no. 5 Nicholson guide for the Macclesfield and Pennine canals later in the trip and a water filter as we have black bits coming out of the tap.
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| Approaching Stone top lock |
After lunch and cleaning half the boat we cruised on through Meaford locks - another 4 locks still quite busy. The water level had suddenly dropped - we didn't know why but we noticed when stopped for lunch we were on a tilt.
Spoke to a lady at the locks who asked where we were going and I told her just along to the Wedgewood factory. She said it is closed at the moment so we were disappointed. It is being developed into a Wedgewood experience of all things!
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| Visitors at Barlaston |
Decided to moor for the night at Barlaston. Cooked a nice meat and two veg dinner before strolling along to the Plume of Feathers a pub connected to Neil Morrisey of Men Behaving Badly fame.The barman said he had been there the night before. I bet he says that every night!
Oh, forgot to mention the mobile pump out wagon at the boatyard - a beaten up vintage lorry with a tank on the back onto which had been painted Winnie the Pooh and Piglet!
Day 10 - Barlaston to Engine Lock
Friday 12th June
10 miles, 10 locks
Alarm set for an early start along with several other boaters heading up the Stoke flight. Forecast to be the hottest day of the year so far - muggy though.
Stoke locks are quite deep and slow to fill and empty so a fair amount of time was spent queuing or helping other boaters.
We have come to a region of "duck" in so much as everyone you meet says OK duck or hello duck etc etc.
There was a chap in high viz jacket getting very excited about the number of boats out and tyrying to tell people what to do - spoke to a local boater turns out he is not a CRT volunteer but someone who has been "helping out" for years and gets very excitable!
Passed the Britannia stadium, Stoke City's football ground, several large old chimneys from the potteries and several ceramic factories.
At the top of Stoke locks we had to do a U-turn onto the Caldon canal. Stopped at services for coffee and water and to fit the new water filter - quite pretty.
Then onto the staircase locks which took us ages as two boats going up and three coming down. Mission to get past Engine lock for a good mooring before the rain starts.
Caldon has steadily become more rural - moored by bridge 21 a lift bridge surrounded by horses, cows, sheep, geese and chickens near Norton Green. Rain something of nothing. Spent the evening listening England v NZ one day - NZ won but over 700 runs scored in the day - a record.
Anna is 12 weeks old today! Baby Cory was discharged from hospital today - hooray!
10 miles, 10 locks
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| The Wedgewood factory |
Stoke locks are quite deep and slow to fill and empty so a fair amount of time was spent queuing or helping other boaters.
We have come to a region of "duck" in so much as everyone you meet says OK duck or hello duck etc etc.
There was a chap in high viz jacket getting very excited about the number of boats out and tyrying to tell people what to do - spoke to a local boater turns out he is not a CRT volunteer but someone who has been "helping out" for years and gets very excitable!
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| Passing the Britannia stadium in Stoke |
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| Etruria bone and flint mill |
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| Stoke top lock |
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| James Brindley at Etruria |
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| View from Etruria |
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| Services at Etruria |
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| Staircase locks 1 and 2 on the Caldon Canal |
Then onto the staircase locks which took us ages as two boats going up and three coming down. Mission to get past Engine lock for a good mooring before the rain starts.
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| Old chimneys in Stoke |
Caldon has steadily become more rural - moored by bridge 21 a lift bridge surrounded by horses, cows, sheep, geese and chickens near Norton Green. Rain something of nothing. Spent the evening listening England v NZ one day - NZ won but over 700 runs scored in the day - a record.
Anna is 12 weeks old today! Baby Cory was discharged from hospital today - hooray!
Day 11 - Engine Lock to Leek
Saturday 13th June
7 miles, 5 locks
Our first morning on this tour waking up to rain although nowhere near as bad as was forecast.
Quiet morning on boat knitting, listening to Classic FM, reading, route planning. Rachael phoned during this excitement and found it very amusing.
Rain stopped around lunchtime so we set off through two lift bridges and five locks towards Denford where the Caldon divides into two at Hazelhurst junction. We took the right fork towards Leek. Water very shallow and made passing the three boats we met very interesting. The canal has been cut into the side of a hill and the scenery is unusual from the boat (ie hills on both sides). Even thought the skies were grey it is stunning. Only wish the sky was blue!
Went through a very narrow tunnel before winding and mooring. We are at the end of the line.
Walked the mile or two into Leek which was very nice, lots of antiques and gift shops. Found Joules pub which we felt impelled to try having cruised past the brewery on Thursday. From there, with the help of the bar staff, we organised an Indian takeaway and a taxi. Had to eat in boat as weather still cold and damp. Shame as there is a lovely grass area where we could have put up the tables and chairs. Never mind.
7 miles, 5 locks
Our first morning on this tour waking up to rain although nowhere near as bad as was forecast.
Quiet morning on boat knitting, listening to Classic FM, reading, route planning. Rachael phoned during this excitement and found it very amusing.
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| Hazelhurst locks and the Leek branch |
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| The tiny Leek tunnel |
Went through a very narrow tunnel before winding and mooring. We are at the end of the line.
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| Leek market place |
Walked the mile or two into Leek which was very nice, lots of antiques and gift shops. Found Joules pub which we felt impelled to try having cruised past the brewery on Thursday. From there, with the help of the bar staff, we organised an Indian takeaway and a taxi. Had to eat in boat as weather still cold and damp. Shame as there is a lovely grass area where we could have put up the tables and chairs. Never mind.
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| Enjoying a Joules! |
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| Me too! |
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