Although the previous post was the last one, it's been decided that a more fitting finale would be to embed the slideshow compiled long after the holiday ended
Wednesday, 15 January 2014
Friday, 15 November 2013
The Final Words
About the boat
Sophia Ginger at 68' long handled like a dream. That's been said a few times on the Blog and rightly so, but what of the interior?
Obviously this boat was roomy as it is intended for six. Three separate cabins with permanent double beds gave our three musketeers a degree of comfort and guaranteed a good nights sleep
The following might help those who may be thinking of a canal holiday but have yet to experience the pleasure
The galley was very well equipped with a quality full sized cooker that included a fan assisted oven and grill, probably worthy of a master chef. All the utensils anyone could possibly want were available along with crockery and cutlery
The saloon area was roomy and comfortable with excellent seating. Nice television with built in DVD player added to the entertainment along with a decent radio
Plenty of room to stow clothes and stuff. Cupboards and drawers were plentiful
Good standard of lighting throughout
Central heating throughout, not that we needed it, nice to know it was available though
Board games were provided along with canal guides and a nice touch was the inclusion of a set of Waterway World magazines covering the year 1981. One copy even had a write-up about a trip on the Caldon Canal, so that made interesting reading as we cruised along that splendid waterway and compared then with now
Thank you Karen and Staff.
Nothing was too much trouble
The handover was professional and thorough. The inclusion of diesel, when some firms add this to the cost, was simply another example of how well this firm treats its customers
Sophia Ginger at 68' long handled like a dream. That's been said a few times on the Blog and rightly so, but what of the interior?
The following might help those who may be thinking of a canal holiday but have yet to experience the pleasure
The galley was very well equipped with a quality full sized cooker that included a fan assisted oven and grill, probably worthy of a master chef. All the utensils anyone could possibly want were available along with crockery and cutlery
The saloon area was roomy and comfortable with excellent seating. Nice television with built in DVD player added to the entertainment along with a decent radio
Plenty of room to stow clothes and stuff. Cupboards and drawers were plentiful
Good standard of lighting throughout
Central heating throughout, not that we needed it, nice to know it was available though
 |
| Waterways World from 1981 |
Thank you Karen and Staff.
Nothing was too much trouble
The handover was professional and thorough. The inclusion of diesel, when some firms add this to the cost, was simply another example of how well this firm treats its customers
 |
| Interestingly this articles describes the Caldon Canal as an experience no-one should miss Remember it was published in 1981 and yet the words are as true today as they were all those years ago Please note: Leek tunnel is open and in good shape! |
 |
| As current today as it was in 1981 |
 |
| These days you can ignore the reference to Leek tunnel being closed It's open and in good condition |
Monday, 14 October 2013
How this Blog works
By way of an explanation
Please take a moment to understand the rationale behind this Blog
The Blog started as a brief daily record of our holiday. Lack of a signal at times and the use of a mobile phone app to produce the pages made for a somewhat limited snapshot. We always knew this would be the case
The handwritten diary covering each day and photo's will fill the posts with a lot more content and this little status menu will be updated as and when there are additions to the posts. I expect it to be at least two weeks before the story is told in detail
Finally I would like to apologise to the English language for my lack of understanding of the same. My English master once said to me "You boy are an idiot" - Looking back, he was right!
Blog Status
Summary - completed
Day 1 completed
Day 2 completed
Day 3 completed
Day 4 completed
Day 5 completed
Day 6 completed
Day 7 completed
Day 8 editing in progress
You Tube Slide show Not started
please note: Initial editing is nearing completion, however there will be a continuous edit in progress during the next two months with many more photo's being added
 |
| Dave, Malc and Trev Photo courtesy of 'Crimewatch' |
Please take a moment to understand the rationale behind this Blog
The Blog started as a brief daily record of our holiday. Lack of a signal at times and the use of a mobile phone app to produce the pages made for a somewhat limited snapshot. We always knew this would be the case
The handwritten diary covering each day and photo's will fill the posts with a lot more content and this little status menu will be updated as and when there are additions to the posts. I expect it to be at least two weeks before the story is told in detail
Finally I would like to apologise to the English language for my lack of understanding of the same. My English master once said to me "You boy are an idiot" - Looking back, he was right!
 |
| This is me on a canal holiday in 1966. It was my intention to become an International rock star, The Beatles and Stones got there first. Never mind at least I've still got those jeans and they fit! |
Summary - completed
Day 1 completed
Day 2 completed
Day 3 completed
Day 4 completed
Day 5 completed
Day 6 completed
Day 7 completed
Day 8 editing in progress
You Tube Slide show Not started
please note: Initial editing is nearing completion, however there will be a continuous edit in progress during the next two months with many more photo's being added
Fantastic Holiday
Holiday Summary
This holiday from Stone to Leek and Froghall took place in late September early October 2013 as our three retired bank robbers ventured once again onto the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals
The holiday, lasting one week, had plenty to offer and despite the changeable weather we met some friendly folk, enjoyed good beer, good food and a boat that was more than comfortable.
The 'Blog' started as was intended with snapshots of the days when we could get a signal and will now be populated with a lot more information including photo's
It was sad to hear some tales being passed along that suggest the Caldon Canal is in poor condition at the beginning and dismal until one leaves the boundary of Stoke on Trent. This is simply not true and is disrespectful to those that fought to restore navigation many years ago and also to those that maintain the waterway at the present time. It's an unfair picture to paint of a canal that indeed starts in urban surroundings, but quite frankly apart from a few cans and food containers thrown in by people that don't seem to care, it has a character that befits the heritage of the area and although there are some derelict buildings they add to the unique blend of old and new.
Saturday
Leaving Stone it soon became obvious that despite its length (68') our boat handled very well. Approaching Barlaston with its much photographed row of white cottages alongside one can feel the pace of slowing down gathering speed. The Wedgewood factory stands proud in the distance before we reach Trentham
Stoke on Trent beckons and we take note of the impressive Britannia stadium, home of Stoke City Football Club. The city fathers have done their best and the canal is pleasant enough. One wonders at the minds of the graffiti artists as well as their dexterity in doing what they do and where they do it
The gateway to the Caldon at Etruria is landscaped and well cared for with a splendid statue of James Brindley at its entrance . The turn into the Caldon was something of a challenge but the crew and boat were up to it. Interestingly there was no-one about to see the excellent manoeuvre, however as is always the case on the canals when you do something well it is unseen, but when it goes pear shaped then somehow there are crowds watching. Gently passing the fine statue of James Brindley and paying a silent tribute to the great man our three explorers decided this was a place to moor for the night click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 1 Saturday
Sunday
Sunday morning brought about an early start and after passing through the Bedford Street staircase locks we moved along and eventually came to the motorised bridge that is known as Ivy House lift bridge. Waiting a few minutes to ensure there was no traffic we started to raise the bridge and sure enough as soon as it left its horizontal plane a car appeared, then another and another and so on. After the bridge we meandered along taking note of the surroundings and particularly the new build properties alongside the canal. We passed through the village of Milton with little thought (more of this place on the way back) other than it appeared a nice settlement from the canal. We had now left the urban area for the countryside and pondered our eventual overnight mooring in the country just short of the waterway offices at Park Lane Wharf. After mooring our thoughts turned to food and therefore a barbecue followed to be enjoyed by all click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 2 Sunday
Monday
Monday saw us up at the crack of dawn and heading for the Leek arm which eventually appeared at the impressive Hazelhurst junction, No locks on this arm and a gentle one and a half hours brought us to the winding hole and decent moorings to explore the town of Leek
Dave and Trev elected to go into Leek for some much needed provisions and pointed out they had to visit a local pub in the interests of obtaining local knowledge as to the whereabouts of an Indian Restaurant. This trip proved useful as when we went into the town later, catching a bus rather than walking, Trev and Dave had excelled as they proved they had found a pub that was very much to our mutual liking, The Quiet Woman. Unusual name but a very nice pub with a good feel to it and of course real ale on draught. Hazel looked after us and pulled a fine pint. A cosy place with a warmness about it, that's why we stayed for more beer. A visit to a fine Indian Restaurant followed and believe us we know all about curry. The Shapla Tandoori was waiting for our visit. great staff a good atmosphere and splendid food. We are sure there are other similar restaurants in the town, however if in Leek again this is the one we'll be visiting as it was sublime with quality food and service as a reasonable price, and so back to the boat for a nights well earned sleep click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 3 Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday morning and we set off to meet up with Dave's wife Brenda and a couple of friends, the plan being to meet them and go for a lunch break at the Hollybush Inn as Denford. After having refreshments in the Hollybush we set off intending to stop somewhere in the country for a second barbecue. Sadly the wind was a little too strong and so what started as a barbecue ended up as a grill as we cooked and ate on board click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 4 Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday morning saw us up early once again and we set off after a short time hoping the rain, that was falling freely from the sky, would stop so that we could enjoy this rather scenic part of the trip. The rain continued though until we moored at Consall Forge to take on water. It was at this stage we noted the last winding hole before Froghall Tunnel was 65' according to the Pearson's guide. as previously mentioned our boat was 68' . Not the end of the world but we didn't fancy poling the boat back to the (70') winding hole and so decided that we should turn at the next opportunity which came soon enough just after the station at Consall. It has to be noted that we had a mission on this trip and that was to discover 'The Spirit of the Caldon' We achieved this at Consall Forge in the shadow of the former lime kilns. After digging a hole at least one hundred feet deep a bottle of Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky came to light and so we lay claim to finding 'The Spirit of the Caldon' and held a toast at the canal side. It's a wonderful place, full of imagination.
Setting off from Consall we arrived a little later at Cheddleton and decided to explore the wonderfully restored railway station. Sadly the little cafe that we visited last year was closed so that was that. Moving on we moored for the night close to the Hollybush Inn at Denford. We knew from experience that this is a fine establishment with an excellent menu and a fine selection of real ales served in a wonderful atmosphere with a welcoming coal fire Met a nice couple there, Linda and John (I told them I'd give them a mention) click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 5 Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday morning and yet another early start and also a bit of a downturn in the weather conditions, not that we were bothered by this. After stopping for water at the well kept Waterways Park Lane Wharf our need for provisions meant a stop and we decided that Milton might have what we wanted. That's an understatement, Milton had everything we could possibly need. Curiosity took us into The Village Kitchen where we enjoyed a nice lunch at a very reasonable price. Nice place and good value, this is a fairly new undertaking and one that will surely succeed with its friendly and welcoming staff. We had a laugh with them and then moved to the local pie shop, this place has a lot to offer and we purchased our meals there ready for the night. Milton is well worth a visit not just because it has a lot to offer, it really is a nice place to walk around. We'll be back. click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 6 Thursday
Friday
Friday appeared and a very wet start with the promise of worse to come as we headed toward Etruria and eventually the base at Stone. The weather did improve and the forecast changed by the hour. We moored at Stoke half under a wide bridge where Trev undertook a spot of fishing. Plenty of fish there and sadly a fair bit of rubbish in the water and alongside the towpath. It didn't spoil our thoughts on the area and the canal in these parts seems to be in really good condition and the towpath is a haven for walkers and cyclists. We arrived at the base in Stone at about 5:00pm and prepared to go and see what the town had to offer and so we first of all discovered a well run Wetherspoons establishment where the real ale was well kept, so we had another, as you do. It would have been impolite not to. Then it was down the road to The Crown of India where we had a fair menu to choose from. Good service and nice food. After this we returned to the boat for yet another well deserved rest click here to see the full Blog entry for Day7 Friday
Saturday
Saturday morning and a dry start saw us loading the cars after breakfast at Wetherspoons and saying farewell to the boat and to Karen at the hire base. All in all we agreed this had been a fantastic holiday click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 8 Saturday
This has been a summary of our weeks trip. Read the posts that are below and you will see more detail of the trip (posts being updated currently)
This holiday from Stone to Leek and Froghall took place in late September early October 2013 as our three retired bank robbers ventured once again onto the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals
The holiday, lasting one week, had plenty to offer and despite the changeable weather we met some friendly folk, enjoyed good beer, good food and a boat that was more than comfortable.
The 'Blog' started as was intended with snapshots of the days when we could get a signal and will now be populated with a lot more information including photo's
It was sad to hear some tales being passed along that suggest the Caldon Canal is in poor condition at the beginning and dismal until one leaves the boundary of Stoke on Trent. This is simply not true and is disrespectful to those that fought to restore navigation many years ago and also to those that maintain the waterway at the present time. It's an unfair picture to paint of a canal that indeed starts in urban surroundings, but quite frankly apart from a few cans and food containers thrown in by people that don't seem to care, it has a character that befits the heritage of the area and although there are some derelict buildings they add to the unique blend of old and new.
Saturday
Leaving Stone it soon became obvious that despite its length (68') our boat handled very well. Approaching Barlaston with its much photographed row of white cottages alongside one can feel the pace of slowing down gathering speed. The Wedgewood factory stands proud in the distance before we reach Trentham
Stoke on Trent beckons and we take note of the impressive Britannia stadium, home of Stoke City Football Club. The city fathers have done their best and the canal is pleasant enough. One wonders at the minds of the graffiti artists as well as their dexterity in doing what they do and where they do it
The gateway to the Caldon at Etruria is landscaped and well cared for with a splendid statue of James Brindley at its entrance . The turn into the Caldon was something of a challenge but the crew and boat were up to it. Interestingly there was no-one about to see the excellent manoeuvre, however as is always the case on the canals when you do something well it is unseen, but when it goes pear shaped then somehow there are crowds watching. Gently passing the fine statue of James Brindley and paying a silent tribute to the great man our three explorers decided this was a place to moor for the night click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 1 Saturday
Sunday
Sunday morning brought about an early start and after passing through the Bedford Street staircase locks we moved along and eventually came to the motorised bridge that is known as Ivy House lift bridge. Waiting a few minutes to ensure there was no traffic we started to raise the bridge and sure enough as soon as it left its horizontal plane a car appeared, then another and another and so on. After the bridge we meandered along taking note of the surroundings and particularly the new build properties alongside the canal. We passed through the village of Milton with little thought (more of this place on the way back) other than it appeared a nice settlement from the canal. We had now left the urban area for the countryside and pondered our eventual overnight mooring in the country just short of the waterway offices at Park Lane Wharf. After mooring our thoughts turned to food and therefore a barbecue followed to be enjoyed by all click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 2 Sunday
Monday
Monday saw us up at the crack of dawn and heading for the Leek arm which eventually appeared at the impressive Hazelhurst junction, No locks on this arm and a gentle one and a half hours brought us to the winding hole and decent moorings to explore the town of Leek
Dave and Trev elected to go into Leek for some much needed provisions and pointed out they had to visit a local pub in the interests of obtaining local knowledge as to the whereabouts of an Indian Restaurant. This trip proved useful as when we went into the town later, catching a bus rather than walking, Trev and Dave had excelled as they proved they had found a pub that was very much to our mutual liking, The Quiet Woman. Unusual name but a very nice pub with a good feel to it and of course real ale on draught. Hazel looked after us and pulled a fine pint. A cosy place with a warmness about it, that's why we stayed for more beer. A visit to a fine Indian Restaurant followed and believe us we know all about curry. The Shapla Tandoori was waiting for our visit. great staff a good atmosphere and splendid food. We are sure there are other similar restaurants in the town, however if in Leek again this is the one we'll be visiting as it was sublime with quality food and service as a reasonable price, and so back to the boat for a nights well earned sleep click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 3 Monday
Tuesday
Tuesday morning and we set off to meet up with Dave's wife Brenda and a couple of friends, the plan being to meet them and go for a lunch break at the Hollybush Inn as Denford. After having refreshments in the Hollybush we set off intending to stop somewhere in the country for a second barbecue. Sadly the wind was a little too strong and so what started as a barbecue ended up as a grill as we cooked and ate on board click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 4 Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday morning saw us up early once again and we set off after a short time hoping the rain, that was falling freely from the sky, would stop so that we could enjoy this rather scenic part of the trip. The rain continued though until we moored at Consall Forge to take on water. It was at this stage we noted the last winding hole before Froghall Tunnel was 65' according to the Pearson's guide. as previously mentioned our boat was 68' . Not the end of the world but we didn't fancy poling the boat back to the (70') winding hole and so decided that we should turn at the next opportunity which came soon enough just after the station at Consall. It has to be noted that we had a mission on this trip and that was to discover 'The Spirit of the Caldon' We achieved this at Consall Forge in the shadow of the former lime kilns. After digging a hole at least one hundred feet deep a bottle of Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky came to light and so we lay claim to finding 'The Spirit of the Caldon' and held a toast at the canal side. It's a wonderful place, full of imagination.
Setting off from Consall we arrived a little later at Cheddleton and decided to explore the wonderfully restored railway station. Sadly the little cafe that we visited last year was closed so that was that. Moving on we moored for the night close to the Hollybush Inn at Denford. We knew from experience that this is a fine establishment with an excellent menu and a fine selection of real ales served in a wonderful atmosphere with a welcoming coal fire Met a nice couple there, Linda and John (I told them I'd give them a mention) click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 5 Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday morning and yet another early start and also a bit of a downturn in the weather conditions, not that we were bothered by this. After stopping for water at the well kept Waterways Park Lane Wharf our need for provisions meant a stop and we decided that Milton might have what we wanted. That's an understatement, Milton had everything we could possibly need. Curiosity took us into The Village Kitchen where we enjoyed a nice lunch at a very reasonable price. Nice place and good value, this is a fairly new undertaking and one that will surely succeed with its friendly and welcoming staff. We had a laugh with them and then moved to the local pie shop, this place has a lot to offer and we purchased our meals there ready for the night. Milton is well worth a visit not just because it has a lot to offer, it really is a nice place to walk around. We'll be back. click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 6 Thursday
Friday
Friday appeared and a very wet start with the promise of worse to come as we headed toward Etruria and eventually the base at Stone. The weather did improve and the forecast changed by the hour. We moored at Stoke half under a wide bridge where Trev undertook a spot of fishing. Plenty of fish there and sadly a fair bit of rubbish in the water and alongside the towpath. It didn't spoil our thoughts on the area and the canal in these parts seems to be in really good condition and the towpath is a haven for walkers and cyclists. We arrived at the base in Stone at about 5:00pm and prepared to go and see what the town had to offer and so we first of all discovered a well run Wetherspoons establishment where the real ale was well kept, so we had another, as you do. It would have been impolite not to. Then it was down the road to The Crown of India where we had a fair menu to choose from. Good service and nice food. After this we returned to the boat for yet another well deserved rest click here to see the full Blog entry for Day7 Friday
Saturday
Saturday morning and a dry start saw us loading the cars after breakfast at Wetherspoons and saying farewell to the boat and to Karen at the hire base. All in all we agreed this had been a fantastic holiday click here to see the full Blog entry for Day 8 Saturday
This has been a summary of our weeks trip. Read the posts that are below and you will see more detail of the trip (posts being updated currently)
Saturday, 5 October 2013
Day 8 Saturday
The Holiday is over!
An early start to the final day as we are required to hand the boat over before 10:00am
A cup of tea and a tidy up and then off to Wetherspoons for what turned out to be an excellent breakfast
Although the holiday had just about ended we were in buoyant mood for we realised this had been a memorable experience with plenty to do and plenty of interest along the way.
Breakfast finished and back to the boat for the last time in order to pack our belongings into the waiting cars
Time to bid farewell to Karen but not before looking at the boat we will probably hire next year. Oh yes, we intend to do this again during 2014. Too early to say when but watch this space for the announcement of www.canal-holiday-2014-blogspot.co.uk
If you have followed our 'Blog' we hope that you found it of interest
An early start to the final day as we are required to hand the boat over before 10:00am
A cup of tea and a tidy up and then off to Wetherspoons for what turned out to be an excellent breakfast
Although the holiday had just about ended we were in buoyant mood for we realised this had been a memorable experience with plenty to do and plenty of interest along the way.
Breakfast finished and back to the boat for the last time in order to pack our belongings into the waiting cars
Time to bid farewell to Karen but not before looking at the boat we will probably hire next year. Oh yes, we intend to do this again during 2014. Too early to say when but watch this space for the announcement of www.canal-holiday-2014-blogspot.co.uk
If you have followed our 'Blog' we hope that you found it of interest
Friday, 4 October 2013
What a boat!
Now back at base. Tell you what, this boat handles like a dream. 68' long and turns on a sixpence, even on a windy day. More later.
Indian meal tonight?
Indian meal beckons if we can get to Stone tonight. It's in the balance so have to wait and see.
Nice to see this horse as we passed by.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)