Day 7 Friday

Leaky lock at Etruria

Rain went off and now It's not a bad day.


from the diary
The forecast was for a wet day with heavy rain and thunder in the afternoon. There was nothing for it other than grin and bare it. Setting off in the rain does not really bother our trio of bank robbers although we would much prefer it to be dry.Interestingly after travelling for about an hour the rain went off. The expected thunder didn't materialise either

Reaching the wharf at Etruria there was time once again to reflect on the stretch that had just been completed. Going from rural to urban as the landscape grew more industrial our thoughts turned to those that had been critical of the Stoke area and the words "How wrong can they be" spring to mind

Cutting through Hanley Park, it's hard to believe one is in the middle of a vast conurbation that probably does reflect on the ups and downs of city life. As we drift along we note a section of towpath is being repaired with stone just as it would have been built years ago, nice to see

The Industrial Museum at Etruria
(just at the start of the Caldon canal)



Negotiating the tight turn onto the main line was achieved and so dropping down from the summit level commenced. After the first lock the superb setting of the Industrial Museum comes into view. Fine looking buildings that served the area so well and hats off to the folk that made and still contribute to this fine place

The Industrial Museum at Etruria
(after dropping down at the first lock on The Trent & Mersey canal)



Trev decided he wanted to do a spot of fishing and so we moored partway under a wide bridge whilst Malc climbed up to the road to investigate what was above, quickly returning to avoid getting run over. Kettle on and a glance at Trev showed this canal is clean because he kept catching fish. We are all aware that fish cannot live in contaminated water and so that's further proof that the canal is clean, although there were a few beer cans floating along. Malc and Dave were having a cuppa when Malc uttered the words that made Dave wonder at his sanity. He said "Here I am sitting on a boat, under a road bridge in the heart of Stoke, drinking coffee and thinking this isn't everyones cup of tea" We worry about Malc sometimes

Under the bridge at the heart of it all
Handy for a walk into town though!

 

Roadside merging with canalside. Which do you prefer?

 

Not sure of the name of this former factory
Nice to see the Bottle Kiln - heritage matters!

 Onward then towards Trentham and beyond

Hard to believe this is still in the City

Told everyone we saw Hyde Park - Well it's true and here's the proof

 

Lunchtime saw us moor just past Trentham in some nice surroundings eating bacon sandwiches. Something rather good about the smell of bacon cooking in the countryside. With satisfied bellies it was time to move on

Out into the countryside and very nice it is too

 

Afternoon was getting on as we reached Stone

The decision had been taken earlier that we would moor at the base and look for a suitable pub and Indian Restaurant as we sought a fitting end to a fantastic holiday

Stone did not disappoint and we soon came across a Wetherspoons pub with a nice choice of real ales. Service was good, friendly staff and the beer first class. Asking a member of staff if he could recommend and Indian restaurant the reply quickly came without hesitation, The Crown of India and so it was to be but not before another pint in this excellent setting

Late afternoon in this Wetherspoons pub at Stone
Good service, nice pint and a pleasant atmosphere

'Crown of India'
Nice place and very popular



Didn't take us long to find The Crown of India and we were not disappointed. the service was fast and the menu had everything you could possibly want. An enjoyable meal was had by all and we made our way back to the boat

Time for another episode of Spartacus with a few cups of tea and then to bed ready to say farewell to our excellent home for the week