Day 3 Saturday

Saturday

Another early alarm call and a light breakfast. It's quite cold at the moment, however the super efficient central heating soon warmed us. A gentle start today as the crew deserve a rest. The time is 0615 as we leave the mooring at Milton we think we are heading for Leek, however that may change

The byewash at Engine Lock

Malc left the boat in Dave's capable hands whilst he (Malc) took photo's as the boat proceeded through the windlass operated lift bridge close to the village of Norton Green. Never been there but there is a pub just a short walk along the track over this bridge. One to remember for the future

Trev in action raising the bridge whilst Dave gently approaches

Martha glides gently through the bridge

Dave awaiting Trev whilst Malc disappeared from view. Where's he gone?

The feed from Knypersley reservoir which lies approx two miles north

After taking this photo of the feed from Knypersley reservoir Malc disappeared having mentioned he was looking for the River Trent. He found it with difficulty and there isn't really a lot to see. It flows under the canal at this point having formed close to the Knypersley Reservoir

The River Trent. Hard to see between the leaves but it's there alright

Next stage of the journey and Stockton Brook five locks appeared, all against us, never mind they are well kept and a pleasure to work, nice surrounding countryside as well

Excellent mooring for visitors to Endon. Dave and Trev decided to go and explore this village whilst Malc had another go at getting Blog on-line. Malc thought about meeting up with the other two  and set off for the village only to turn back when the rain started. (No point in getting wet) On returning they confessed they had called in on the fairly new cafe at Endon Railway Station having partaken of a hearty breakfast. They gave the thumbs up to the cafe which is a new venture for the couple that have taken it on. Good luck to them, let's hope the word spreads and they do well

This is the superb mooring at Post Lane

Moving on from Endon we arrived at Hazelhurst Junction and it was decision time, Leek or the main line to Froghall. We decided on Leek and as the weather had improved a BBQ seemed a good idea and so after about thirty minutes on the arm we found a nice looking mooring spot and decided to spend the rest of the day here. Time to prepare the BBQ

Just looking for a spot to moor

Moored and preparing the BBQ

Now it was windy and getting colder as we lit the BBQ and so the windshield that we brought with us turned out handy. We lit the the thing and waited and waited. The fire lighters burned away and sadly the BBQ fuel didn't quite live up to scratch so the burgers and sausages were finished in the galley. Always good to have a plan B

Well the windshield worked and the BBQ didn't

Trev in charge of the onions. Coming along nicely

After much mirth regarding the BBQ our three convicts enjoyed the burgers and sausages eventually with all the comforts of the boat to hand. It was probably too cold to have the BBQ outside

On to Leek tomorrow, maybe?