Day 8 Thursday

Thursday

Malc was up at 0430 and made sure the rest of the team were awake and ready for action. Light breakfast first though

The light breakfast that we have to start the day is just that. However Trev has a particular favourite which is toasted cheese and he likes to sprinkle a little pepper on the cheese before toasting it. It works and he enjoys it most of the time

This morning as Trev was preparing his breakfast Dave and Malc were startled to hear Trev shout "Oh dear me" or words to that effect. It appeared that he erred when opening the pepper and poured the contents onto his cheese. We are writing to the manufacturer to demand proper notices are placed on this product to ensure no other members of the public are traumatised in this way

We think everyone should be able to follow these instructions eh Trev?

 Underway at 0520. A glance back at the neat moorings here at Milton reminded us what a fine place this is

Look at the colour, it's amazing

Nearly forgot to mention this and at the time it seemed quite important. We had arrived at Ivy House lift bridge at or around 0615. Malc went key in hand to operate the bridge. He turned the key and pressed the up button. Nothing happened. So he went through the sequence again, nothing worked it was completely dead. He gave each of the barriers a shake just in case they hadn't located properly after their last use, still nothing. It seemed the only thing for it was to phone the emergency number provided and wait. Malc then pressed the emergency stop button and started the sequence again and this time the light came on and the mechanics of the bridge started to work. relief all round and one to remember for the future. Panic over

A reminder of the time when Stoke on Trent became known as the Potteries

Now derelict a place that would have brought employment to many years ago

Approaching Bedford Street staircase locks

Working through Bedford Street locks in it's fine tree lined setting

The excellent waterway facility at Etruria. Clean and well maintained

Impressive skyline in the heart of Stoke on Trent

The top class moorings provided in the shadow of the Wedgwood factory

 This much photographed row of cottages line the canal in the Barlaston area. It is suggested they were homes provided for the workers of the adjoining boatyard. It makes sense if it's true

This is the site of the aforementioned boatyard

Now in Stone just two lock to go before the base

Wonder if this was the famous Joules Brewery?

This is a teriffic boat

Martha back at base and our crew are taking showers and heading into town.
Wetherspoons for a couple of pints then The Crown of India for a curry

We are about to open the free sample of beer that was provided
on arrival. Malc looks suitably impressed and Dave is already drinking his,
from a glass of course. None of us holds with drinking from bottles

Trev's Beer Dock T-shirt proves he's something of a fashion icon

Malc also thinks he's a fashion icon as indicated by this selfie

We finished where we started

Another night on-board and then the holiday will be well and truly over