Christine began the day, before we set off, trying to take a photo of the rain on the water but a swan insisted in getting into the picture. Quickly it came too close for comfort and the photo-shoot was brought to a prompt conclusion!
After a brunch from a local (Potteries) delicacy - oatcake pancakes filled with bacon - a change into even more water proof gear was called for and progress was slightly less uncomfortable! Mike steered and Chrstine popped out for the occasional lock. Most of today's stretch had single locks, spaced out with perhaps a couple of miles as the longest distance between them.
We filled up with water at Great Haywood before turning off the Trent and Mersey onto the Staffs and Worcs. Almost immediately we crossed an aqueduct over the Trent which looked well above normal levels: if it is like this here, what will it be like further down where it joins the navigation? Christine became bored with being inside and insisted on steering despite the soaking rain. (Actually, it eased - slightly - once she took over!)
We crossed Tixall Broad, a much wider section of the canal which was built this way to satisfy the local landowner whose stately home (now no longer) was having its view interrupted by this new fangled development. Only the gatehouse-style structure remains. This piece of water is supposed to be a good place to spot kingfishers and photo them but, alas, the rain must have kept them indoors - Gerry please note!
A new canal and a new architecture. The most immediate and obvious change was in the shape of the bridges but also the locks are different. Many are a bit inconvenient as they do not have a footbridge at the tail of the lock. In days past we would happily jump from one mitre bottom gate to the other but in the rain and with our conviction eroded by the passage of time, it was two extra trips right around the lock to pass over the top gate. However, Mike was reminded of the need to be extra careful in the rain - pushing at a low balance beam with no foothold, he slipped and, whilst nothing else was injured, hw now has a sore neck from the bump to the ground.
Gailey marks the point at which the historic A5 Watling Street crosses over the canal - with a distinctive toll collectors round house. Soon after we moored in order avoid being too close to the creosote factory which will instead be our first delight tomorrow!
