Climbing out of Stone - 2nd May 2019

Stone to Wedgwood
4.25 miles, 8 locks

Having enjoyed a thoroughly relaxing day yesterday it was time to be on the move again this morning.  First stop the water point below Star Lock (our first for the day) only to find it is out of order, so Chris waited there whilst I popped to the new M&S Food Hall just a few yards away.

So onwards and upwards - Star Lock (almost empty and ready for us) and a photo I always feel needs to be taken.

 Someone was smiling down on us today as the only lock I had to empty was the second one - all the rest were either empty or so nearly empty that a few winds of the paddle and I was able to open the bottom gates.  I was told by a boat coming down that there were lock keepers about - we saw one walking down before we reached the last four at Meaford.  The expected VLKs there were nowhere to be seen, but it was raining by then, so maybe they were sheltering somewhere.

The rain came and went, so not many photos were taken, but we both remarked how much we admire this signal box in someone's garden.  A 'shed' with character.

As we approached the last lock of the day a boat emerged - always a welcome sight

To walk to the last lock you cross a road with a very familiar road sign - the Downs that Monty went to yesterday and that we have visited many times with Jane and Chris.

Another very welcome sight as we were about to leave the last lock of the day

We assumed they were going down, so I hopped on leaving the gate open for them.  Frantic signals from them informed us they were mooring and not going down!  A quick reverse, I hopped off and shut the gate. 

I have not spotted this chap before.

Jane and Chris are coming to join us for a day on the boat tomorrow, so we are safely moored at Wedgwood which gives them good road access in the morning.  A quiet afternoon whilst the April showers have followed us into May.

Our rather good looking neighbours

The sun came out late afternoon and we had a side hatch visitor

The display was not aimed at us

He was seeing off a local Canada Goose

Monty's friend Kiera is coming again tomorrow, so it was time for a bit of a pamper session - the back deck lockers make for a great grooming table.  It was definitely a question of 'Please keep going - I am loving this!'