Stone to Aston Marina
1.75 miles, 2 locks
Firstly to follow up from my last post - the music stopped soon after midnight. We discovered today that Sue walked up to see what was going on - the reason for the loud volume was that the group were in a pergola outside the pub. We were in bed trying to sleep!
Back to today that should have been a short one, however, read on...
The two boat crews have mutual friends who live fairly close to Stone and they arrived around 09:30 to whisk Monty off to Downs Bank for a good long walk/run with their black lab. Kiera, and their daughter's GSD, Rex. Getting two dogs to sit and look at the camera is not always easy, with three it is that much harder, but they did well.
There are sometimes cows around on the Downs, but Monty is completely uninterested in them
or is that because Chris has something of much more interest than a cow?!
It really is a fabulous place to walk dogs - I wish we had something similar when we are at home
He even went for a bit of a paddle & he is not a fan of water.
Three happy, damp and tired dogs - thank you both for giving Monty such a treat.
Meanwhile back in Stone, Cleddau set off just before us down Star Lock
Our turn next
The offside bottom gate is canted due to the bridge behind it, making it quite a challenge to open and close.
Getting down this lock was fairly painless. We were lulled into a false sense of security thinking the journey would take about an hour.
We were living in a fool's paradise as when we got to the second (and thankfully last lock) we were number four in the queue which stretched back past moored boats (well away from the lock landing) and round a corner just to add to the confusion.
Cleddau was two ahead and made their way up whilst we continued to wait our turn. Boats were coming up which at least saves water. As soon as I saw this boat I recognised her - nb Gloriana from Hungerford.
We last saw her in July 2015 in Hungerford. The local school were visiting her and came and examined Tentatrice and Cleddau as well. She made her way up and off and it was our turn to go down.
Almost as soon as you leave the lock it was a left turn into Aston Marina and there ahead was Cleddau on A2 - we were heading for A6.
We were spoiled at St Mary's, Rufford with a lovely wide pontoon - the one here is very narrow.
The journey had taken almost 2 hours - it was a good job we had left plenty of time to moor up, shower and make ourselves vaguely presentable before Jane and Chris arrived with Monty at 1pm. Monty was left in charge of the boat whilst, Sue, Ken, Jane, Chris and ourselves went for an excellent Sunday lunch at No 26 (the onsite restaurant). The six of us first met some 45+ years ago, but it is rare we are all in the same place at the same time. The world has been put to rights and I am sure it is a better place.
Monday 5th August 2019
Aston Marina to Tixall Wide
10.75 miles, 5 locks
We woke to a gloriously blue sky over Aston Marina
When we leave we need to go out through this bridge
The fobs for the pontoon gates were returned and shortly after 10 am we were off.
Just three locks today, but the first one at Sandon took the best part of an hour - definitely school holiday queues! Only to be expected and we were not in a hurry - well you can never be in a hurry on a narrow boat.
Once they had gone it was our turn.
Boats were still queuing to go up as we left
One more lock at Hoo Mill and Cleddau arrived as we descended.
We stopped at the moorings opposite the Farm Shop and Cafe at Great Haywood whilst Cleddau carried on to Tixall Wide. After lunch and shopping we followed them round on the Staffs and Worcs
crossing two aqueducts - the second being over The River Trent.
We pulled in behind Cleddau and settled down to enjoy this rather magical mooring
Tuesday 6th August 2019
Tixall Wide
We woke to a warm, dry day. As the boat in front of Cleddau untied and moved off we quickly untied and took their place. Why would one move just one boat length you may wonder? Well there were three reasons:
- Around 21:00 yesterday evening the boat was overcome by a most unpleasant smell - a bit like raw sewage. Had someone emptied a cassette toilet? We hoped not, but decided to put a bit of space between it and us, especially as Sue and Ken had not noticed it.
- If we were to manage a towpath meal it works best if our stern is next to their bow - less far to transport food, tables and chairs
- And finally - well the view in the new mooring is the best!
Just across the wall to the right there is a view to the railway tunnel the other end of which is at Shugborough Hall. We waited and waited for a train, but to no avail, so we gave up and headed back to the boat. Of course as soon as we got to the bridge above we heard a train in the distance! A bit more patience required. Maybe we would spot one when we come through the lock tomorrow?
Not far from our boats there are two trees planted in memory of two boat dogs - both Basset Hounds.
Beau 23rd Aug 1996 to 9th May 2013 and
and Solo 23rd January 2013 to 7th June 2019. A huge discrepancy in the ages of two much loved companions.
Once back at the boat I decided to clean the roof and the port side of the boat - hot work, but definitely overdue. No before or after pictures!
Do did we manage that tow path meal? It was our turn to cook - a BBQ had been agreed and yes the tables were erected and chairs deployed. The Proscecco opened, poured and enjoyed with a starter of potted shrimps (Lancaster Smokehouse, purchased at Stone farmers' market) on savoury biscuits.
The main course was also eaten outside even though jackets/cardigans were required by some of us. Our first and last tow path meal together since meeting in May!
We did retreat inside for a dessert of strawberries and cream, followed by coffee. A fitting end to our time together even if the plan was changed many times for various reasons over the nearly four months of joint travel.
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