Chris and Mary take charge

Moved boat up to junction - nice and sunny now! Enjoyed a lovely weekend here - amazingly on two walks to Tixall did not meet any boaters I knew but did gain some info on Fettlers Wharf Marina on Rufford Canal. Also met few around me - including a lady I knew from Devizes whilst sitting on the junction wall eating ices from the Ice Cream boat - it is such a small world when boating!

On Tuesday Chris and Mary arrived to take the boat through Stone and up to Caldon Canal whilst I drove their car to sort out my house prior to selling. Decided I would rather a house near some of the grandchildren, rather than none of them!

I rejoined the boat on Wednesday eve - now at Milton. We had a lovely trip up Caldon and Leek (poor C&M had done the worst bit at the bottom, facing stone throwing children hiding from the now present BW staff). Alas not enough time to do more than brief exploring although had a lovely day in Leek - despite TIC saying there was nothing to see!

Made our way to moor nr Cheddleston station - very entertaining, then another night at Consall Forge after turning at Froghall - such a shame so few boats can get through tunnel and enjoy the lovely moorings in basin. Moored last night just before Milton and made a 7.30 start next day to get to Etruria before the troublesome kids get out of bed!

Moored overnight at Heritage Narrowboats Marina at Kent Green. In am I hired car, we collected C&M's from Caldon and we then set off in opp. directions - me to help Lesley and Phil move house with baby Louise - a very busy time!!

Moving on to Alrewas then Great Heywood

Went on through the now in use flood lock to the Derwent Crossing, flow rather fast, and soon entered Derwent Mouth Lock. Here lent lockies my Seasearcher magnet (they already had 2 in use) so that they could retrieve a piece of lock mechanism without closing the canal!

Moored 2 days in Shardlow, miserable rain, and had an unsuccessful gear box oil change - seems from the local expert and RCR my gearbox has had it and needs replacing - thank you PRM, this is my second new one in 3 years, or will be if it can be obtained!

Moved on to Willington where I was joined by daughter Lesley, husband Phil and 3 1/2 month Louise - her first trip on the boat. We went on in frequent showers to spend the night at Branston Water Park. In the afternoon Phil walked to get bus to retrieve car - got a real soaking in heavy rain. The next day we continued in lovely weather to Alrewas - where they left me in pm to wait for next crew!

On Wednesday 5 August I was joined by Les and Kathy (former boaters from All Seasons who I had first met on Thames in 07 and then on Great Ouse in 08. That afternoon we travelled to Fradley, then the next day after stocking up in Rugeley to Wolseley Bridge - where we were actually able to have a BBQ with Alrewas sausages - 3 types! After visiting Wolseley Centre - Wildlife Trust garden, we set off for Great Haywood. We had a lovely meal in Clifford Arms before Les and Kath set off home.