News
Hazelhurst to Milton 12th Oct 2015
From the Holly bush Pub at Hazelhurst back up the three locks to the summit pound at the junction of the Leek branch then via the Service point to Stockton Brook for the five locks to start the descent towards Stoke. Overnight Stop at Milton where we found an excellent Curry house the Spice Exchange some wonderful new combinations of flavor in a modern setting with attentive staff, highly recommended.
Consal Forge to Hazlehurst 11th Oct 2015
From Consal forge an early start to get to Cheddleton in time for breakfast before the first train of the day on the Churnet Valley Railway. The return to Froghall taking less than 90 minutes which on the boat has taken a day and a half. On returning from the train we visited the Boat in for Lunch where they were serving Sunday roasts, but after the enomous breakfast we could only manage two roasts between the five of us.
Three of the crew departing by taxi this afternoon and the remaining two crew (plus dog) continue to the Holly Bush at Hazlehurst junction where we have a delivery of Pellets for the stove booked. The dog got over excited while passing a forrest of squirrel sticks this afternoon and managed to slip of the side of the boat, he was unceremonialy hauled out by his lead, one slightly shaken, soggy dog.
Hazlehurst Junction to Consal Forge via Froghall 10th Oct 2015
From Hazlehurst Junction Aqueduct we completed the Leek branch back to the junction, then descended the three locks on to the Froghall main line passing through Cheddleton and Consal Forge before turning just short of the tunnel. On inspecting the tunnel and comparing it with the gauge we think there is a good chance of fitting Chelonian through if we remove the log box and possibly dismantle the cratch. However on this occasion shortage of time meant we did not try it. We explored the froghall area on foot looking at the lime kilns and the basin on the start of the Utoxeter Canal. Returning to the boat we traveled back to Consal Forge for an overnight mooring and a visit to the Black Lion Pub.
Engine Lock to Hazlehurst via Leek 8th-9th October 2015
A lazy day on the Thursday, with some boat maintenance and some of the crew taking a 6mile walk over the local hills. A short hop late in the afternoon from the mooring above Engine Lock to the top of the Stockton Brook flight. Friday we set off from Stockton Brook and headed up the Leek arm to the turning point just short of the end of the canal. After a shopping expedition to Leek we returned down the branch stopping near to Hazlehurst Junction on the aqueduct where the Leek arm crosses the main line to Froghall. Dinner in the Holly Bush tonight where two friends are joining the crew for their first trip on the boat.
Kidsgrove to Engine Lock 7th Oct 2015
Another trip to the vets with Ginger this morning as his scar has got infected and he had an uncomfortable night, a course of antibiotics prescribed. Back to the boat to meet up with a prospective Hybrid System purchaser who want to see a system in operation, a short trip from Lock 42 to Hardings Wood Junction to show off the electric drive. After the crew arrive back from the shopping trip we set off to Harecastle tunnel and after a short wait for two boats heading north we set off leading a convoy of three boats. Forty minutes later we emerge into the daylight again and continue through Stoke to Etruria Junction to take water, dispose of the rubbish and empty the toilet tank. From Etruria we climb the staircase lock and set off on the Caldon canal up Planet lock and through Hanley Park and out of Stoke to a rural mooring above Engine Lock. Dinner on the boat tonight.
