Bitter tears of regret.

Well, it did stop raining but kind of in the way that made you think it could start again at any minute.

That kind woman Amanda lent me some waterproof booties and this pretty coat, my old wreck is still damp in the bathroom. 

David and I looked out to see that the Lewis's on NB Caxton, which was moored in front of us bar one other boat had already departed.  I blame that sweet dog they are looking after as he wants a nice early walk, so they may as well take the boat too.

After a small amount of faffing we too set off.  The Stone locks to do today and on up to Barlaston.

The water levels had risen a bit overnight, that was better for the Club boats who were all going down Aston lock and thus doing so would make this pound lower again.

We had a message from Lesley who had moored four locks up the eight where the two vintage boats were moored, unsurprisingly we wanted to get in front of them...

Amanda's pretty coat I started out in.

Still wet, David has his hood up.

Brobat, coming clean around the bend.

So hard to photograph turnover bridges, they should be considered works of art.

Coming into the 7th lock, absolutely no one about. 

This is a crime against humanity.

Total joy.

More joy.

So this is what every captain should do, close the gates going uphill himself, David is nicely trained while I prep the next lock.

Last lock.  A debate ensued with myself here, the rain had stopped and it had warmed up.  I took off the coat, I was walking the rest of the way to Barlaston.  At the first bridge I took off my fleece too.

Pretty row of old workers cottages here.

Has this hobby gone a bit far?

We arrived at Barlaston without incident, saw the other two boats and we went a bit past them to secure a sunny spot for the jolly old solar panels.

The car was here already here.  I had suggested a few days ago a little jaunt for those interested finally for me to visit the Moorcroft factory   HERE  Every time we have passed through Stoke I have wanted to visit this factory and every time we have been here it's either been a Bank Holiday or the entire factory is on holiday.  Today was neither.   I have a few choice pieces of Moorcroft at home and was keen to add another.  

I opened up the website to see that a month ago "With profound sadness" the company had ceased trading.

HERE

Reader I could have cried.

So the jaunt went ahead but to the Emma Bridgewater factory.  Now don't get me wrong, Emma Bridgewater's china is massively in demand, very successful, but is stamped on designs are without skill of the individual, as compared with the Moorcroft china that in today's world have no buyers.  I could weep. 

I did however buy my mum a mug for the very inflated price of £20 that she will love.

HERE .

Well Amanda and I enjoyed ourselves and on return found all the team crammed into Hogarth's well deck.

We crammed in too. 

Lef to to right, Lisa and Joe.

Rest of the team, Lesley, David (mine), Amanda and David (Hers).

We all went to the Plume of Feathers that evening, sad to say that although we have enjoyed several meals here, the recent change of management shows in the basics.  It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great.

I had Katsu chicken, with salad and sweet potato fries.  

Wallop goes the diet.