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The intrepid narrowboating crew had originally planned to attempt an enlarged Cheshire Ring, including Harecastle Tunnel (2,675 metres) TWICE!!! However, failure of the sidewall of Lock 15 of the Marple Flight, scuppered their plans. Instead they set off in the opposite direction from Stoke-on-Trent, to explorer the furthest reaches of the Trent & Mersey canal. Allegedly it joins with the River Trent, but this is far from clear to non narrowboaters. Bob joined the team for the first time, but was unsure what to expect!!
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Tuesday 26th June (Sunny and Very HOT) Barlaston overnight
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The gleaming Narroboat 'Anabelle' awaited the arrival of the crew at the Black Prince boatyard in Stoke-on-Trent |
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The crew were proud of their narrowboat and the boatyard knew it would
be in safe hands.
Excellent on-board accomodation |
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Strange looking constructions were visible as the narrowboat left Stoke-on-Trent |
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The crew marvelled at the delights of the Stoke-on-Trent incinerator
The crew rushed to the 'Plume of Feather' on arrival at Barlaston |
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Wednesday 27th June (Sunny and Very HOT) Sandon
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The crew made a grave mistake stopping at the 'Dog & Doublet' in Sandon for lunch. Too long was spent there and it was necessary for them to write the day off and overnight nearby. |
Thursday 28th June (Sunny and Very HOT) Armitage
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The crew had to call the boatyard when the shower pump failed and decided to overnight here to watch the football!! |
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The crew successfully ensured that the turn to Wolverhamption was avoided
The canal took the crew past the giant Armitage Shanks toilet factory |
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Friday 29th June (Sunny and Very HOT) Alrewas
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The crew showed no fear as they joined the strong currents of the River Trent as they looked for a winding hole to turn the boat. |
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The crew enjoyed a food and ale in the gardens of 'The Crown Inn' in Alrewas, before returning to the narrowboat for wine, cheese and biscuits. |
Saturday 30th June (Sunny and Very HOT) Fradley Junction
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The crew made another mistake by stopping at 'The Swan Inn' at Fradley Junction for a lunchtime drink. The crew decided to overnight here and have a long day of cruising to Stone the following day. |
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Sunday 1st July (Sunny and Very HOT) Stone
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A long day of cruising to Stone, successfully passing through the dangerous 'Narrows' |
Monday 2nd July (Sunny and Very HOT) Stoke-on-Trent
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A short cruise back to the boatyard in Stoke-on-Trent, for dinners at the Toby Carvery |
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Tuesday 3rd July (Sunny and Very HOT)
After unloading the narrowboat, the crew breakfasted at the Toby Carvery before setting off to their homes to relax and plan their next adventure.
