Wolseley to Aston, Aston to Stone/Little Stoke

On Tuesday the weather was awful in the morning so we decided to stay put, there were some hardy soles on the move, we were passed by fellow bloggers NB Moore 2 Life and NB Rock 'n' Roll and a few other boats.  Later on the rain wasn't so bad so we walked across to the garden centre, had a good look around, bought John a coat for his Birthday and we decided to partake in lunch which was very nice.  We then went for a walk around the antique centre and craft shops, we then decided to go over to the Visitors Centre at the Wolseley Nature Centre as it had been closed on Monday.  It wasn't as good as we expected by which time it was raining heavily again so we headed back to Triskaideka.  Later the weather improved so we went out for another walk.

On Wednesday the weather was much better we set off heading towards Great Haywood, the canal and the River Trent are alongside each other for much of the way, the Trent was flowing very fast and had flooded into the fields in some places but had obviously started to recede again as we could see where it had been much higher.  On the approach to Great Haywood across the fields we could see Shugborough Hall.  Great Haywood was busy as usual, with boats using the services and moored boats but we could cruise straight through, on passing Great Haywood Marina, we both spotted a boat on hard standing and from a distance joked that the colours were that of a 'Beacon Boat' as we got nearer we realised that it was Singing Hinny Beacon Number 10, they were just jet washing the base, so we assume out for blacking.  The canal continues to meander through some lovely countryside with the occasional lock, usually with a nice lock cottage at the side.  We passed through Weston upon Trent towards Aston.

We had decided to go into Aston Marina as we wanted to have a look around the marina as it wasn't finished last time we visited, plus we thought it would be a good time to catch up on washing, and be able to get the washing dry! and we could stock up at the Farm Shop.

So Thursday was spent, washing, drying, cleaning and doing some shopping.  We found some water in the bilge under the back steps, this is the first time this has ever had anything in, it wasn't much, we have checked everywhere we can and can't find any leaks, so we have mopped it dry and will keep an eye on it.  We haven't lost any water from the central heating system so it doesn't seem to be from there so its a bit of a mystery.

We met fellow bloggers Diane & Raymond from NB Ferndale, they have been based at Aston Marina over the winter, they are also heading up towards Liverpool so we may well meet again.

Today is Johns Birthday, a year since he retired, we celebrated last night at the Bistro on the Marina, we had a very nice rib eye steak and trimmings.  After opening cards this morning we left the marina, our plan was to get through Stone and moor somewhere before Trentham, so we can have a good run through Stoke in the morning.  We have moored by Bridge 104 and this afternoon I have had a walk to the Wedgwood Factory shop.  The Wedgwood Centre  looks like it would be a good place to revisit and spend a day as there is a museum, a craft bit where you can have a go at throwing a pot and painting it etc.

 

 

 

Wednesday 9 miles 4 locks

Friday 6 miles 9 locks