Trentham

Well it rained most of the night and was still chucking it down this morning so a late star a little before mid day when it finally stopped. A few boats had been by before we set off but not many. As we approached Meaford Bottom lock a boat came out and a single handed boater entered. We gave him a hand up the lock, but at the second lock 2 chaps in yellow waterproofs and Lifejackets set it for him and one stopped to help him on his way. It turned out the Rothen Group were bringing a work boat up and these two were walking down the flight to meet them. As we worked up we drew the paddles for the boat behind. They paid this back at Meaford Road Lock where Diana walked to the top lock the other side of the road to set it ready for the single hander while I closed up for him at Road Lock. I was now single handing and the boat following closed the bottom gate after I entered the lock, they also closed up after I left, Diana staying to reset the top lock.
The road bridge over the mouth of the lock is feeling poorly again, CRT are fore ever repairing this bridge.Once we left the lock we of course drew the paddles for the following boat. What comes around, goes around.
It was then a steady run to Barlaston having negotiated the tree chicane, at Barlaston we saw a couple of CRT chaps with wood saws walking along the towpath, maybe they were on their way to sort it. It shouldn’t be much of a job.

At Trentham lock a boat was just leaving as we came into sight, it turned out to be someone we knew so a quick hello in passing. We pass through Trentham before mooring for the. night opposite the new housing estate

 

Today’s Journey

5 locks, 5 miles in 2¾ hours