Trent and Mersey Canal
9 to 11 June 2010
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A thoughtful Sarah at the tiller as Stephen looks on.
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A slight accident at Trentham lock resulted in the anti-vandal key
falling in the canal. Despite extensive prodding with the boathook, the
precise location couldn't be identified with certainty, and a large
magnet loaned from a passing boat brought no joy, either. A trip to the
chandler's in Stone was clearly needed.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-09-160537.jpg)
We stopped at Wedgwood for a trip to the Wedgwood Visitor Centre, where
Lucy throws a pot
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![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-09-161125.jpg)
As does Mary
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And Helen
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The Wedgwood factory from the canal
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Above Stone, the reeds to the right show the route where a
triple-staircase lock used to go, subsequently replaced with three
single locks which are less wasteful of water and less prone to causing
delays during heavy traffic.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-10-171044.jpg)
Half-way along the Trent and Mersey Canal, between its junctions with
the River Trent and the Bridgewater Canal.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-10-174100.jpg)
This swan was very persistent, following the boat for several miles, and
attacking it.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-10-174902.jpg)
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-10-175026.jpg)
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-10-214317.jpg)
Safely moored at Stone after an excellent Italian meal at La Dolce Vita
restaurant.
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Climbing back up the Trent and Mersey, and the end is sadly in sight.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-155648.jpg)
We do at least, at last, have some sunshine for our last afternoon,
though it is breezy and chilly.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-170352.jpg)
A CrossCountry Voyager crosses the canal as we ascend the Stoke Locks.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-171327.jpg)
A couple more preserved bottle kilns, now sandwiched between blocks of
flats.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-171625.jpg)
There's still quite a lot of derelict buildings in Stoke, but each time
there are fewer, and more waterside flats and compact houses.
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-172623.jpg)
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-173050.jpg)
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-174606.jpg)
Last lock, with a cheerful Merry, Helen and Stephen
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As we are now experienced at going backwards, we reverse a short way up
the Caldon Canal to fill up with water, and decide that it is a pleasant
place to stop for our final night
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-215631.jpg)
...which involves an exercise in levitation
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-215732.jpg)
Jane exuding light thoughts
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-215743.jpg)
Success was mixed
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-215913.jpg)
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-220137.jpg)
![](../../images/2010/2010-06/2010-06-11-220522.jpg)
Fingers are strong things.
Sausage and mash, levitation, Rapidough and a glass of two of wine ended
a fun week, despite unexciting weather.
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