Etruria (Caldon Canal) to Barlaston (Trent & Mersey Canal)

Going through Stoke Locks

Going under Road Bridge

We got up really early this morning, 7am!! and went down onto the Trent & Mersey canal and then reversed back along the canal to where they were selling the cheap Calor gas, we wanted to do this early when the canal was quiet, hence getting up with the lark!  The place opened at 7.30am, so we bought our gas, had breakfast then headed back along the canal to the lock, there was a couple of boats in front of us so we had a bit of a wait, but soon it was our turn, there are five locks in this stretch, most of them are quite close together so not so bad.  Went through the locks and on down the canal through Stoke-on-Trent and pass the hallowed Britannia Stadium, home of Stoke City, through Trentham lock and moored at Barlaston.  We had a busy day today, not only were we up with the lark, we travelled 6 miles and did 6 locks, don’t know how we managed, one thing I know, it won't be happening again tomorrow!! 

Passing Britannia Stadium

Chilled out for a bit, then went for a walk along the canal to the shop, when we were walking along the canal, there was some cows and calves in the field opposite and one of the calfs was in the canal, he seemed okay but was quite small and the water was up his back and he was just standing there, so we went in the pub and asked if they knew who the farmer was, the girl there said the farm was up the top of the hill, so we walked up the hill to the top and actually the village of Barlaston is there, it is just a small village with a few houses and a village hall and another pub called The Duke of York, we walked past there and found the farm, so went down and spoke to the farmer, he said they did go in the canal sometimes and usually got out okay, but as it was a calf, he would go and check.  That made us feel better, so we walked back along the road and went in the Duke of York for a drink, it is a really nice pub, walked back down the hill and back along the canal and the calf was out of the canal, so that was good.  Walked back to the boat, staying here tonight, then chugging off tomorrow.

Moored at Barlaston