Caldon Canal

by Janet and Chris Hunter

Friday 3 November : Arrived about noon - Rodbaston was ready as Mark & Nicola Thomas had returned to Heritage on Tuesday. Only 4 weeks since we left the boat!. We have provided replacement mugs as agreed at the Owners' meeting. Chatted with Bob Woodgate - he says it is planned to mount the new 'fridge' on a plinth as part of the winter maintenance - apparently it is required to get air circulation underneath and to the back. He is also planning to remount the door as part of this. Left 1pm, got to Harecastle about 2.15, then through in convoy at 3pm. Most of the other boats about seem to be Ownerships! Moored by Longport Lake - very attractive moorings.

Saturday : Set off about 9am with not a cloud in sight - but it did cloud over later. Up through the deep staircase locks onto the Caldon. Stopped for provisions at Milton (good butchers / bakers but Kwik Save very limited). Passed an enormous bonfire intended for Guy Fawkes at Stockton Brook, then bought eggs from the Fine Feathers farm shop. Rather quirky organic shop / tea rooms / bird sales mainly shut down for the winter (but they do sell 'loo blue' and diesel. Moored above Hazelhurst junction with fireworks illuminating the sky.

Sunday : Set off down Hazelhurst locks, with a trip down the weed hatch to remove a collection of weed and plastic. Very beautiful through Cheddleton with the autumn colours. Moored at Cheddleton Bridge to meet friend who drove us up into the hills for lunch at a remote farm. Back to the boat and moved on another mile or two to beyond Woods Lock

Monday : Bright sunny day. Set off 10.30 down through the very pretty river section to Consall Forge, Winded at Flint Mill lock.. Had planned to eat at the Black Lion at Consall Forge but only one barman, one customer and no food - but it was a winter weekday lunchtime. Lunch in the sun at Oakmeadowford lock. Then on through Cheddleton and moored at Hazelhurst Junction.

Tuesday : Misty morning, then bright but chilly day. Stopped at fine Feathers for more eggs! Spar shop is 400 yds down the road the Endon, reasonable stock. Then on to Milton where bought too many books at the secondhand book shop and supplies in the Co-op (Much better than the Kwik Save visited a few days ago). Managed to loose a pipe fender - will replace it at Heritage. On through Stoke and moored at Westport Lake.

Wednesday : Straight into the tunnel without even having to stop! Watered at Hall Green and then on to Congleton. Moored just south of the golf course. First rain of the week.

Thursday : Back to Heritage in the rain. We have bought new rope to use with one of the existing spare pipe fenders and a couple of spare fluorescent bulbs for the overhead lights as we used the last of the spares on board. Unfortunately we forgot to purchase a new magnet - would someone else visiting this autumn take this on as we are not now on board until May.

Generally the boat is handling well, steering is very responsive. Interestingly the whine almost disappears on parts of the Caldon (? related to shallowness of the canal) but returns when back in the T & M. Stoppages (and the limited opening hours for Harecastle) severely reduce cruising options. There is going to be a period in Feb/March when both Bosley and Hall Green locks are closed.

EOH Report:

Replace gas cylinder.

Pump out main bathroom toilet.

Fill with diesel.

Valet booked and paid for.

	Westport Lake
	Oakmeadow Ford lock
	Caldon Canal
	Consall Station
	Consall Forge
	Consall Forge
	Hazelhurst locks
	Bedford Street staircase locks