Into Stone for shopping and appointments

When we set off yesterday from above Sandon Lock it was fine with thin, high cloud, but it was decidedly chilly. A fresh breeze blowing from the north and west kept the temperature down below 10°.


A kestrel hunkered down on the hedge…

One of a pair of lapwings foraging for food on a freshly ploughed field.
Sorry about the poor quality, it’s difficult taking zoom pictures while trying to steer…

Since finally spotting some new lambs the other day, the pastures suddenly seem full of them!

There was a bit of a queue when we arrived at Aston Lock, two boats ahead of us, and by the time we got in the lock, another three behind. But with crews helping each other we were soon up and heading into Stone.

I wanted to be as close to Star Lock as possible, the vet Meg was to visit this morning isn’t far from there. We were lucky to get an ideal spot just above the lock on the end of the moorings between Star and Yard Locks. By this time the cloud had cleared and it was a bright warm afternoon.

All change overnight though. A band of rain had moved in and the wind had swung round to the north, driving the temperature down again. We’re stuck with this weather pattern for the next couple of days as a series of depressions move in from the Atlantic.

Meg’s appointment was first thing, and the visit was positive. Her wee sample was clear of any nasties, and the vet was happy with her condition but we’re still waiting on the results of a blood test.

After a trip up to Morrison’s we decided to move on up the locks through Stone. The rain had stopped and the cloud started to thin, so it seemed a good time.

There were a few folk about, so we met boats either above or below three of the four locks climbing up through town.

Canal Cruising Company’s base above Yard Lock

Into Newcastle Road Lock under the bridge.
The tunnel to the left is for boat crews.

My girls in Limekiln Lock

The day improved dramatically but we still pulled in above Limekiln Lock, just past Roger Fuller’s yard.

We would have pushed on up Meaford Locks but we had to stay in the town so I could go back to the vet’s to pick up some more medication. Meg is on steroids full-time now, one 5mg tablet a day but I needed 100 to last until her next check-up. They didn’t have enough on hand, but had some delivered later for me to collect.


Tomorrow, regardless of the weather, we’ll head up to Barlaston. Not a long trip.

Locks 5, miles 5