Arriving Back in Stoke on Trent

From our overnight mooring we cruised for just over an hour before arriving at Stone around lunch time, we moored and took the short walk into town to have lunch. After lunch we called into the supermarket to pick up a few essentials, then it was back to the boat to relax. Except, Rachael had just finished her last book and was keen to get on with things since we were so close to our home marina; so off we went...so much for relaxing in the sun! For the next few hours we knocked over the eight locks going out of Stone and cruised down to Barlaston to spend the night.

Just a short stay, we know this part of the Trent and Mersey Canal well! We were off early...ish next morning for the short cruise to Stoke on Trent and the end of this years' journey for Serafina. Snapped a few landmarks on the way.

Trentham Lock, one of the earliest on the Trent and Mersey which opened in 1777. Rachael's getting the gates open.

And, cruising towards Stoke on Trent.

Finally reaching the Stoke on Trent top lock, Lock 40 at Etruria around lunchtime.

First point of call was the Calor Depot next to the Stoke moorings just up from Lock 40, a bargain at  £19.26 for a 13kg bottle! I picked up one bottle of gas out on the cut which cost me over £26, the normal price. After replacing our empty spare gas bottle it was off to moor, there was a vacant spot in front of the Toby Carvery Pub. On Saturday we moved around the corner so I could use the grinder to finish off the sanding, I didn't think the pub goers in the beer garden would appreciate the noise. I managed to get the sanding completed and a coat of paint on to Serafina. On Sunday, I put the second coat of paint on with a little help from Rachael's cousins from Scotland. As you can see, every job needs a supervisor!

We took a drive over to the chandlery today (Monday) to pick up a few more bits and pieces, particularly four new fenders to replace those lost over the last five months of cruising. I tied the new fenders on and moved Serafina into the marina to prepare her for the English winter ahead.