Westport Lake

Wednesday 9th September 2020

We were exhausted after yesterday’s efforts, and fell into bed by 10 pm as we wanted another early start today.

A fine drizzle greeted us when we popped our heads outside, along with 5 ducks, 2 swans and a baby moorhen who all insisted on being fed before we were allowed to depart. A half hour run saw us at Trentham Lock, which was about three quarters full, presumably due to overnight leakage. Once through there was an hour and a half’s pleasant cruise through Stoke-on-Trent to the bottom of the Stoke flight.

It was good to see boats moored at various places along this stretch. It seems that the poor reputation of the area is finally giving way to common sense!

The bottom lock is an ugly concrete creation, which is both slow to fill and empty. A boat had just finished filling the lock when we arrived, so we had plenty of hands to work them through, leaving the gates open for Anne to bring City of Durham expertly in.

The first three locks have a short walk in between, so Anne hung back at the top of the lock to await my radio call to bring the boat up,to the next one. We met boats coming down at each lock, which made the trip up very easy. Anne is getting very comfortable steering now, and managed to bring the boat up the flight with accuracy and confidence.

At the top lock we were assisted by a retired man who just likes to sped his days helping boats through and having a chat with the boaters as they pass. We turned on to the Caldon Canal, and then winded at the footbridge so that we could get a pump out at the services block. We took the opportunity to top up the water and get rid of the rubbish. The whole process seemed very quick and we were soon on our way again having lunch on the move.

An hour or so later we snagged the last free mooring at Westport Lake, where we have tied up ready to get to the tunnel first thing in the morning.