intrepid pony: flowers, football fans and restoration

blossom time

apple blossom

The morning was fine and sunny but the wind was still sharp as we locked up through Stone. After two locks we started to meet boats coming down. We often meet interesting people and share news while they lock down which sets the lock for us.

primroses

cowslips

flint mill half way up the flight

After a brief stop to get bread and a few other supplies in Barlaston we moored for lunch to build up our strength before tackling the Stoke locks.

We set off again under clear skies enjoying the sunshine. Many trees were still bare with the first buds opening while others had opened the first yellow-green leaves of spring. Celandine and other white flowers coated the banks and cherry blossom abounded in back gardens. the Captain was surprised to see cowslips which once used to be common.

top lock

looking back towards Etruria and the Caldon Canal

As we cruised from Trentham the towpath was busy with people walking to the Brittania stadium – clearly Stoke were playing at home. Many were wearing supporters tee-shirts, some were alone but most were in small groups and we passed several families. The potters crowds grew as we neared the stadium but the supporters all appeared well behaved and in good spirits. As we passed the stadium supporters came towards us from Stoke. All together we must have seen more walkers in an afternoon than we normally see in a whole cruise.

lift bridge into a Marina

We continued to meet boats through Stoke often reaching the lock as a boat was leaving it. This made for a speedy climb through the locks. The waste land around Stoke has been cleared and regenerated. We passed a working pottery which we had just read about in a magazine. It has recently been restored to its former glory and the whole area around it has been regenerated. It is good to see these historic buildings in business again.

restoring the derelict pottery

We moored at Westport lake which was bustling with people. There were fishermen fishing, cyclists cycling, dogs out exercising their owners, families playing and children scooting about on scooters. Meanwhile the ducks geese and swans were nesting around the lake.

Lottie enjoyed her trip round the lake even though she had to stay on the lead due to the nesting birds. I guess the whole area smells fabulous to a dog. As always it was a peaceful evening at Westport lake.