Originally we'd thought of going almost to the end of the Froghall branch of the Caldon, but the weather was looking grim again and we decided to leave a thorough exploration of this beautiful canal for another trip. So, our day comprised going up to Hazelhurst winding hole, turning and stopping on the way back for water and shopping at Endon, and mooring up in exactly the same spot as last night. (Though the TV signal wasn't as good the other way round - until Brian moved the aerial).
We headed up the five locks at Stockton Brook behind 3 other boats, but only one came down, so it was hard work for the lock-winder (me) and I resolved to take the tiller on the way down. I still can't understand why the paddle gear is so stiff on some locks but BW's only solution seems to be "slap on more grease". Not much good for the paddles; no good at all for my clothes.
We were now at the summit of the canal and the winds rose to somewhere between gale and hurricane force. As usual, the wind proved totally useless at assisting our winding, coming at us in all directions except the way we wanted to turn. The manouevre was eventually accomplished with much use of the bowthruster and we headed back first to the water point and then to the moorings for a lunch and shopping stop.
With the weather sunnier but still windy, we retraced our steps and I did the "easy" bit coming down the locks.
Back at "base", we had a brief spell of sunshine but it's now a bit gloomy. We also found out from someone we met at the locks that in any case our planned trip to Froghall would have been doomed as the River Churnet, with which the canal shares its course for part of its length, was in flood following yesterday's rain.
Still, it does seem we have been let off very lightly compared to some, for which we are grateful.
6 1/2 miles, 10 locks (5 x 2), 2 lift bridges (1 x 2)
Wildlife: strangely, not much fauna, but here are some nice flora, courtesy of Brian (cue groans from Nick & Chris: oh no, not flowers again)
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