Grounds for Divorce

We'd intended an early start and a long day today, but that was scuppered when we realised the sink was blocked, and the Captain had to spend an hour underneath dismantling the plumbing, poking about with sticks, hitting his head and generally grumbling about the uselessness of varifocals for this sort of job.  The cause - moi - without thinking I'd rinsed coffee grounds down t'plughole last night.  (However - the outflow from the sink is now better than it's been for some time, so it's an ill wind....)

Anyway, we eventually set off southwards under threatening clouds which delivered their showers now and then.  Through four locks, at each of which we met someone who was moaning about the weather and saying they were ready to give up, moor up and abandon their trip.  One of them was so fed up he'd booked a last minute deal to Spain!

We took on water at Great Haywood Junction and that marked the official end of our circuit of the Four Counties Ring.  Now here's a question - what are the four counties?  We know we've been through Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire, but what's the fourth one?

We stopped just beyond Haywood Lock for a late lunch - Staffordshire oatcakes with bacon & cheese (and in Brian's case chorizo & egg as well).  Just as we were thinking of setting off again, it started to rain (there's a novelty) so we decided to stay put.

Well, with a view like this - wouldn't you?

Shugborough Hall



10 miles, 5 locks

Wildlife: 

"I'm up here ducking responsibility for the blocked sink (they're both quackers anyway)"