Burston to Stone - Trent & Mersey Canal

Here Comes the Coal Boat

We are moving on this morning but we are having a delivery of coal so we waited for them to come before we moved.  Mid morning we heard the unmistakable sound of the coal boats Bollinder engine putt putting away. 

Having Coal Delivered

Off They Go Putt, Putt, Putt

Coming to a Bridge

The boat is called Catus and was built in 1935 and was the hundredth boat built for FMC (Fellows Morton & Clayton) and has been in the same family for over 50 years and is mainly all original and never been over plated.  They moored up alongside us and Ian and his helper transferred 10 bags of coal onto our boat.  They then putt putted off into the distance.

Passing Aston Marina

It was then time for us to get on our way, so we untied and set off along the canal.  It was another dry day and quite warm.  We chugged on for a couple of miles passing Aston marina and then came to Aston lock.

Half Way Marker on Canal

There was a boat just going in and as the lady was a single hander, I did the lock for her.  There was a boat waiting to come down so they helped as well and then it was their turn and I helped them through and then it was our turn.

Coming into Aston Lock

There was another boat waiting to come down so the chap on there helped me with the lock and then we were on our way.

After another mills or so we were approaching Stone and we moored up in the visitor moorings below the lock.

In Aston Lock

We had lunch then went out for a walk up to Morrison’s to get a few things, then took them back to the boat then went out for another walk up the locks as it was a nice afternoon.

Harry Yawning

We then walked back to the boat and chilled out.  Early evening we walked up to the chip shop and got fish and chips for tea.

Little House by the Lock

We are staying here tonight as Harry is being picked up tomorrow by Jane and Malcolm.  We have really enjoyed having him to stay, he has been such a good boy and brilliant to have around and he is a real lapdog loving to cuddle up on your lap.  We are going to miss him but I am sure he will be very pleased to see his mum and dad and I know they can't wait to see him!

Moored at Stone