Barlaston, by Jove!

Needing to water, we decided that setting off at half seven would be good. In fact, we were on the water point below Star Lock at that time. It took most of half an hour to fill the tank and by then the traffic had already started moving. There's been a lot of it today; we've crossed at most of the eight locks we worked.

This made for quite a slow run, but it was a fine day so not a problem.

There's a spiffing new towpath surface between Meaford Top and here, partly paid for by the local authority. Inevitably it means that some of the local cyclists are travelling much too fast, despite signs asking folk to show courtesy to fellow users.

Meanwhile, the cut is in need of dredging; Sanity Again couldn't make much more than 3mph all the way.

This afternoon's jobs included topping up the batteries and some more rounds of the fender. I've nearly finished the first length of rope and have almost reached the ends of the core. Next job will be to attach a fresh length of rope and set up the loop of nylon cord that's used to draw the free end back under the work to secure it after the hitching is all done.

Braidbar 105, Nocturne, has joined us here. They moor at Anderton, so we don't often see them.

Tomorrow, up another six locks and probably stop at Etruria.