Rainy morning and very little traffic on the Caldon. Breakfast first then set out with Margaret taking the opportunity to practice at the tiller. Generally went very slow because of the shallowness and narrowness of the canal. Turned right at the junction to take the Leek branch. Went aground between bridges 1 and 2, and titled well over to the right – seemed to be caught about half-way along the length of the boat, and work with the tiller just made her pivot. Used the long pole and heavy use of reverse.
Our first tunnel at Leek, 130 yards. The light worked well. I hadn't pulled up the fenders, and the front right sprang up at one point and landed in the cratch. At least we didn't lose it. Winded at Leek just after the bridge and backed up the cut 30 yards towards the terminus. Very muddy bank, so we used the plank for the first time.
Had lunch and then the rain stopped, so we walked into town. The centre is quite interesting with a lot of independent traders, but in general the town couldn't seem to make up its mind whether or not it was trying to renew itself. Too much looked a bit ugly and run down.
Stopped at Morrison's on the way back to the boat and tried to gauge how much we could carry between us, especially as we had already bought in town some other stuff including a galvanised bucket for fire ash.
3.5 miles, 0 locks, 1 tunnel, about 2 hours engine time.
