7.30 start to avoid traffic as we reversed down Filance Lock, through Princefield Bridge to the Penkridge winding hole. Thought we'd run out of water, though it was actually an accidental flick of the water pump switch. Also, the poo-tank warning light came on. Last time, that meant it needed to be emptied pretty well immediately, so we called in to see whether a boatyard would give us water if we paid for a pump-out. Teddesley Boat Company above Midland Chandlers wanted £20 for the pump-out, so we moved on – we weren't that desperate. Stafford Boat Club did it for £12, though we had to wait nearly two hours while he did other stuff and had his lunch. Put the Blue in myself later on.
Parts of the Staffs & Worcs was very shallow, which made any speed impossible, and we got stuck when we pulled over to let a faster boat past. Very windy in the afternoon.
Engine still seems to be overheating – nealy 95 for quite a while.
Did a roast in the oven, which seems to underccok. Probably needs to be a mark or two higher than what it says.
Moored just through Tixall Bridge.
9 miles, 6 locks, 1 aqueduct, about 7 hours engine time
