Very windy last night – took the aerial completely off the roof to stop it bouncing. Otherwise a good night.
Today was chilly but sunny. Got away around 9 and made good progress through the locks. Only the last two of the Stoke flight were against us. Water at Etruria. Then up the staircase. Trouble with the offside paddle on the very top gate meant the top chamber wouldn't fill until we realised what was wrong. After that, things were straightforward. Took the chimney off at Etruria in preparation for Bridge 9.
Canal very shallow, and leaves tended to gather round the prop. The lift-bridge now has a control panel on the towpath side, which makes everything easier. Nice to see more housing development along the canal in Stoke, including one estate with two kilns left as heritage-markers.
Tied up just beyond Bridge 19 in Milton, as usual.
10 miles, 9 locks, 1 lift bridge, 6.7 engine hours
