(continued) the heat is difficult to control, even cruising along the sun is reflected off the water. So we try to get shade in the afternoon allowing time for the boat to cool down before bed. A couple of years ago we were in Downham Market with the boat and it was HOT then. Elizabeth lent us an old boat sail that we cold string up along the boat to keep the sun off, which helps no-end.
On the way we go through Deptmore Lock, this is where I used to live in the early 60s and where I got the Canal bug from. We used a boat to go to school in.
Past Stafford Boat Club and we moor at Radford Bank on the outskirts of Stafford. Here we meet up with old friends and relations for a few days. There’s now a Lydl close by so a chance to stack up with provisions.
Milford, Tixall Wide and then Great Haywood Junction. Left here onto the Trent & Mersey Canal through Hoo Mill, Weston and Sandon Locks before an overnight stop in the middle of nowhere by bridge 85 before Aston Marina.
Leaving Chrissie in Aston we went home by train for 2 weeks. Catch-up time with the grandchildren.
When it gets HOT 
Deptmore lock on Staffs & Worcester Canal at Stafford 
Deepmoor Lock from below August 2016 
Deepmoor Lock Cottage 1989 
Me leaving Deepmoor Lock. 1962 
Tixall lock 
Great Haywood Junction and bridge 
Sandon lock, so picturesque 
In the middle of nowhere 
Elsie, and Jill, love Jigsaws 
Nancy (in background) on her bike to Topsham 
Using the “gutter” to come down Newcourt steps
