An End - but a New Beginning.

 Sunday 24th April 2022 in Stone, Staffordshire.

We met up with Mel and Peter for a final farewell (and a huge hug) before both boats set off togther at 10:00am.

MM came through the marina bridge first, and "Inkling" pulled out to follow us.

Since we had led Inkling into the marina on the day that Mel and Peter arrived at Aston for the first time, we decided that it would be appropriate for us to lead them out as they left for the last time.

Sandra, the Assistant Marina Manager, had come down to the exit to photograph us and wave us both off. M felt very emotional. Although we will certainly meet up again with Mel and Peter, it is the last time that we shall see "Inkling" with them on board. The end of an era.

Leaving the marina to go north, one is confronted almost immediately by Aston Lock, which is Lock 26 on the Trent & Mersey Canal - after which the restaurant, No.26 at Aston Marina, is named. 

As we approached the lock, another boat was coming out so we were able to cruise right in. There was yet another boat waiting to come down and their crew did the lock for us, so M didn't even have to get off MM. A great way to do the first of 109 locks on our way to Skipton!

Next to the lock is a milepost that shows that this lock is exactly half way along the 98 miles of the Trent & Mersey Canal.

At this time of year the swans tend to be incubating their eggs sitting on their nests and we saw two nests within a few hundred yards. Both swans were fast asleep with their beaks tucked under their wings.

The plan was to cruise all the way to Stone, all of one mile away, where we moored up outside M&S next to the canal in order to buy a "few bits" to stock up our cupboards for the cruise ahead. This photograh was taken just yards from MM so, for once, it was not too far to carry everything!

We took the opportunity to have "brunch" in the M&S cafe.

This was the lovely mooring just below Star Lock and next to M&S. It was a quiet and very attractive spot. 

We also walked into the centre of Stone. It is such a pleasant town with a pedestrianised High Street, only real shops (no big "chains") and very quiet on this Sunday afternoon

Today 1 mile, 1 lock and 1.3 hours.