Stone, Trent & Mersey – Friday 21 September 2012
The meal last night was great with lots of humour, but we were still ready to go by 9, the agreed time.  I had already rolled up the cratch covers and gone through the boat turning all the lights on, opening the side hatches and laying the roof lights out.  I have six magnetic lights to go along the roof which gives me a sort of ‘landing light pattern’ so that I can see the shape in tunnels.  Last bit was to turn off the main light switches at the back then when necessary I can flick all lights back on from the steerer’s position.  After saying farewell to Bill and Eileen we had a quiet run to the junction with a final farewell over the radio and moored just before the entrance to Harecastle.
The Tunnel Keeper came to take boat details (registration, name, number of persons, any pets) and give briefing details in case of an emergency.  We had a 30 minute wait as a boat was coming north (one way traffic) before the keeper phoned our details to the other end then we were off.  I led then ‘Eleventh Heaven’ and at the back ‘Last Flight’.  The headroom in the tunnel is quite low in places so you need to keep an eye out.  Once through it was lights off and the roof lights collected and back inside.
Then it was on through a further 12 miles and 14 locks to Stone arriving at 7pm, of course all the mooring spots were taken but we managed to find space for one at Yard Lock, so I am breasted up for the night.  Tomorrow we will watch for anyone moving and do a quick shuffle as there is a shopping trip planned.