Setting off at our customary time, again under a clear blue sky, we reached the top of Stoke Locks just under the hour. A boat was just about to exit our way, so no delay. We also had a good run down to the bottom lock, but as has been our past experience, there is often a queue of early morning risers waiting to start up. Below, we passed a regular sequence of opposite direction boats for about half an hour, then it went quiet and we had Trentham Lock (handcuff key needed) to ourselves. Only when we reached the top of Meaford Locks did we hit traffic and then we found ourselves two boats behind a disorganised boat. Coming up constantly behind the boat in front they must have got fed up with us and invited us to pass near the bottom of the Stone flight. We found a good mooring at Stone, noting the presence of a Black Prince Hire boat moored opposite the winding hole. They were later asked to move by a 70 footer needing to wind. Making our way to the Star Inn (for an excellent Sunday Roast) I also had to advise occupants of another Black Prince boat with all their chairs out bankside that they were actually on the water point and might find others a little less friendly.
Gongoozlers outside the Star Inn. I think the pub was close to running short of booze.
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