A fine day (day 10)

Despite a poor weather forecast our escaped lunatics are dodging the showers and making good progress. (and having a good laugh along the way)

Slipped our mooring at Denford about 05.30am just as one rain shower had ended. Next stop Park Lane Wharf near Endon to take on water. Whilst at the wharf we all took advantage of the excellent shower facility provided by British Waterways. Nothing wrong with the shower on the boat but the space is a tad limited and apart from that I can't put up with Dave and Trev singing when using it

Came across this interesting feature close to the short arm used by Stoke Boat Club at Endon. Although it seemed a bit odd a quick look at our Pearsons Guide told us it was in fact the site of a former swing bridge in use by a long gone light railway. Wonder what happens to boats that are tempted to go left?

Nice scenic setting at Stockton Brook

The guide book refers to this building as a pumping station. Wonder what for and is it still in use. Might well be something to research at a later date

Old style swing bridge with modified lifting mechanism. I remember the days, on the Llangollen canal, when these were fitted with no more than a chain and hanging on to it raised the bridge. I know these changed because of safety concerns and that seems fair enough

A look at the more modern electro-mechanical means of raising a bridge

As we reach the end of the Caldon Canal we take a last look at the impressive sculpture of James Brindley and perhaps pay a silent tribute to the great man. I think he would be proud of the way things have turned out for this wonderful canal

Surely without the vision of those before us that saw the benefits of the canal system as a leisure facility this is one canal that would have been lost. It's magnificent that so many have worked tirelessly to bring it from dereliction to a wonderful waterway.

Here's a link to 'The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust' website