Into Stone

Salt Bridge

We moored at Stone at lunch time after a 3.5 hour, 8 mile & 3 lock cruise in cool but beautiful weather. The Trent valley countryside is attractive with fields mainly pasture but with few animals, and a number of old houses visible through the trees. The picture shows Salt Bridge. This unusually ornate bridge was probably built in this style to please a local landowner. Parliamentary approval to build a canal was required in the form of a specific authorising Act. If an affected landowner was dissatisfied with the proposal he could possibly impede its passage.

Our main purpose for stopping at Stone was to visit the local Morrisons. Keeping the larder and fridge full requires some planning on the canals where frequently you only pass near small villages for days at a time. As we have no transport other than the boat, for bulk shopping it is essential to find a supermarket within easy walking distance of moorings.

Stone is an attractive and lively town with a surprisingly varied range of restaurants including Turkish, Mexican, Italian, Thai and Indian as well as several pubs.

Denise has taken the opportunity to get her hair cut - another chore that is sometimes difficult to arrange as we are unable to book in advance, not knowing where we will be when.

This evening we are hoping to visit a (partially) 14th Century pub overlooking the canal, the first time eating/drinking out since we left home on Monday.