Bridge 90

We were determined not to be caught out by the weather today so before we set off we put our over trousers on and the waterproof jackets were close at hand. Pulled the pins at 9.15 through Barlaston and on to the locks at Meaford and yes you've guessed it there was a queue. We couldn't get onto the lock mooring and there were 2 waiting and two moored boats so we ended up quite a away from the lock, I walked up to help out like you do, there was a hire boat in the lock which seemed to be doing every thing at snails pace, never mind as long as they are safe. At last they were through next boat went in and bugger me before Paul could get onto the lock mooring another boat snuck in. I think he realised we were before him when Paul came along side. After lots of emptying and filling it was our turn by this time I must have done the gate paddles quite a few times but as usual when its our turn we don't get help, the sneaky boat made a very loud comment about Paul's use of the bow thruster saying "if you had a bow thruster you weren't a proper boater" and if you couldn't steer with out one you shouldn't be on a boat. Paul was steaming, he said to me, go really slow they are winding me up.
The lady did come up eventually and helped open the gates to let Paul out, then before we had shut them her husband was opening the paddles to fill up the lock I was lost for words. This is how we carried on for the rest of these 4 locks. At some point the boat in front had overtaken the hire boat so now I was stuck with a novice in front and a know it all behind. So we really had fun at the locks in Stone. Won't bore you with every little detail but at one lock as the hire boat came out (with a boat coming in) he decided to get out his bread and feed the ducks. Why do I get the NUMPTIES.
After leaving Stone we carried on for about another 20 minutes and are now moored up on Armco just before bridge 90.
Oh yes Paul decided to give the camera a trial run this morning, screen was fitted up picture was perfect what could go wrong, well the sun shone for a start so we had glare off the water, then we realised the screen was too far away to pick out any detail (either that or Paul needs new glasses) so the screen has now been moved closer under the sliding hatch, hopefully this will cure one of the problems. As for the glare we are hoping to get some camera filter paper which we think will solve the problem. Failing that it will all have been a complete waste of time but it kept Paul amused and he does like a challenge.
And the weather well it didn't rain in fact it was warm and muggy and I must have lost a few pounds wearing those darn over trousers while doing those locks. Is it any wonder I was getting some strange looks when everyone else was in shorts and sandals me I'm in waterproof trousers and boots, but at least IT DIDN'T RAIN. Now I know if I wear my wet gear it stays dry!!!!!!!