Week 39 - Pottering Around

We've been pottering as we were in Stoke-On-Trent, home of the potteries. Had to visit a couple of potteries to find out how it was done & learnt a whole new vocabulary. Sagger, bottom knocker, cod placer, drawers, all new to me. All I can say those early potters had a real tough job entering kilns to drawer the saggers in extreme temperatures wrapped in wet rags for protection. If that didn't kill you, the silica particles in the air would make sure you didn't live past 40. Middleport Pottery is still in operation as is the name in pottery, Wedgwood. I appreciate the artistry of hand painting plates at Wedgwood as we watched, but at £1200 per plate on order from an Arabian Sheik, was a bit extravagant for a narrowboat. Especially as we have lost a few plates lately due to the boat tilting when grounded on mud banks. Everything comes crashing off the draining board.
There seemed to be a hold up as I arrived at the last lock at Stone. A woman was grumbling that there were 2 boats waiting for the front boat to get in the lock, only one of the crew had disappeared, & everything ground to a halt. We were coming from the opposite direction. I was well surprised when the boat finally entered the lock, & I instantly recognised it was the Naughty Lass owned by YouTuber Robbie Cummings who does regular vlogs about his travels. The delay was due to him filming for his vlog from the drone

flying overhead. I got to lock for Robbie Cummings! Made my day & may get to star on his vlog. Just look out for the hysterical women in the yellow top!
Visitors, Yay! Beautiful boating weather over Easter, & opportunity to pass my locking skills onto my apprentice.
The local dish is an oat cake, not what I normally consider to be one. More like a pancake with filling. Nice warmer on a cold day .

Sights/Activities
World of Wedgwood
Middleport Pottery

Visitors
Pete & Deb Melsom

Pubs
The Saracens Head

Total Lock Count
261