The rain was forecast to stop at 1100. At 1045 it seemed to have done so, so we set off. After a very short time the rain restarted and got heavier and heavier. Under a bridge at Trentham I took the opportunity to put on my overtrousers and wellingtons. Thus waterproofed we carried on ... and the rain stopped straight away. I kept covered up, though, and was glad I did as the rain gradually picked up again. We tied up just above Etruria Junction and had lunch. Then the rain stopped and we recce'd Basford Post Office, just over the "border" in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where we hope to pick up our postal votes tomorrow.
On the way there we saw some interesting things. First, a pub with an inferiority complex?
"The Holy Inadequate" (sic)
And a stainless steel sculpture,
"Privilege" by Denis O'Connor.
From the hill we saw a colourful building towards the city centre. Later in the evening we found ourselves walking past it, One Smithfield, fronted by a delightful wild flower meadow.
Well, probably not that wild. And not really a meadow.
We were on our way to the Jaflong curry house in Hanley where we enjoyed their Monday special: a "three course meal" for £8.95. The courses were poppadom; starter and balti with pilau rice or naan. It was very good value and very tasty.
We took the scenic route back along the Caldon Canal, just down the hill past the Emma Bridgewater pottery, from where I took this photo.
The rain had cleared the air; the evening was still and the sun shone. I think I would like to explore the city centre tomorrow; despite having passed through by boat many times we don't really know Stoke-on-Trent at all. First, though, we need to return to the post office to see if we do, after all, have a chance to vote in the EU referendum.
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