Still in Staffordshire

We did move on on Thursday, 3 miles and 4 locks bringing us to the top of Stone.  We moored and made a cuppa, then as a boat went by Paul said the lady is waving at us, I think we must know them.  It turned out to be Sarah and Ade who we met last year in Stafford Boat Club and then they came to see us a couple of times when we were near Leeds where they live.  They were on their way back to

Getting there

their mooring. With some time to spare they moored in front of us and that evening we all went to The Star, the pub by the bottom lock at Stone, where we had a meal and a few jars.  The next morning they moved on whilst we were still in bed!  We followed them down more slowly later that morning, to moor opposite The Star so we could get some shopping.  Saturday morning there was a farmers market in the centre of Stone, so we had a look around there before moving on after lunch.  We moored at Weston on Trent, there is a pub there but we didn't visit!  Spent a couple of nights there catching up with some maintenance jobs.  On the Sunday afternoon a boat went past going the opposite direction to us.  It was Eli with Annie and Colin on board.  We first met them in Braunston in 2012 and have met them several times since.  The last being at Stafford Boat Club last year.  They were unable to stop as they were meeting up with friends, however we have booked to spend the weekend at the boat club so will probably catch up with them then.
We stayed at Weston until Tuesday when 2 locks brought us to Great Haywood.  We moored and had lunch then moved on to get water.  Just then someone was calling out to Paul and Rene and John from narrow boat Peregrine were walking over the bridge!  We met them when we were on the Huddersfield Canal about 4 years ago.  We cruised with them for several days before going our separate ways and we hadn't seen them since.  So last night it was off to the pub again for a meal and a natter.  We are now moored at Tixall Wide bow to bow with them.  So once again Peregrine and Falcon are back together for the time!
It is sad at times that these are our last few month on board, but also lovely as we keep meeting up with friends from different places. It has been a wonderful 7 years and we aren't quite finished yet.