Caldon Staircase Locks.

The 5th day of our trip.  We have made our way back down the Caldon passing under the Leek branch with it interesting aqueduct.  The staircase is situated very near the junction at Etruria, lifting (or lowering of course the boat by nearly 20 feet.

They are called staircase locks because rather than moving from the lock into a pound (section of canal) and then into another lock you go straight from one lock to another just like going up stairs.  This is a small staircase consisting of two locks.   A single lock 20 feet deep would be extremely daunting when you consider that the lock is only approximately 7 feet wide.

The shot shows Clickychick and "The Mate" chatting on the counter while the rest of the crew work the locks (well 2 of them did one took photos! )
If you are still puzzled by the concept of a staircase lock the extra shows the explanatory diagram from the lock side.