Back to Trent Lock.

Hi,

This week finds us back at Trent Lock,the place from where we first set off on our travels.We got here on Thursday,as we had planned,so that we could spend the weekend with Janice,formerly of Jandai fame,and Mandy and Shaun at their 25th wedding anniversary party.To say we had a fantastic time would be a bit of an understatement,Mandy and Shaun really went to town and put on a wonderful spread of homemade Indian food,together with loads of drink of every kind,everyone had a great time.We also enjoyed our stay with Janice in her new home,and we caught up with everything she had done since we last saw her back in February.

 

Could this be the fate of those poor souls who continuously moor?We saw this as we headed away from Willington.The first sight we had of the tree that was blocking the canal near Weston on Trent.

We set off from Willington last Tuesday and made our way slowly to Swarkestone where we found a great mooring with plenty of space for a BBQ in the glorious weather.Then on Wednesday,what a change,off we went in the pouring rain and headed for Shardlow,just 6 miles further along the T&M.Our journey was interrupted just as we were preparing to moor up because we don’t really have to cruise in the rain.There was a fallen tree blocking the canal so it was on with the kettle and wait for C&RT to come and remove it,or so I thought.As we were at the back of the queue,it became my duty to warn the next boat that came along.This turned out to have a crew who,after some discussion,were happy to pull up to the said tree,and with the aid of our Bow Saw,proceed to cut a way through.An hour or so later,we were all on our way again,just as the contractors arrived to see what the problem was.They didn’t appear to have any tools that could be used for cutting wood so perhaps they too would have asked for a loan of our Bow Saw.

 

Everyone “ mucks in “ as a way is cut through the fallen tree.Nearly everyone who was held up came to lend a hand,or,in some cases,give further instructions.

 

The last limb was a bit more difficult but the guy worked hard and it was soon hauled out of the way.

The rain finally stopped just as we were mooring up in Shardlow and already moored there was Tadpole 2 who’s crew we had met at Alrewas Festival.After a quick chat it was decided that we go and get our insides wet at the nearby Navigation Inn and a great night was had by all.The next morning,in company with Tadpole 2,we continued the rest of our journey,along the River Trent,through to here.

 

On the River Trent with Tadpole 2 ahead and one of the “road signs” as we approach the M1 Motorway bridge that spans the river.

 

On the left the weir where the Trent continues it’s journey and we go right to enter the Sawley Cut,a canal that bypasses an unnavigable stretch of river.On the right is Sawley Locks which are at the Eastern end of the Sawley Cut and we are now back on the river.They’re electric locks where everything is done by the push of a button,Lisa loves them.

 

The entrance to the Erewash Canal from the River Trent straight ahead,we go past and then turn back so that we enter against the flow of the river.An interestingly named boat on the Erewash,this is,incidentally,owned by the lady who did the signwriting on Chyandour.It is,I believe,the back half of a larger boat with a new bow,hence the name.

We are now going to stay here for another day or two because I would like another Solar Panel fitted and there are some minor snags that need sorting.It’s been almost ten months since we left here and there has not been a single problem with Chyandour in that time.Nothing is loose and nothing has leaked or dropped off which says a lot about the workmanship that went into her build.

Later in the week we are going to cruise a short way up the Erewash Canal to see some friends,before retracing our steps back to Fradley where we will turn down the Coventry Canal and head for our next festival.

Well,that’s all for this week folks.Since our last blog we have done the phenomenal amount of 9 Locks and 14 Miles.Giving us a grand total of,wait for it,……….431 Locks and 591 Miles since October.Take care everyone.