Well, after all the concern about cruising down the tidal Trent, it turned out to be a bit of an anticlimax. On the Cromwell lock-keepers advice, we assembled in the lock ready to go down at 09:00. There were 3 cruisers and 4 narrowboats to go, all to Torksey for the night, or to lock through to go to Lincoln on the Fossdyke.

As Mags was preparing to catch the slip ropes on the lockside at the bow, she leaned out too far, lost her balance and fell overboard. She was wearing her lifejacket, and popped up immediately. A rescue operation was quickly organised, with me and a chap from one of the cruisers (Creole Jazz) on the bow, another chap on the tiller to manoeuvre the boat and the lockie on the lockside co-ordinating events. We rapidly had her hauled back inboard, and she dashed inside to get dried and changed while we proceeded through the lock. She was none the worse for the dip, in fact she took it all remarkably calmly, just floating alongside the boat with me holding her hand till we had assistance. It would have been a different story, though had she not been wearing her lifejacket, and if we’d been alone. Still, she’s fine, just a few bruises on her arms where we lifted her out. If any of the “team” get to read this, many thanks. I didn’t get to personally thank you all for your efforts.

Leaving Cromwell Lock, Mags’ “swimming hole”
In convoy, High Marnham Power Station in background, day 1
Gravel Carrier “Fossdale”, day 1
And “Farndale” on day 2
Leaving Torksey Cut, early day 2
Gainsborough Arches, day 2

Mag’s bath turned out to be the most exciting event in the whole 2 days. It was actually quite boring, with the high flood banks obscuring a lot of the surrounding countryside. Yesterday we did the 15 miles to Torksey by 11:15, and moored on the floating pontoon outside the lock. Then today we were off at just after 07:00, to catch the ebb tide to carry us down to Keadby Lock, where we turned onto the Stainforth and Keadby Canal.

Approaching the M180 and journey’s end
Coasters on Keadby Wharf
A final incident was Dave and Barbara on NB LIBERTY BELL stuck on the mud bank across the entrance to the lock. Apparently the recent flooding had deposited quite a bit of silt across the mouth of the lock which BW hadn’t had a chance to dredge. Even the lock-keeper at Keadby didn’t know about it; he certainly does now!

Dave and Barbara stuck on the mud at Keadby lock
We had to wait for the flood tide to give Dave enough water to get in; we were hanging on a 20 foot high wharf wall for about 30 minutes.

After all the excitement we called it a day just above the lock on the visitor moorings. We’d covered 42 miles in under 7 hours running over 2 the days, averaging better than 6 MPH.


Keadby Moorings
Locks 2, miles 42 (in 2 days)

Apart from the trains, we had a quiet night at Nether Lock although there was a noisy boat with half a dozen youngsters on board that came down the lock at around 9 o’clock. Had a bit of a lie-in, then after Meg’s walk gave the engine bay a good going over, checking not just fluid levels, but all electrical connections and the batteries as well. The tidal Trent is not a good place to break down!

We left the lock at just before 12, and after a very gentle run downstream arrived at Cromwell lock at 12:50.

The Trent returns below Nether Lock, after it's trip around Newark
The A1 crossing on Winthorpe Bridge. Right is Edinburgh, left is London. The next road crossing is at Dunham, 15 miles downstream.
Booked in with the lock-keeper, and confirmed our passage through the lock tomorrow morning.

Cromwell Lock
A little later, NB LIBERTY BELL (note the corrected spelling) arrived, and we introduced each other and swapped phone numbers. I was hoping that they’d had experience of the tideway, and they have, but in the other direction. I’m sure it’ll be fine, we’re splitting the trip into 2 with the stop-over at Torksey, so the first section is short, only about 15 miles, and should only take around 2½ hours with tide and current behind us.

The lock area is busy with boats moored, but not so many travelling. There has been a convoy of 4 boats coming south from Keadby, and a couple going north, just to Torksey I suspect.

On the tide this evening, the gravel barge BATTLESTONE set off northward.
Locks none, Miles 5.

Intended a short day today, hoping to moor soon after Gunthorpe Bridge, but it was not to be.
The day was warm at 07:30, and turned into a scorcher, blue skies with just the occasional cloud all day.
We left Stoke lock at 09:30, Mags was glad to be away from the high concrete wall we’d moored against last night.
Out onto the open water again, and making good time with the strong current. I calculated 6½ MPH.

Heading towards Stoke Bardolph and the Ferry Boat Inn
On through Gunthorpe Bridge, and into the lock. The moorings here were full as is usual apparently. This set the scene for the rest of the day.

Trentside Marina, Gunthorpe
Gravel Barge tied up just below Gunthorpe Lock
The first option to stop over was at the next lock, Hazelford, but apart from a short length of high wall like at Stoke, there were no spaces. We’re started to feel a little out of place, with all these fancy white cruisers knocking about. The narrowboats are outnumbered by about 10-1.

So we pressed on towards Newark, checking out the villages of Fiskerton and Farndon on the way. Still no mooring opportunities when we got to the large Averham Weir, where the Newark Dyke continues into the town as the river describes a long loop to the east.

Averham Weir
On into Newark and poor Meg had her legs, eyes and even ears crossed by this time, so we pulled onto the first available space to let her have a run around. Less than ideal location for an overnight stop though, so I walked up to Town Lock and had a word with the lockie. The upshot of the conversation was a short run through Town Lock and out of town through Newark Nether Lock, where we tied up. A far more pleasant spot even with the railway in close proximity, well worth a can of beer for the advice.

Newark BW Maintenance Yard, with the remains of Newark Castle in the distance
Moored at Newark Nether Lock
While sat on the bank in the sunshine, we were hailed by NB LIBERTY BELLE. Apparently they are going through Cromwell on the same tide as us on Tuesday, and are also stopping over at Torksey. So we’ll have some company heading down the tideway.

On an entirely different subject – we’ve just been watching the news and Mags says she’s feeling sorry for Gordon Brown. Since taking office he’s had to contend with terrorist attacks, extensive flooding and now a new Foot & Mouth outbreak. She’s blaming Blair, at least for the last one, he never liked him anyway. It’s his fault, or the chap with the big ears from DEFRA who’s just been on TV. (I think she should take some more coke with the scotch).

Locks 5, miles 17.

Had a quiet night, considering the mooring is close to a bar, holiday caravan site and marina. Shared a bottle of champagne no less with a solo boater on his way down to Newbury. He was struggling to find somewhere to moor, so we invited him to breast up alongside. The drink was by way of a thankyou (and I think, some company).

We got off at 09:30 this morning. Bright sunshine made it a warm day from the start. Through Beeston lock, and topped up with water, then on to Nottingham.

Leaving Beeston Lock

We’re now on the Beeston Canal, which in turn joins the Nottingham Canal at Lenton Chain. We stopped near Nottingham Castle Marina to visit the Sainsbury store just next to the canal, and who was doing the same but Rev. Reed on his hotel boats Oak and Ash. We’d last seen him at Red Bull on the T&M, turning onto the Macclesfield.
Went and had a bit of a chat, but he was ready to go, heading for the Erewash.

Oak and Ash, with Meg saying hello to the guests.
Rev Reed.
Pressed on through Castle and Meadow lane locks, taking us out of the city and back onto the Trent.

The Trent comes back in below Trent Bridge (of cricket fame)
Along the by now very wide stretch of water to Holme and the first of the big barge locks, keeper operated.

Holme Lock, 12 feet deep, 20-odd feet wide and over 140 feet long.
Next to the lock is the National Water Sports Centre.

Watched canoeists cavorting while waiting for the lock.
Another 2¾ miles saw us at Stoke lock, and our mooring for the night. Unfortunately the pontoon was occupied, so we had to make do with the quay near the lock. The height of the landing indicates just how full this river can get. (And how big some of the boats are!)

Mooring at Stoke Lock. Meg couldn’t manage the ladder, a skill she’s yet to learn!
Saw this large green caterpillar crossing a bridge near Radcliffe on Trent.
Locks 4, miles 10

PS. Booked Cromwell (tidal) lock for Tuesday morning. Let the scary stuff begin!!

Happy Birthday to me! 51 today and not looking a day over - well, 51 I guess.
Started well with an enjoyable 8½ mile run, but while I was getting things ready for today’s cruise I dropped my digital camera. Turning it on resulted in no activity at all. It is about 5 years old, so is due for retirement.

So I took my phone up to the lock to take pictures while we were filling it.
Shared the lock with another boat, then it was about a mile downstream when I realised that the phone was no longer in my pocket!

A quick U-turn took us back to the lock, but a thorough search of the lockside revealed nothing. Trying to call the phone from the back-up resulted in a “number unobtainable” message, so I guess it finished up with the fish.

O2 were pretty efficient, however, and a ½ hour of telephone conversations has me expecting a new phone to be delivered on Monday. Then I’ll have to rebuild our contact list. Luckily I’d transferred the image files onto my laptop recently, so have only lost half-a-dozen pictures.

Going back to the camera, I stripped out the memory card and batteries, then put it all back together and it booted up! So I needn’t have been carrying the phone after all! Ah well, such is life. At least I don’t have to fork out for a new camera.

Anyway, we were through the last 3 locks on the Soar by about 13:30, and turning RIGHT for the first time for the Trent and points north.

Our introduction to the big river was marred by waiting for over an hour in a queue for Cranfleet lock, then we were off again for another 3 miles or so to Beeston lock, where we’ve stopped for the night.

Beeston lock mooring and the weir to the right
The waterway is wide and deep, and flowing quite fast. I reckon we were doing about 6 MPH over the ground at 700 revs.

Near Barton Island
In “Davy Jones’ Locker” (can you call it that on inland waters?) in the last 12 months :-

1 peg bag
1 old towel (used for the dog)
1 small screwdriver
1 watch
1 chimney (later recovered)
1 piling hook (ditto)
1 baseball cap
1 tiller pin
1 pair specs
1 mobile phone

I think the fish are winning, all we’ve gained is an assortment of balls for Meg…

Locks – Soar 3, Trent 1, miles - Soar 5½, Trent 5½

We had a very enjoyable evening yesterday. The weather was kind, the food was good and plentiful and the company was convivial. Kay’s puppy St Bernard, Ruby, is nearly as big as Meg, and she’s only 2 months old!

Sue with Ruby.

What’s this then?
She’s keeping the family awake at nights at the moment, but I’m sure she’ll soon settle down.

We had a late start today, what with a lie-in and a bit of shopping to do. But then again, we were not going far, anyway.

Through Barrow to Pillings Lock which I expected to be left open now that the water appears to have settled down, but it was still in use, so we locked down all of 3 inches and carried on to Loughborough. A quick call in to B&Q (it’s that compulsive disorder exerting itself again) and then through the 2 locks to take us out of town.

We moored where we’ve stayed before. Just above Zouch lock.

A short shower first thing, followed by a warm but overcast day led to a fine sunny evening. The forecast says the weather is set fair for a few more days. About time too.

Locks 4 (well, 3½ really), miles 7

Stayed at Mountsorrel yesterday. We’ve arranged for Dad to collect us on the way to Kay’s this evening. And the easiest place is Barrow. But we didn’t want to spend 2 nights there, so stayed put.

Lots of Dragonflies around
So we had a short run today, through Mountsorrel lock and down to the moorings just above Barrow Deep lock.


Mountsorrel weirs. Still a fair bit of water coming down.
A quick stop at the services on route, and we were moored by 13:00.

Locks 1, miles 2

Bad weather forecasted for Saturday night and Sunday encouraged us to stay in the marina for another couple of days. In the event, the rain was not as bad as predicted. I think the weathermen were just being cautious, covering their a***s.

So early today (well, early by our standards), we moved from the mooring and onto the dock in the marina, where we filled with diesel and water, and emptied the loos. Here we also picked up our passengers. Sue and Trevor joined us for the day.

Picking up fuel and waiting for passengers.

We had a good day, first of all up to Birstall for supplies, then downstream through Thurmaston lock and the next 3, to finish up just above Mountsorrel lock. The level indicators at the locks were still on the amber. I think it’s going to be a few days before they’re back in the green.

Cossington Lock, just after lunch


Moored at Mountsorrel

The weather has been good, sunny with a breeze from the north-ish. The forecast is good for the rest of the week. Looks like summer may finally be upon us….. S & T enjoyed the day, it’s the first time Trev’s been on a narrowboat, and he spent some time on the tiller. A bit different to the speedboat he’s got at home!

Kay will be pleased with the improvement in the weather, she’s organised a BBQ for Wednesday evening. We’ll get the chance to meet her new arrival, a 10 week old St Bernard called Ruby. Should be interesting!

Locks 4, miles 6½

The big event of the past week has been the family gathering at The Plough at Normanton. A good day, but somewhat let down by the service at the restaurant. But still, it’s good to get most of the family together.

Gathering of the Clan
We stayed the night at my brother’s house in Syston, thanks Andy and Nyree. Had a marathon Monoploy game with Luke, Megan, and Trevor, Sue’s NZ husband. It took another hour on Sunday morning to finish! (Trev won.)

When we got back to the boat on Sunday PM, the level in the marina was up by about a foot after Saturday’s rain, and continued to rise another foot or so through Monday morning.

Flooding at Birstall Lock
Tuesday and Wednesday’s drier weather allowed recovery back to just on the green at Birstall lock, but heavier showers again today have pushed the level back up again. The problem is that with standing water still in the sodden fields, there’s nowhere for the water to go apart from straight into the river. But we’re still a lot better off than those people in Tewkesbury!

We’re planning to move out on Saturday, round to Birstall for provisions, then slowly northward. Sister Kay is organising a BBQ in Loughborough on Wednesday, and we’d like to be there. All depends on the water, of course.

Rang Dave at Raynsway Marina first thing, and booked a mooring for about a week. Then saw Mo on NB BALMAHA going past, so had a quick chat. They’re heading up to the North-East as well, so we may meet up later. Especially as the water levels may hold them up.

Away around 11:00, and a fine sunny day saw us through the 7 locks to Thurmaston. We didn’t have the opportunity to share any of them today, but it’s not as if we need to save water anyway. Although the level continues to fall, most of the markers are now showing green, unsettled weather forecasted may have an impact.

Another new marina, this time at Pillings Lock near Barrow, is nearing completion.

Pillings Lock Marina

Old Junction Boatyard still looks the same…

Locks 7, miles 9

The water is down! Well, at least almost in the amber. BW at Newark tell me that Sawley is in the amber, and the Soar is open.
So we’re away at 09:15.

Shared Derwent Mouth lock, and out into the main flow of water from the Trent and the Derwent. The picture doesn’t do it justice, we were doing about 10mph at 800 RPM. We normally only do about 3mph at these revs.

Derwent Mouth

The flood lock at Sawley was closed, so we had to lock through. Newark didn’t tell me that!

Then on to the main Sawley locks, where the level was supposed to be in the amber. Well, in the red is almost in the amber, I guess. Anyway we locked ourselves through, in company with a 20 footer with an outboard. More on this later….

Sawley Lock
An interesting run back under the railway bridge against the current to get onto the service wharf. At one point we had a huge bow-wave but were barely moving forward. I’m glad I asked for the larger engine when we specced the boat.

Filled/emptied as required, then turned again and shot back under the bridge and down to the Soar junction. Redhill Flood lock was surprisingly open, so we caught up with the 2 lads on AUNT EMMA III at Ratcliffe lock.

This was the 20 footer from Sawley. They’d bought it at Sawley, and had to wait for the water to go down till they could move. They’d never had any boating experience, unless you could count one of them having a day trip as a child. The trip involves getting to Newbury, and then to Bristol! After 190 miles and 139 locks to Newbury, then a further 75 and 85 respectively, they’ll certainly be experienced! Good luck to them.

We shared the next couple of locks with the intrepid duo, but then got separated when the charity trip boat “DANDELION” from Loughborough slotted in between us. So we shared Zouch and Bishops Meadow with them, and Loughborough with a Tupperware cruiser.

Zouch Lock
Emergency Mooring “Dolphins” at Normanton. Who’d want to moor here otherwise?
Cleared Loughborough and moored at the (busy) visitor moorings near Millers Bridge.

Remember last Thursday’s post and my last ritual baptism in the cut? And the hat that was “jauntily floating off”? Well it’s probably jauntily floating past Nottingham by now!
A gust of wind took it clean off my head near Redhill, and with the strong current, brisk breeze and proximity of moored boats, I chose not to go back for it. I’m blaming the haircut Mags gave me yesterday…..

A long day, nearly 8 hours, but it's stayed fine and dry, with lots of bright sunshine.

Locks 8, miles 13.

Checked the flood level indicator this morning, the water has dropped about 8 inches overnight, but it’s still in the red. There have been one or two boats moving in both directions this morning, and even a couple last night, but we’re not prepared to chance it just yet.

All change this afternoon, though. Even with the occasional heavy showers, the water continues to fall, and we’ve had a flotilla of Canaltime boats going past in both directions. I guess if the marina thinks that it’s safe for hire boats, we can give it a go.
But we’ll wait till tomorrow morning, now, and have a good run up the Soar.

Spent the morning working in the engine bay. Cleaned out the bilge, re-aligned the engine to the shaft and reset the stern gland. Then checked the gearbox and batteries. All set to go, now. Keeping our fingers (and a lot of other things) crossed that the river(s) don’t flood again overnight.

The last leg on the Trent and Mersey today, with the broad locks down to Derwent Mouth to go through.
We shared the first 3 with a couple on a canaltime boat, but we carried on when they stopped for lunch.
When we were in Aston lock I rang BW to find out the flood position on the Trent and Soar, and found out that the Trent is closed, but the Soar is open.
We’d planned to overnight just above Derwent Mouth lock, so stuck to the plan and moored around 14:30. The flood warning lights are on red at Shardlow, and the level indicator at the lock is well into the red zone, so I guess we’re stuck here for a bit. The weather is showing signs of improvement though, so maybe it won’t be too long….

Flood level indicator at Derwent Mouth lock
Derwent Mouth, lots of water!
Locks 5, miles 9½.

Horrible day, Friday, rain all day so we stayed put. Moved out today at 09:20, and were through Burton on Trent and at Willington by 13:30. 2 trips to the shops topped up most of the stores, then we had a wait to get on to the services. Away again by 14:30, and moored at Stenson an hour later.

Stenson
A fine bright day, but heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow, so we’ll be staying here.
We just missed a bit of a drama. A plastic cruiser came out of the marina opposite, veering all over the canal. He hit the side of one boat, then angled across the channel, straight into another. The second collision was on the corner of a window, and pushed it into the boat (without breaking the glass, luckily. There’re double glazed). So there was a bit of a fuss going on, names and addresses taken, of culprit and witnesses. Then the errant cruiser went on his way, and was later reported as being at Burton. It’s amazing what you can find out on the cut.

I forgot to mention, as we got underway this morning, I went to put my specs on (I can’t see so far without them these days) and couldn’t find them. Thinking back, I couldn’t remember seeing them since my episode on Thursday afternoon, so I guess they must have finished up in the canal. We’d moved away from the mooring by the time I’d realised, else I might have been tempted to go fishing. Good job I’ve a spare pair, but these haven’t got reaction lenses so I’ll have to get some more.

Locks 2, miles 9

We knew that Fradley would be busy, so we got off a little earlier than normal, went down through the first 3 locks to the sanitary station, did the essentials then cleared the last 2 in the flight by 10:15.

I know BW are a bit strapped for cash, but getting this out of retirement is a bit unfair..
Common, Bagnall and Alrewas locks took us onto the river section were the Trent enters the canal for a short while. This bit was closed because of high water earlier in the week, and the debris on the weirs shows why!

Alrewas Weir
Alongside the A38 was noisy as usual, and past Barnton Turns marina. The development of hotel and retail outlets is coming on apace here, as well.

Barton Turns Marina
Arrived at Branston Water Park at around 13:30, where I had a bit of a to-do.
While sorting out the stern line to tie up, my foot went down a hole in the bank and I lost my balance. I don’t remember much about what happened next, but I finished up standing IN the canal on my right leg, my left still on the bank, a lump on my head from head-butting the counter of the boat (not recommended) and my hat jauntily floating off down the canal.
Luckily it was one of those times when there was no-one around to watch!
Anyway, I recovered my hat (and dignity) and finished off tying up before getting changed. A scrape on my left calf along with some bruising could have been a lot worse.

Locks 11, miles 7½