I think this is despicable!

Last night Heather, Dave and ourselves joined Dennis and Margaret on Nb Icing for a game of Mexican train. We were thoroughly enjoying the game when around 9 pm a certain boat came up from the river and back onto the Erewash. The distinct sound of its engine gave him away and smoke was billowing from his exhaust filling the basin with rancid air. Anyway we fully expected to hear the roar of the engine on its way back in the 'wee hours' of the morning. He never showed up!! Early this morning and before the lads filled the dock, I took Jade for her usual constitutional. Then I saw this!!!!

 

Before (3 days ago)

 


And today

    
                   
                                                                              




Totally unacceptable!

These pictures have been sent to BW. The camouflage boat should be removed from our waterways!   

I'm sorry, but today is going to be a day of moaning. Aston Lock bottom gates refuse to stay shut. I had to sit back on one of the gates while Ian lifted a paddle at the top. Then he had to run back to shut the other bottom gate. Nightmare!! Then, at Stenson lock, we discovered that the contractor's barge was still tied to the lock landing(over 2 weeks now) making it extremely difficult for any boater, whether experienced or novice, to get their crew on or off!. Another email to BW with photos are on its way! 



Only the front rope could be tied on. I would have sat out in the middle and waited for Ian to set the lock but, 2 boats were coming down and I had a canal time hire boat on my tail!

 



It's not even tied on properly!!

 I should say that there have been some lighter moments. Like the ducks on the roof making mine look quite pathetic, the road traffic island sign we saw on the riverside (how on earth did it arrive there???) and the Moorhen with its own hazard warning lifebuoy And of course, our boat looking its best before we entered Trent lock.



No longer looking quite so good after scraping the side at Sawley lock, Shardlow lock, Aston lock, Weston Lock, Swalkstone lock and, of course, Stenson lock!! Hey Ho such is life.


We are now moored outside Mercia Marina, Willington. The fire is lit, glass of red wine by my side, A beer in Ian's hand and a perfect TV reception. What more could we want!