River Trent and Soar declared open.

Great news this morning from C&RT. River had dropped and flood locks opened allowing a few boats to arrive this afternoon. First boat to arrive was Nb Perch owned by Barry Argent. Those that watched the Golden Age of Canals will have seen Perch in two halves, one half in his garden and the other moored outside his house on the Erewash. Having been joined together a couple of years ago it now looks fantastic. After coming up the lock he winded and is now moored below lock with 1 boat coming from Sheetstores on the Erewash, and 4 others having made it up from the Soar and Sawley.

Boarding planks will be needed along this stretch.

Jade gave these two sleeping ducks a rude awakening when she trotted past.

John Baylis ( Harbour Master ) then had to find room for Nb Trout who was booked in above lock and arrived quite late this afternoon. Some more boat shuffling had to occur but John had it all in hand having done the job for years at other boat gatherings and slotted Nb Trout in next to Nb Sprog by the facilities.

Poling Nb Sprog to another mooring

Nifty bit of rope throwing

Nb Megan Mary being moved. Sprog is to go where Ebony is moored and Ebony to lay alongside Megan Mary

Nb Ebony on the move

Watch the chimney!!

Nb Trout breasting up with Sprog

Somehow more boats will have to be fitted in above the lock, and although we have a 45ft boat next to us already, I expect another 'little un' will be breasted up with us obscuring the view completely. I'm making the most of taking photographs while I can.