Back on home territory

Who'd thought after the torrential rain of yesterday afternoon, skies could look so spectacular a couple of hours later.

With not a drop falling after this sunset we were sure that getting away in the morning would go ahead and sure enough, Ian walked to the lock at 9am and the river levels were still well into the green. We were joined in Zouch lock by two juvenile swans but both got out before I entered with FS. Hate when we have to contend with ducks and swans in locks as both of us had a distressing experience with a duck and her ducklings three years ago. You can read my post here.

 Ian did most of the steering again today as I'm still not feeling 100%. This virus has developed into a full blown cold. It's been years since I have suffered with one, even the grandkids never passed on their germs to me so I reckon it must be a pretty virulent strain. Sincerely hope Ian doesn't catch it as I have loads of jobs on the cards for him to do once back at our mooring in Langley, one being the removal of our bath (stupid idea to put a bath in a narrow boat) and replace with a shower.

The river was full of canoeist and we very nearly had a collishon with a pair. They came at such a rate from the main river stream just as we exited Zouch lock that only Ians quick thinking, by turning the boat towards the bank, saved the situation. Trouble with these canoeist they don't look to see whats coming and think they have the river to themselves. Don't they realise the damage we could do to them if we ever collided?

Think side mirrors fitted to the canoe might come in useful.

 We soon came into view of Radcliffe cooling towers dominating the horizon and this was also where we had to contend with some low flying planes heading for East Midlands airport.

Came to Kegworth Deep lock and as FS descended I kept a very wary eye on staying forward of the cill. It was here beginning of the month that Empress, a Wyvern hire boat, came to grief when not keeping an eye on the boat. Apparently the chap got off the boat to view the old lock and the boat drifted backwards onto the cill.

See why the boat was nearly sunk. Luckily Empress only had water in the foredeck and the hirers were able to continue with their holiday.

The old lock to the side.

Radcliffe stop lock

 We shared the last lock on the river Soar with another boat and as they continued up the Trent towards Sawley, we did the right turn onto the Erewash. Instead of continuing to Sandiacre today we decided to stay at Trent Lock. I wanted to do the last bit of fishing and also to see if fish stocks had recovered after the awful pollution of 2012. I'm pleased to report loads of Rudd were present but hardly any Roach and I never saw hide nor hair of a Perch or Bream. So I don't think stocks are back to normal after all.

The Soar joins the Trent at this point.

To the right by the building is the River Trent and Nottingham The entrance to the Erewash is at the bridge and left is toward Sawley and the T&M

Heading toward the Erewash entrance.

Wildlife sightings today,