The final journey

A grand day to leave Sandiacre for our final cruise to Langley. Bit grey and overcast but no wind and warm enough for a jumper rather then a coat.

We left around 8ish having arranged to meet Dave and Heather (nb Vixen) and Carole and Mick (nb Electra) at Padmore moorings. With us making the third boat it stood to reason that we would be on our own at all the locks. No chance of finding a forth boat, mores the pity, and having decided that Vixen and Electra should go ahead, it actually benefited us as Dave lifted a paddle at every lock in readiness for our arrival.  After 5 hours we made it to Langley and instead of going into the basin decided to stay on the visitor moorings overnight. FS needs a good wash and sprucing up (removal of all the leaves on the roof) and such is the nature of the mooring in the basin that washing her will be out of the question. Even my windows may stay dirty until we start our cruising season again next year.

Blogging may be put on hold now unless anything of interest crops up. Will still keep up with the wildlife photos as I aim to go walking most days even though I no longer have Jade. It's to easy to stay in a comfy chair and not bother but with an ever expanding waistline I really have to make the effort.

Some photos of the journey as well as wildlife seen on route.

Sad sight to see this narrowboat on it's way to a watery end.

Spooky.

Lovely autumnal colours.

Caught up with Vixen and Electra at Shipley lock

Glad we decided to take the chimney off. Water levels today were much higher then normal.

Electra and Vixen heading for the basin

FS waiting for her turn.

 Lovely to see the Kingfisher is still fishing the upper stretches of the Erewash. Means this part of the canal must be full of fish.

A Robin keeps guard

 Slightly more unusual wildlife. Water snails clinging to the lock wall

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