Catapults, drifting boats and dead ducks.

After a lot of deliberating, many glasses of wine and a comment made by Kath from Nb Herbie (Thank you Kath, words of wisdom indeed) we have come to a decision. We will be leaving on Monday after all. Ian has worked out that we could easily be in Stourport by the 24th and this would also be a good place to take delivery of the sofa bed when we get the nod.

Must just tell you of a few incidents along the Erewash involving youths, catapults, dead wild fowl and a small plastic cruiser.

When we left Langley Mill with Carol and Michael back in March we spied 3 youths on the towpath carrying catapults and firing stones at the ducks and swans. 2 mongrels ( one black and one tan) were barking like mad which drew our attention to what was going on. As we crept past they immediately stopped. Not wanting to draw attention to the boat (didn't want a stone through the windows) I didn't take any photos. While moored here at Sandiacre a number of dead ducks have been seen by the lock. Now it is very possible, what with it being mating season and all, that these fatalities were a part of the natural progression of fighting and mating but it seems very strange to have so many. Then a couple of days ago, while on my way to Lidl, I saw a plastic cruiser, usually moored at Padmore moorings in Sandiacre, tied to the railings by the A52 road bridge. Didn't think much of it assuming the pins had been pulled and some kind sole had made it secure. So I was quite surprised to see two lads messing about with it on the towpath side and the third lad across the canal standing exactly where the cruiser had been secured. Took a couple of photos from way back so not the best quality but once I got near to them noticed a catapult lying on the ground. I'm pretty sure one of these lads were with the 2 larger youths seen firing at the ducks and, as luck would have it, coming out of the lock in their canoe were the two older lads complete with one of the dogs, the black mongrel. I've emailed these photos to our neighbourhood watch warden. Apparently these lads are of interest to the police and any photos of them welcomed. Not holding my breath that anything will come of it as none of the other photos sent to the police by me has ever led to a conviction! When I asked why I always got the same answer, not enough evidence!

Lad stood where the cruiser was tied

Older lads with the black dog.

Ducks that got away.