On the move.

Our last last night at Sandiacre and we were treated to a spectacular sunset. Two hours earlier we were being buffeted by torrential rain and wind. Looked good for next days travel.

This morning I nipped to Lidl for the items forgotten on the big shop yesterday (isn't that always the way?) leaving Ian to water up ( we knew the tap at Trent Lock was out of action). By 10.30am we cast off, said farewell to the neighbours and glided into the first of the five locks we would do today. Had a lovely uneventful run down to Trent Lock.......well not quite uneventful as I got caught against the piled edge at Dolkholme lock and there just happened to be a section sticking out. Enough wind was blowing to keep me hard against the side and even with Ian pushing the bow away I scrapped a good foot of our newly blacked side back to bare metal! Good job Ian remembered to bring a small tin of bitumen with us!!!

On our way at last.

 It was lunchtime when we arrived at Trent Lock, so while Ian emptied the loo at the facilities, I made the sandwiches. The river was on green boards so after sounding the horn to make boats on the river aware that we were about to exit, we finally said our farewells to the Erewash Canal for another 7 months.

Damage to the bridge wall by the Erewash sign

 Ian happened to remark about a sign that had appeared on the bridge. Looks like someone missed the entrance!  Either that or they tried to get into the canal when the river was in spate! I wonder how long it will take before these bricks are replaced?

Doing a good 5mph Sawley lock soon came into view and quite surprisingly two volunteer lockies were in attendance. Shame we hadn't realised earlier 'cause I had already dropped Ian off at the steps.  I only had to wait a few minutes before the gates opened and, because these lockies are insistent that we rope up, Ian had to clamber back down the ladder and get back on board to hold the rope. Better be safe then sorry though and with this lock being an automated lock (need a BW key) both paddles do lift together causing quite a swirl.

approaching Sawley Lock

Volunteers

 Both of us decided to call it a day at Sawley. I mean 4 hours travel is enough to wear any one out.

One thing I have been looking forward to was fishing again. Last time was back in October last year and I was starting to get withdrawal symptoms. Stopped at Long Eaton to get maggots from Bridge Tackle and couldn't wait to moor up and get the rod out. Not the best of fishing only here, catching only 5 in total, but did I care? Not a hoot. I was one very happy bunnie.

Small Perch

Roach

 Okay... Not another photo of swans I hear you cry but this being Spring, pairing has taken place and nest built. The majority nest in safe places, away from any trouble like the one below, but I wondered at the pair in the last two photos.  Not the best idea to build on the towpath side!!!.  Hopefully they are juveniles and just practicing.