Where she nestled she stayed.

That's it...our penultimate journey all done and dusted. Took us two and half hours to arrive back at Sandiacre. We could have done it in half the time but we wanted to enjoy this leg. Also, all three of the locks had to be emptied before I could ascend and with the Erewash as our home canal, plenty of the locals came out to chat and welcome us back.

Reversing into the only bit of the Derby Canal still in water, I did an almost textbook manoeuvre until halfway in when the rudder got stuck in the silt. Tried to go forward but that wasn't going to happen. In the end, Ian was thrown the centre rope to pull FS in. The ropes were tied to bollards but with quite a stretch as 'where she nestled she stayed'. Every time Sandiacre lock was used more water was drawn from under her hull until we may as well have been on dry land, not a movement was felt! But so long as we are not on the P, that's the main thing.

Just the photos to show and you won't hear another word from me until we leave for Langley at the weekend (I can almost hear the sighs of relief).

Leaving Trent Lock

Trust boats waiting for the dry dock.

Long Eaton lock

I still can't believe this hasn't been repaired. It was like this when we left in May. See below

May 2017

But this Willow has been trimmed. See next photo as what it was like before.

Dockholme Lock

Sandiacre Lock

One of the locals pleased to see us.

That banner on the bridge, The Start of the Derby Canal.

Just a bit of a gap!

And wildlife today,