When you've got to go...you got to go!

Okay.... maybe we were a bit foolhardy this morning. A window of opportunity showed itself by the River going into the amber. Not by much but enough for us to say 'sod it' let's go for it!

 The wind was a bit gusty but manageable...or so we thought! Nipped to the water point to top up the tank, lifted the paddles to fill the lock, entered the lock and was met by a friend of ours who tut-tutted and said 'Your brave to go out in this wind' And boy was she right. Thankfully Jan shut the gate for us allowing Ian to climb down the ladder and get on board because I don't think I could have held FS on the landing long enough for Ian to jump back on.

Entering Trent Lock

Well, we turned left and entered the river. OMG talk about a hairy moment. The wind caught FS clean on the Starboard side pushing her over at an angle. Both of us quickly counteracted the tilt and that is where we had to stay until the right turn onto the River Soar.

Looking back having successfully made the turn. We did get rather close to that overhanging branch though.

I believe that to be Nb Seyella on the pontoon. Hadn't realised they were bloggers. Shame really as we saw them up at Langley Mill

Waves on the River.

Looking back towards the Erewash Junction

It was still a battle to keep FS from hitting the moored boats at Redhill and the turn into Ratcliffe lock was not one I was looking forward to.

Flood lock should have been open but the wind must have blown the gates shut.

Choppy or what!

So we get to Ratcliffe lock and to make matters worse we had to try and tie to the landing as two boats were descending the lock. It was necessary to tie bow, middle and stern ropes to the bollards to stop FS from being pushed away from the landing. Thankfully with the exiting boats, a short lull in the wind made turning into the lock not as terrifying as I thought.

That dreaded right turn. Normally okay when there is no wind but today.....eek

By now though we had had enough. Zouch would have been our destination because, having told our daughter and son in law that they could visit us at Trent Lock, a phone call was then made to tell of the change of plan. But trying to battle the wind and keep FS in a straight line was just too difficult and we said enough was enough stopping at Kegworth visitor moorings instead. So yet another phone call with the change of plans to the family and now we await their arrival. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better but I know one thing. If the wind is still as strong as this then here we stay!

And today's wildlife,

Male Pied Wagtail

And female

Oyster Catchers