There may be trouble ahead.

Blooming 'eck it was cold this morning. Nearly let the fire go out last night but really glad we made the right decision to leave it in. This morning and about to set off, I wrapped up in arctic clothing. Well, that wind was icy although Ian was most bemused by my attire and tut-tutted to see the amount I had on. Only a fleece and woolly hat was needed for him! Oh, how I wish I could cope with the cold as well as he can. The only arguments we ever have on the boat is whether to leave a window open or to close it! I usually win.😏

The first lock of the day was within half a mile of the moorings and next to a field full of rape, it looked pretty as a picture. Would have looked even more stunning if the sun had made an appearance.

He always steps across single lock gates. I used to but the older I get the more unsteady I become so knowing my luck I would probably fall in!

Needing diesel we stopped at Shobnall marina for fuel. At 75p ltr, this was as cheap as any we had found since being away. Not the easiest to get into as you have to back up through a short single width bridge 'ole to reach the pump. There is a decent size winding hole in which to turn the bow toward the far bank before backing up and if the wind hadn't been blowing the whole manoeuvre would have been effortless. Not so today and of course we were being watched, much to the amusement of those on the bridge. Ian was on the helm and I was used as a buffer to fend off the cabin sides from hitting the brickwork of the arch. Took several attempts but we got there in the end.

Only had one more lock to do today. This is the last of the single locks and from now until we are back at Langley Mill its all doubles again. But before we reached Dallow lock and on the opposite bank was another Swans nest. Nothing unusual by that until you spy what is behind one of the Swans. Oh dear, I think there may be trouble ahead. Swans with young can be very aggressive so I hope that Canada Goose has her Goslings first.  Eggs are already in her nest but no idea if the Swan has laid yet.

After nearly 5 hours of being on the go, having a quick shop at Morrisons (yes there is another supermarket before we reach Sandiacre but a walk is needed through a small industrial park. You need to moor at the pipe bridge just after the A38 bridge and walk through a narrow passage) and a short stop at Willington for loo emptying, we arrived at Stenson. Tomorrow we hope to make Sawley. That micro pub run by Dave, ex Sawley lock keeper, has a good selection of real ales and 'must go to' if ever we stop there. Only open Thursday through to Sunday we make sure we get our timings right to be there during open hours.

Wildlife today,