Completely baffled by it.

There are times when I despair at what C&RT thinks up next. And why do I hear you ask?

Well, first, it had gone 9 am before we got underway. Sailed through Sandiacre and Dockholme Lock without a problem, both being almost full and ready for the descent. It was as we approached Long Eaton lock, and after I had dropped Ian off by the bridge 'ole that things became a bit strange. "There is someone at the lock" he called out, "But I can't see a boat and the top gates are wide open" Out came my camera to zoom in and see what was what. Turns out to be a C&RT volunteer which, I hear you say, is nothing out of the ordinary. Well, you thought wrong because since when do we have volunteer lockies on the Erewash? Never in all the years travelling this waterway have we ever seen hide nor hair of one! And what was even stranger was what was in his hand. Waving madly at me was a green flag. Oh, now I was completely baffled. Even Ian wondered what was going on. I crept nearer ready to stop if necessary but more frantic waving of the flag. Then a signal I did understand. His hand beckoning me to come forward. A light bulb moment as all became clear. The flag was the means of letting me know I could enter the lock. Once in the lock, I at first thanked him and then asked about the flag. "It's the new C&RT rules," said he "All volunteers are to have red and green flags so boaters know whether to enter a lock or not. "So," said Ian "Red must mean stop then". "Of course" came back the reply. "So," said Ian again, "Where is the red flag?" "Ah," said he, "We haven't been issued with them yet"!!!!! 😖😖😲😲

 Trent lock and next step was descend to the river. Just finished filling the water tank when another boat turned up and we were able to share the lock. bottom gates opened and there on the lock landing on either side was two boats. To get crew back on board it had to be via lock ladder and then, waving us through first by out locking companion, it was a blast on the horn before a right turn onto the River Trent and head towards Sawley.

At Sawley lock, there are two locks in use. The left side was shut but the right open so logically we should have gone straight into that lock. But no...a hand gesture telling us to stop came from the volunteer Lockie (no flag this time...oh, of course, they haven't got the red one yet!😉) so we did no more than stop. The left gate opened and out came a narrowboat. Waiting for some sort of signal as to which side the lock volunteer wanted us to enter, we were surprised when he just disappeared. Up to us then to decide so we choose the left and a good job too as suddenly the right lock gates started shutting. Anyway up we go being very good and using both front and stern ropes (we normally don't bother if it's just us but with the volunteer nearby....he might have got a bit stroppy) and the search was on for Nb Icing. T'was not long before we found her and there was Margaret on hand to greet us with Dennis appearing not long after.

Margaret had made a plan. Continue to Shardlow for a meal at the New Inn after their 'adoptive grandson Stuart and wife Wendy'  joined them at midday.

There's Icing

 With a great trip along the river to the start of the T&M, a mooring was found and we set off for the pub. The meal was delicious. I opted for a lite bite portion of lasagna, chips and side salad but it was far from small, more like a normal portion if you ask me. Great value too for £5.95.

Stop lock Sawley

 No wildlife photographed today, but I did see another Kingfisher. That makes two seen on the Erewash in the last few days. Because of the pollution in 2012, many disappeared completely for several years. Very glad to see them returning.

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