paddles lifted, force of water and a boat escape

And here was I thinking it would be a straight forward sort of day, only 6 broad locks to do so what could possibly happen! Well, nothing on the first leg of the trip. It was as we got to Aston lock that the fun and games began.

Leaving Sawley yesterday it was a short trip along the River Trent to Derwent mouth. There is always one section where a bit more power is advisable, near the junction to the T&M,  because the river Derwent flows into the river Trent from left to right (upstream). Those unaware would find themselves suddenly veering off to the right even though their aim for the lock cutting was straight and true. Today the River levels were at normal conditions, great for cruising but meant the water was a good few feet down and the bank a good few feet up!  Getting off the boat meant a certain amount of agility needed something I don't have these days. Hooray for my man that can.

At Shardlow lock, Jim and I took the boats out together, easier to pick up crew at the lock mouth then each going onto the landing. One big problem at this lock, a huge bolt stuck out from the rubbing strake on the lock gate and with us both going out together there was no avoiding it so took a good chunk from Jims newly painted gunnels, he was not best pleased!

 Aston lock, a right B because of a shortish landing with only just about room enough for two boats and not enough bollards for the lead boat to get a bow rope onto. And boy do you need to secure a bow rope! The force of water when the paddles are lifted is so great that without the bow secured and only on a centre rope, there is nothing for it but watch in horror as the boat takes off. This was very evident a year ago when it happened to another boater. See this post for photos.  Jim was first onto the landing and pulled forward to allow me to get in behind. He then just about managed to tie the centre rope to a bollard when Jen lifted the paddles. Sure enough Dire Straits took off. Ian rushed to his aid and with both men heaving for all it was worth and shouting to Jen to drop the paddles, they brought the boat back under control. Seeing the problem I managed to get FS's the bow rope round a bollard thus saving FS to a similar fate!

Back under control. Note the lack of bollard to tie the bow. rope to.

 Excitement over I took the lead after we had ascended and headed for Weston lock. Well, would you believe the very same thing happened to me? Moved forward to the lock approach, no bollard for the bow rope to be tied to, only on the centre rope but this time I did have the presence of mind to grab hold of the bow rope. Paddle lifted and me holding on for dear life. Ian eventually realises and comes running but I must admit I almost gave up to leave FS to her own devices, so great was the force pushing her bow out. Very glad to leave those to locks behind and just the two, Swarkstone and Stenson, to do.

Eventually stopped by Mercia Marina and again we only just made it before the thunder arrived. This time the rumbling seemed to go on for ages with lightening every minute or so. Pretty spectacular and lovely to watch in the dry. The weather forecast doesn't look good for tomorrow (today now as the internet was rubbish and I couldn't post yesterday) so may well just batten down the hatches and stay put.

And seen on route,

Fields of blue flowers. Borage or linseed??

And wildlife

Grey Wagtail

Peacock butterfly caterpillar