Delay at Sawley Lock

Hmm, have a slight problem here at Sawley now. There has always been lights along the moorings but all have now been replaced with LED's. Fine, the power saving would be massive but those LED's give off so much light its almost like night having turned into day. Not having blackout curtains in the bedroom, it took a while to get off to sleep and sometime in the wee hours of the morning the rain woke me up. I honestly thought it was time for a cup of tea and very nearly gave Ian a nudge to ask if he would go and make me one! (I'm on the gunwale side so difficult to get out)  Only having a quick look at my watch saved me from sure abuse that would have come from a very disgruntled Ian!

 

Ratcliffe power station fully operational

Our progress was delayed this morning. Latish start which turned out to be a good thing because, having arrived at Sawley Lock, we were informed by C&RT that there would be a good 25-minute wait for lock 1 to become free for our use. It was all to do with new gates being fitted at lock 2. Of course, I took loads of photos plus some video, too much for now, so with us not moving from Sandiacre, I  will wait until tomorrow to put on the blog.

Jenn at lock 1 only to find the work barge had taken it over.

Three boats waiting. A forth turned up but decided not to wait and headed back.

Finally on our way.

The river was like a mill pond, hardly any flow. No point in putting any power on as we wanted to savour the moment. Could be the last cruise for 6 months.

If anyone didn't know where the entrance to the Erewash was, this could confuse them.

Low water levels, so we suspect it was this pound that had been drained a few days ago.

Dockholme Lock had one gate that refused to open fully. Turned out to be rhizome from the reeds.

Up and out of Sandiacre lock and very pleased to see the moorings free. Quite what we would have done if they hadn't as the next mooring was at Padmore in the centre of Sandiacre.  Ian would have had a long walk back to fetch the car for the MOT!

We stay now until next Monday. Jobs to be done, family to visit, got to get that in before the inevitable lockdown that's coming!

And today's wildlife,