This could cause a problem for CRT.

 Jan 7th

Sudden loud bang got us shooting up from our chairs last night. Was we being used as target practice? Thankfully no, it was the aerial that had fallen in a sudden gust of wind! 

Such a lazy start, even got to watch all the BBC news and part of Morning Live. It was frosty first thing but by the time we left the sun had warmed the ground nicely and the back deck, usually lethal if ice or frost had formed, was safe to stand on. I did manage to be up to see the sun rising over Radcliff cooling towers.

It was very slow-going for the first mile. Trent's lock has many houseboats, some of which made us  think about what we would do when we stop cruising but still want to stay on the water. The one below seemed perfect with that huge window and sunny outlook.

Erewash seem to be a magnet for cruisers, this one looked to be dumped and we passed another two at Long Eaton.

Not seen a goods train on this bridge before. Last night the trains were quite noisy but it was the roar of the planes that kept waking us from our slumber. A shock to the system now that holiday travel is permitted once more. I did wonder if there should be a time limit on when the planes were allowed to take off. Obviously not because 2 am and they were still going!

What was I saying about mooring under railway bridges? This boater found a unique way to secure the boat!

Yesterday I mentioned that wide beam. So far we have not seen hide nor hair, so where are they? Opposite Sheetstore's is the only wide enough bit of canal to moor but the one already there is on it's mooring. I even took a photo looking into the sheetstore moorings just in case they had gone in there. Not actually sure they would fit in the entrance!

Sheetstores

Long Eaton lock and where the stoppage is due to start on Monday. Both bottom gate paddles were up leaving the lock empty, strange if that wide beam had gone up. Hmm, but they must have because where are they otherwise? All I can think of is one of those cruisers facing toward Trent Lock must have passed that widebeam and left them up when he descended.

And look what was moored on the lock landing above the lock. No one on board, back doors padlocked, had it been left? What will CRT do on Monday if it is still there? I think a journey back to Long Eaton in the car next week is on the cards, just to see what has happened.

And this is why the stoppage is happening. To repair the lock landing.

Only Dockholme and Sandiacre lock to do. Convenient fishing pegs were near to Dockholme landing, I dropped Ian of at one of these so I could hold out.

Dockholme Lock

Last lock for today, Sandiacre.

 Only one other boat moored on the visitor moorings and we took the first of the line. Rain is forecast for tomorrow and Ian wants to take our car to Langley on Sunday, and then cycle back so we won't be moving until Monday.

And loads of Swans and Cygnets flying today. Parents must be getting the youngsters ready to leave.