The last leg

 Sept 28th

We awoke to a slight list, our worst fears because of all the water problems the Erewash has had. Time was 7 am. Looking out of the back doors toward the lock, yep, a paddle was up! When that happened we have no idea, could have been up all night because unfortunately nothing was seen or heard. Sandiacre lock leaks like a sieve through the bottom gates, a gap so big that even when I was ascending on Thursday, the gates didn't close completely until a quarter full. This lock never holds water, the gates are not balanced properly so as soon as the lock empties, one gate swings open. With that paddle raised, it stood to reason the pound between Sandiacre and pasture lock would start to decrease. 

There was a good mile to go to reach Pasture lock and having left later than expected hoping for an improvement in the levels, it took nearly 35 minutes to reach. With our draught of 2' 4" more often than not the bottom could be felt. From there, an improvement, although weed and encroaching reeds also slowed us down. We both dreaded getting to Greens lock, the problem with that paddle stuck in the open position meant the bottom gates were almost impossible to open. Securing FS on the landing, I walked up to help Ian, on the back of the boat there is only so much that can be seen but looking down into the lock, the problem seemed even worse.

It was as we suspected, no way would that bottom gate open. Our only solution was to find another person willing to help, and luckily a beefy chap walking his dog came to the rescue. Our next problem was leaving the lock once up. Both top gates open just enough to allow a boat through. Silt or something worse is behind those gates, It's something CRT will have to sort sooner rather than later.

 

After nearly six hours, Langley Bridge lock came into view. It was a relief to get back on our mooring, get the electric on and have a well-earned cup of tea. 

So the next week will be a busy one for Ian. The stove is a priority, as is replacing the tiles around the back. I may put a few photos on of the progress at a later date, really hoping for quick conclusion.

And wildlife

Reversing onto a fast flowing river, one brave lady.

 Things unexpectedly happens every now and then and last night was no exception. For us to get a mooring yesterday, we had to wait for a blue boat to vacate a space. Our arrival made them realise the Trent was open for travel again. It was to Cranfleet they wanted to go, so they quickly untied and headed off. Sounds simple, but it really wasn't because the one big problem they had was the way they were facing, and it wasn't toward the lock! With a winding hole a good mile further up the Erewash, they did no more than reverse into the lock, descend and back out onto a fast flowing river. The lady at the helm coped wonderfully and even though the current took the stern the wrong way, she calmly pushed the tiller over until the boat came around and started off toward Cranfleet.

Now, that was not the end of the story.  A while later we were having signal problems with the TV, the ariel was too low and needed raising, so Ian went out to do the deed. He came back inside with news that the blue boat was back and moored on the water point! Gosh now we really wanted to know what had happened to make them return. It wasn't until the next morning that we found out. CRT, having released those 6 boats from Cranfleet yesterday, only went and locked the gates again! In fact, the lady on the blue boat turned up just as they were about to walk away. When she asked to be allowed through, their reply, it was much too dangerous for her to travel that section of the river. Strange then when it was CRTs website that said it was now safe for boats to proceed. With them refusing to open up, all she could do was to return to the Erewash, but I could tell she was fuming because she would have to do that reverse all over again! 

So this time we vacated so they could reclaim that mooring, we wanted water, so we changed positions. Having filled the tank, it was head off toward Long Eaton Lock. Joining us on this part of the journey was Richard and Maxine on their new boat, The Tardis. They, too, moor up in the Great Northern Basin, and it was lucky for us that they arrived at Trent lock at the same time, we could share the locks.

That's the blue boat with pram top.

The ECP&DA Friday work party arrived just as we left. Pentland had been brought back to Trent lock a week ago from Shardlow and was in an ideal place for the workparty to dump all the hedge trimmings.  It's one job less for CRT to have to do.

Long Eaton lock was where I picked up something large on the prop. I managed to get into the lock but as for controlling FS when the paddles were lifted, nop, wasn't going to happen. Ian had to grab the centre rope to stop me going forward into the top gate. Soon found out why I had no reverse or forward gear. 

At Sandiacre lock, we said farewell to our locking friends. They wanted to continue to Gallows Inn, we had to stay, so Ian could take our car to Langley Mill and catch the bus back. That sunken cruiser was still there. It really is time for its removal, especially as it's on the landing. Will it still be there next year when we continue our watery travels? Anyway, for now, we have but one day left, for tomorrow it's back to the Mill for the winter.

A green light and then...oh, a red!

 Sept 26th

This morning Ian walked to Derwent Mouth, a good 3/4 mile from the mooring. Notification came through from CRT that the Trent at Alrewas was back in normal levels, but nothing was mentioned about the Trent conditions here at Shardlow, hence the walk to see for himself. Several things were mentioned when he finally called me, There was only one boat moored on the visitor moorings, the pub moorings were empty and the moorings by the lock had three boats on it. What I really wanted to hear was the state of the river, telling me all about the moorings was a waste of time. I just wanted to tell him to stop pussyfooting around and tell me! I'm sure he does it to wind me up. Anyway, river was in the green....yea! 

By the time Ian returned, I had FS started, untied and on the lock landing and was just about to fill the lock when he arrived. Lock filled and about to enter when, surprise, surprise, another boat turned up. 

 

Slight mishap from the captain when he forgot the boat was in reverse, he walked down the gunnel to drop a front fender between the two boats and couldn't get back quick enough to get it out of gear. So the gate that had been just closed by his good lady was suddenly swung open when the stern fender made contact. She was not best pleased!

Through Shardlow, and you were not wrong Ian about the free moorings.

 

Only the River Soar red light was on at Shardlow Flood gates, not the River Trent.

At Derwent mouth, more of that pennywort obscuring the lock entrance. I managed to miss the clump, but not so our locking companion. It wrapped itself around the prop, luckily the boat was stopped before hitting the bottom gate. Armloads of the stuff were removed, this weed is becoming a real problem.

The flow was strong, and crossing the place where the Derwent met the Trent had FS making a break for the far bank. Having won the battle of wills by pushing the tiller to the left, we continued at a fast pace toward Sawley Flood lock. 

The gates were closed, the other boat got there first and did the honours at the lock. 

 

We continued to Sawley lock, very surprised that no lockkeepers were in attendance, and wondered if it was because the river at this section was still in flood. Surely the red traffic light would be on if it was closed. Stopping on the landing, we went off to see what the gauge showed below the lock. Hmm...the level was off the red, but without any indication if it was amber. 

So back to FS and onto the phone to CRT. They told him the Trent was still in flood and not to proceed. "But we hope to have more news in a few hours" said he. Ian mentioned not showing the red traffic light to warn boaters, and his reply made us both laugh. The bulb had blown and not been replaced.

We had lunch, watched a bit of telly and Ian decided to have a look at CRT flood alert website. And we both had to look twice. Cranfleet flood lock was open and boats could now proceed with caution. Well, if Cranfleet was open, then we too could proceed!  Boats started arriving below the lock, yep, no more proof was required.

  As the lock was full, Ian was sent to push buttons to get us down. Gates opened, Ian then had to get back on board. The landing had those two boats waiting, so nothing for it but to climb down the ladder instead. As soon as we got out into the channel we were away, the Erewash turn had to be done, easy with normal river conditions but a right pig if there was a flow.

 

 Ian, having taken the helm, took the turn slightly late and then had to really put the power on. In we shot, reversed hard and stopped right next to the landing.

Once in the lock, we waited for our boating companions. They were also heading up the Erewash, but only to Mills dock for a repaint. He, too, came in off the river rapidly, so much so that I wondered if he would stop before hitting the top gates! 

We will stay at Trent lock tonight, Sandiacre for tomorrow and do the rest of the trip on Saturday, weather permitting.

And wildlife

So indecisive!

 25th Sept

 For once, we were in agreement, we were both being very indecisive! It was a question that we kept asking ourselves, should we or shouldn't we? "What do you think, Ian?" I asked "I don't know" said he "What do you think?" Good grief, if we keep this up, today was going to be hard! And it was all to do with wondering where to stop overnight.

Last night at least 4 boats came past, all going our way, and with a boat leaving very early this morning, also travelling in our direction, our dilemma was whether we would find a mooring in Shardlow. From Shardlow one has to join the River Trent to get to Sawley and then rejoin the Trent once more to get onto the Erewash. With the river still on red boards, all would have to stop in Shardlow. So the question was, do we make for Shardlow with the possibility of not finding a mooring or play it safe and moor above Aston Lock. With no decision made, we set off for the first of the double locks.

Stenson is a deep lock and takes an age to fill. Of course with that early bird boater leaving this morning, stood to reason it would be against us. 

It was between Stenson and Weston locks that we came across a fallen tree. There did appear a way past, but it would mean going as far over as possible. The gap was a convenient size for FS but a wide beam would have a real problem! A lady was watching, probably wondering if we would make it too.

 

What as surprise when we realised who she was. Karen, from our canal society, and used to be the treasurer a couple of years ago. She and her husband owned a historic working boat called Trout but sold it a year or two back. Anyway, she thought the river had dropped sufficiently for boats to travel along. Hmm, I still wasn't convinced and thought it would be better to stop at Aston overnight. 

 

A late lunch was had, we watched the Beeb weather which showed more rain for the midland area. If the river did drop in the morning, another 24 hours of heavy rain would bring it back up. So again there was a decision to be made. This time Ian was the one to decide. We would leave for Shardlow, and keep everything crossed that a mooring would be found above Shardlow lock

Before we got anywhere near to the lock a piled edge was seen that might be a suitable mooring. But try as I might, no way was FS going to get into the side. In fact the pole had to come out to get FS free.

Stopping FS before the private moorings, Ian got off and walked the short distance to see if anything was free, I awaited a phone call and was very glad when it came to say a mooring was available. So it's now a waiting game, the rain has started and looks to be set for the rest of the night, so will the river come down enough for us to make a break for it tomorrow? Fingers crossed it will!

 

A very brief encounter.

 23rd Sept

There are some things I would rather not have, and Ian's bug is one of them! It was only a matter of time I suppose, living in such a confined space it was inevitable. Whereas Ian had more cold symptoms (runny nose, temperature)  I also developed a cough which was really getting me down. It left me feeling breathless, and without energy. Hmm, maybe it is Covid but without any tests on board, I will never know.

 Notification came through from the CRT stoppages email about the Upper Trent being in flood, so even if the Erewash had water in it, we couldn't get back. With no need to hurry and more rain forecast, we stayed for another day. The forecasted rain never did appear, so the day spent on catchup TV was a waste of more productive activities, i.e., Ian having another go at the flue! Anyway, the last of Clarkson's Grand Tour and several episodes of The Rings of Power were watched and enjoyed, and sometimes it's just nice to sit and chill for the day.

24th Sept

A shop was required and Morrisons was not far from Branston Lock, so we up stakes and got underway. Ian did the shop, I still felt like death warmed up. CRT was on the mooring unloading wood from the workboat, and it was offered to Ian. He declined, we have more than enough stashed away in our wood store, all nice and dry and well seasoned. Then the question was asked about river levels and was pleased to hear that they expect normal river levels in another 2 days.

 We had decided to stop at Willington near to Mercia Marina, so as soon as he returned we got underway again.  Dallow Lane lock was the last of the single locks on the T&M, from now on it's back to the doubles for us.

 

It was as we exited the lock and Ian just about to close the gates when he spied a boat coming, Oh goodie, no need to close the gates. I went toward the landing, so Ian could get back on board, and then realised the boat coming toward us was none other than NB Harnser with Brian and Diane on board. Gosh, I think it was the briefest of encounters, had time to say 'hello' and 'that was good timing' when we both went our separate ways. 

We stopped outside Mercia Marina, Ian walked over to the chandlers to see about a new collar for the stove. A slight problem was found as new collars were all 13 inches and ours is only 12! Not that slightly larger would be a dealbreaker, but the fixing screws would be in the wrong place. Oh dear, its back to the drawing board, I think this job is going to be bigger than anticipated!

It was not going to happen!

 Sept 21st

The hard work began, well for Ian, not for me, although that was to come later. Ian's man flu was manageable, his cough was the worst, and I did wonder if maybe he had Covid. Without a test, there was no way of telling. Anyway, he was determined to start on the chimney and collar today, the weather was still good, so starting outside he tried digging out the cement. That proved a lot harder than he imagined. His hope was to knock the cement out, then come in and dig out the heat-resistant silicon around the bottom of the flue pipe, and then remove the pipe completely.

 

That was the attempt to stop dust from dropping when hammering from above.

 

But that cement was not for removing! He was very reluctant to mention a suggestion to me, it would involve loads of dust, but he plucked up the courage and with some reluctance, I agreed but only if we could shield the main part of the saloon from the debris. It involved working with the hammer and a screwdriver to act as a chisel and trying to remove the cement from inside.

A trial run before the main event.

Well, that didn't work! The sticky tape keeping the sheet up kept unsticking, I hadn't the heart to tell him to stop so, with a sigh, knew that my work would start once he finished. Eventually, after a very long time of putting up with banging and the odd swear word, he broke through the cement and daylight streamed in.

It was only then that he discovered just how bad the top of the flue was. It had more holes in it than a sieve. No wonder we had that fertan running down the wall and why the CO alarm kept going off. Taking the sheet down I was shocked at the amount of dirt, cement and dust that covered everything in that area.

And Ian showed just how bad that top section of the flue was

After what I call a 'man tidy' he had a go at removing the silicon around where the flue met the stove. He failed!!! Oh, the silicon came out okay, but more cement around the flue meant he just couldn't get the flue pipe to turn. He even hit it with a screwdriver in the joint and the lump hammer! So we are back to square one. No using the stove at all, and we heard on the weather this morning that a cold front from the North will be with us at the end of the week. Oh, joy of joys....we have diesel heating thank goodness, but even though Ian is very willing to turn it on if I need it, I am reluctant to keep it on all day.

The predicted rain arrived during late afternoon, and thunder rolled around for a good hour. Sunday and Monday is for more rain, Tuesday dry, so we may make a break for Shardlow. I doubt if we will get much further as CRT will not update about the lack of water on the Erewash situation until Friday 27th and with so much rain, I expect the River Trent will be in flood too.

My turn to play with the windlass

 Sept 20th

The forecast for the midlands was dire! Heavy rain and thunderstorms, a months worth of rain in a few days! Yikes...best try and get through the river section at Alrewas, then! Ian wasn't feeling too good, thinks he has the start of a cold, which is strange because since his chemo all those years ago, he very seldom gets any sort of infection or virus. At the time of the chemo, the nurses said the concoction was more like battery acid being pumped through his veins, and nothing nasty would ever survive. He did get Covid last year, but normally he is always the one to stay healthy. Anyway, what it did mean was I got to get to play with the windlass, did two of the four locks to do today. I had forgotten how awkward the Keeper's lock balance beams were, it took all my strength and just as I managed to close the last gate after Ian had taken FS out, the volunteer lockkeeper appeared.

 After 2 cold and flu tablets, Ian started to feel more like himself and decided he was going to do Bagnall lock. Those blooming bottom gates would not stay closed, and as we only ever close the gates once, if they come open by themselves than so be it. At least we tried. 

That blooming moored boat on the offside really was a nuisance as we came through Alrewas. The bridge was ours (in narrowboat etiquette, the one that gets there first usually goes through, leaving the other to hang about until it's clear) but there lay a problem. How to get past? So Ian started to reverse, we couldn't see if there was a free mooring in front of the bridge, but they could and so to allow us through, they cut across and beckoned us through.

There was hardly any flow on the river section, I expect that will change in a few days when the rain comes arrives in earnest.

At Barton Turns lock, a box of goodies is always next to the fence by the pub to rummage through. Preserves, fruit and veg, eggs and chilli plants on offer today. An honesty box to place the money had a sign on it stating that if any more goods get taken without payment, no longer would the produce be on offer. 

My purchase, a chilli plant.
 

A mooring was found just beyond Branston Water Park. Ian really wanted to have a go at removing the flue and collar, and a lot of drilling and banging would be involved. Best to have the bow as far away as possible from other boats.