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
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