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!