Unfortunately we have been informed that the rivers Trent and Soar are both in flood, so Shardlow will be as far as we can cruise today. We have had strong blustery winds today, but cruising conditions were a lot better that expected.
Approaching Shardlow Lock
Moored overnight outside the Clock Warehouse
The forecast for today was looking grim. We set off to wind at Barton Turns, before we even got there the heavens opened. There was torrential thunder storm after another, which lasted for most part of the day. Getting wet was an understatement. We had to press on as we were trying to get back for the weekend and hopefully avoiding the rivers going back into flood. Just coming out of Burton on Trent, we were stopped by two B.W. guys asking for assistance. Unfortunately there was a dead puppy in the water on the far bank that they couldn’t reach, they gave Ian the rake and we managed to pull it back across. After reaching Willington, our evening was spent in the newly refurbished Dragon and a very nice meal it was too.
We planned to overnight at Branston so that we could visit another favourite of ours, the Bridge. It didn’t disappoint us, we had a very nice Italian meal and also met up with neighbours from Willow Moorings, Dick and Jean.
New signage for Marston’s brewery at Shobnall
Approaching Branston Lock
Overnight moorings at Branston
Paul had a phone call from a B.W. friend to say the Trent was open again. So we set off stopping at Sawley to get our temporary canal licence. The sun was shining for most of the day. Having done eight locks, we were hoping to get to Willington, but as we approached Ragley Boat Stop the showers were getting heavier. So we decided to moor here overnight.
Trent Lock
Sawley Lock
Shardlow Lock
Waiting to pick Ian up at Aston Lock
Weston Lock
Swarkstone Lock
Overnight moorings at Ragley Boat Stop
Having been told the rivers were both open for navigation, we set off for our week on the Trent and Mersey. We had only got as far as Kegworth lock when we met up with two B.W. guys and was told the Trent had just gone back into flood. We moored for the night just before Ratcliffe lock and had an enjoyable afternoon in the sunshine drinking and chatting.
The views from our mooring
Spent a fun filled weekend at the Soar Boating Club, messing around on the River with the many classic boats that arrived. The weekend was a great success, along with the catering, entertainment and of course good company.
St James’s Church, Normanton on Soar
Paul’s Broom, Finale
Out for a spin with Gary in the Avenger, Purdey
Finale following in Purdey’s wake
Gary, Jane, Pete and Anne
Getting a chance to drive the Broom, Finale
Gary, Jane and Paul, stopping for a quick drink at the Rose and Crown, Zouch
No pictures today, just a quick update. We woke to rain this morning and the forecast was for heavy rain and high winds later. We made a dash back to the SBC, where we had planned to be for the weekend for the Classic Boat Rally, despite the weather, it should still be a great weekend. Fingers crossed the river Soar and Trent are not in flood and we can head on to the Trent and Mersey next week.
Making the most of the good weather we headed back to Loughborough. We planned to eat out at our favourite Italian. As we pulled in to moor we spotted Ally and Marc, it was great to see them back out on the cut after their engine problems.
Junction Lock
Leaving Junction Lock
Blue skies, on the River Wreake. Pity it is not going to last.
Cossington Lock
A new little basin being built at Mount Sorrell
Leaving Barrow
Another nice day for cruising, the sun has been shining and no rain on the forecast (at least for the next few days). The River Soar is still on amber in a lot of places and still has a lot of water on, making the entrance to Sileby Mill Lock the usual slalom event. Luckily Jo and Ian walked on ahead from Mount Sorrell and set the lock ready for our approach. As the weather held, we decided to moor alongside Watermead Park and bbq rather than going to the Hope and Anchor, especially as England were playing. After a pleasant walk around the lake with Charlie we settled aboard Repent at Leisure to watch the match.
Mount Sorrell Lock. Charlie waiting patiently to continue her walk. She is very lucky as Jo walks her the whole way whenever we are cruising.
Sileby Mill. We always comment, we wouldn’t want to moor there !!
Getting ready to bbq
Sculptures around the lake
We left Kegworth last Thursday as the forecast was more rain and the Soar would be in flood, mooring at the SBC at Normanton on Soar. Spent the weekend celebrating the club’s 59th birthday. Luckily the weather was fine on Monday, the Soar was out of flood but the Trent was still borderline. After discussions with Paul and Jo, nb Repent at Leisure, who we are cruising with for the next fortnight, we decided to set off towards Leicester, mooring for the night at Barrow. A quick drink in the Navigation before heading for dinner at the Hunting Lodge, then on to meet up with Ally and Marc at the Soar Bridge.
Setting off, Normanton on Soar
Bishop Meadow Lock
Nottingham Road Bridge, Loughborough
Heading towards Pillings
The weir at Pillings Flood Lock
Pillings Flood Lock
Heading towards Barrow on Soar
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