Wednesday 17 July 2013

Return Trip from Consall Forge

We planned our holiday so we could have time to relax for a few days at Consall Forge. It is one of our favourite places on the system, completely isolated with no phone or internet signals. On this occasion we did not take our boat to Froghall, but we did had a very enjoyable walk, rewarded by a nice cold pint at the Black Lion on our return. As we were there over the weekend, the steam train was running as well.

031 The Black Lion, Consall Forge

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Morning sunshine, view from our mooring

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Lime Kilns

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Churnet Valley Steam Railway

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Proof that I do let go of the tiller and let Ian steer once in awhile

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One of three sculptures depicting the local industries

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051 Ivy Road electric lift bridge

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Regeneration in Hanley

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Misty morning near Fradley

Kegworth to the Caldon Canal

The time has arrived for our annual holiday, although the blog is a little after the event, we felt we still needed to record it on the blog. Photos are mainly of the Caldon as we have put that many on already of the Trent and Mersey. We set off on Friday 28 June with friends Paul and Jo on nb Repent at Leisure, heading for Trent Lock at tea time, just managing to moor before the rain. After that we were very lucky with the weather and it got hotter and hotter.

002Great Haywood Junction, heading towards Stoke on Trent

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Nice to see the kilns still preserved in Stoke

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Sharp U turn from the lock on to the Caldon Canal

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Statue of James Brindley at Etruria

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Bedford Street staircase lock at the start of the Caldon, 19’3”

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Obstruction, the site of a light railway swing bridge

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Hazelhurst Locks

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Hazelhurst Aquaduct, the Leek arm above

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Flint Mill

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029 The River Churnet

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Moored at Consall Forge

Monday 27 May 2013

Langley Mill Boat Rally – May 2013

We can now say that we have completed the Erewash Canal.  12 miles long and 15 locks. Six boats from the Soar Boating Club, Serenity included set off last weekend to ensure our mooring spot at Langley Mill. The boat rally was arranged to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the restoration of the Erewash Canal.

001 Trent Lock

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Long Eaton

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Sandiacre013Lace Mill, Sandiacre, built in 1890015Cloud House and Sandiacre Church

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Passing under the M1

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Waiting for the rest to arrive, eventually there were over 60 boats lined three abreast.

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Langley Mill basin, the junction of the Erewash, Cromford and Nottingham Canals

A lovely weekend was had by all, the weather behaved and the sun shone. All the stores were busy and especially the beer tent. A big thank you to the organisers.