After two nights at Shardlow waiting for the rivers to come out of flood. We had the all clear from Shardlow to Sawley, but the Trent below Sawley was still in flood. We decided to make our way to Sawley and shuffle cars so I would be able to get to work on Monday. Derwent mouth was still running quite strong, but we managed without any incidents. Now to sit it out again until it is safe to go.
Moored at Sawley
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
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