SUCH LOVELY PEOPLE

 

Our Home

There are some really lovely people on the canals, and this year, as with every year we have met lots of them.

After saying goodbye to Phillipa at Fradley Junction, we headed off down the Coventry and decided to stop at Huddlesford, a place we have stopped before, and try the Plough which is right by the canal. No darks on for the Captain so he made do with lager once again (he is becoming a bit of a lager lout like me). A nice pub with outside seating and a good menu. The food looked and smelt lovely, but we didn’t partake as we were saving ourselves for Fazeley chippy.

https://www.theploughhuddlesford.com/

The weather was still cool as we cruised to Fazeley, and after a warming lunch we headed out. The pubs in Fazeley are nothing to write home about tbh (it could do with a decent micropub). We did, however have a pint in the 3 Tuns, which is right by the canal, and a second pint in the Three Horseshoes, it was in here we met some of those lovely people I was talking about. I didn’t get their names, but their boat was called Liberty and had an old ‘put put’ engine, better known as a 2 pot engine but ‘put put’ describes the noise it makes. Our conversation turned to cats and we had a lot in common. For those of you new to my blog we did, up until 2019, have 2 boat cats, Sam and Bubbles. They also had boat cats so we had lots of stories to swap, and opinions on which are the best type of cat. It was really enjoyable, and made me realise how much I still miss them.

Sam

Bubbles

After a pint we headed to the chippy. The Captain got his fish chips and curry sauce, whilst I indulged in one of my guilty pleasures a kebab. All I can say is mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

First locks for a while next day with the 2 Glascote locks, I got my exercise in walking to them, so arrived quite a bit before the Captain and boat. There were boats waiting to use the locks so I pitched in and helped. Some seemed more thankful than others, but hey ho that just folks for you.

Then on to Polesworth, I haven’t actual been in the village for a while, we have stopped there but not left the boat. Last time we did, we visited The Spread Eagle which had only recently reopened after refurbishment, we met up with the Captain of NB Mr Blue Sky and had a great afternoon. Apparently he still goes in the pub and was well known to the barmaid.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polesworth

https://www.facebook.com/thespreadeaglepolesworth/?locale=en_GB

On this occasion we had a similar experience and met the Captain and crew, Andy and Jane off NB Rosalan. They even admitted to reading my blog, which was lovely to hear, and we had a great time chatting. Later another gentleman at the bar joined the conversation, as he knew our good friend Keith and his steamboat Hasty. All in all it was a fantastic afternoon.

A busy day for me next day as we had the 11 locks in 2 miles of the Atherstone flight to ascend. At first it didn’t seem very busy, and we saw no one ahead or behind us, but then the boats coming down the locks just came and came and came. All saying how busy it had been with boats going up the flight, this did not bode well for finding moorings at the top of the flight. As usual the volunteer lock keepers were only helping boats through the top lock, and none of them ventured down the flight to help out. I will keep my opinions to myself on this.

But we made it to the top, and our fears were realised as there were no moorings to be had on our favourite stretch. But there was very little git gapping to see either which was good. We did find mooring further out, and it meant a longer walk into the town, but hey ho the pull of the pub was strong so off we set, plus I needed some shopping.

Our favourite pub in Atherstone is the Angel Ale House, so that was our first port of call, they had Poseidon Porter on by Brentwood Brewery, but it was a little on the wishy washy side. So only the one in there.

https://www.brentwoodbrewing.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/theangelinnrealalehouseatherstone/?locale=en_GB

The Market Tavern, a pub we have never been in, as it has had mixed reviews over the years (and people smoking outside the front door, a big no no for me) had recently changed hands and we decided to give it a try, and I must say we were impressed.

A great selection of cast and keg ales on including 2 stouts. The Captain tried Forged Stout from Dublin first, very nice. Then he tried Positive Grindset from Shiney, an espresso martini stout, which was lovely and rich, but with just the right amount of coffee flavour.

I had Pure Pilsner by Purity, a very nice pint. They are planning to do food in the future as well.

https://www.shinybrewing.com/about/

https://puritybrewing.com

I think it will give the Angel a run for its money from now on.

After walking into town next morning, getting a couple of their world famous faggots from Bates butchers for Sunday lunch we set off. Initially our plan was to get to the telegraph pole, a favourite mooring spot of ours between Atherstone and Hawkesbury Junction, but the weather was lovely and quite warm for a change so we just kept going. As usual we met all the boats coming towards us at the worst possible places, on blind bends, just before bridges and passing moored boats. The Captain certainly had his work cut out. We even met one boat over taking another on a blind bend, the boater who was overtaking apologised, told us the boat in front had waved him through, but then not indicated to him that we were there, the first boat didn’t even acknowledge us at all. Again nowt as strange as folk.

Of course we had to go and have a pint in the Greyhound, another real favourite of ours.

We stayed put next day, the rain came down and down. However we did make it to the pub again in between the downpours. Never underestimate the pull of a good pint of Theakston’s mild.

The rain didn’t really abate next day, but we decided we needed to move and head down to Coventry basin for a couple of nights. We kept the pram cover up for most of the journey, only dropping it at low bridges. We waved at the wharf as we passed by, and managed to catch up with Fliss off NB Emancipation and one of our neighbours at Swan Lane. She filled us in with the comings and goings at the Wharf.

The Coventry basin was busy with boats, which we always like to see busy, but we managed to find a reasonable spot for the night and headed to the Hops d’Amour, our favourite pub in Coventry. On more upsetting news, Selmina’s Mexican restaurant is closed due to some planning argument with the council, hope they get it sorted and reopen soon.

https://www.facebook.com/hopsdamourcoventry/?locale=en_GB

https://selminas.co.uk/

We also had a pint in the Old Windmill.

We stayed in the basin next day and the Captain took the opportunity to to touch up the blacking above the gunnels. We headed into town after lunch for a bit of shopping and another pint.

38 miles, 13 locks and 1 canal.

YOU'RE SURE ITS NOT WINTER​???

 

The shirt says it all

The weather has taken a definite turn for the worse. After a night on the pontoons we decided to headed for Shardlow for the night, we waited for the wind to die down, as it was gusting at about 40mph and to let the rain to pass through. Luckily for me there were only 3 locks to do, the first one was manned by lockees, yippee, the second was a flood lock and open, double yippee, but I had to jump off and do the last one which took us onto the Trent and Mersey at Derwent Mouth. The rain just about held off as we moored up outside the New Inn at Shardlow. This is a pub we have been in on numerous occasions, they usually have a decent dark on for the Captain, and the food served is very good. Of course we had to have a pint, Titanic Plum Porter for the Captain and Amstel for me.

https://www.thenewinnshardlowpub.co.uk/

The temperature dropped significantly the next day, and just as we set off the rain started. The first lock was not far, and as I jumped off the rain felt like ice cold needles on my skin, not a pleasant feeling at all. With the lock done I disappeared below and cleaned the whole of the boat, leaving the poor Captain to the inclement weather, I also did a load of washing but had no chance of getting it dry. The decision was taken to put the fire in, both for our comfort and for the drying of the clothes, unheard of this early, we usually hold out until at least October.

I had 3 more locks ahead but the rain had stopped, and although it didn’t get any warmer, at least I didn’t get wet doing them. We moored for the night at Swarkestone, just above the lock, and before the water point. The nearest pub was the Crewe and Harper, a short walk across the fields on a public footpath. We managed to dodge the showers and had a couple of pints in there.

https://www.creweharpurpub.co.uk/

After filling with water and getting rid of some rubbish we headed to Willington. Just before we set off NB Augustus passed us so we were hopeful of sharing the one and only lock of the day with them, these double locks are much easier when you share with another boat, and its also good water management, something we found out a lot about on the Erewash.

We did indeed join them in Stenson lock, and found out they were also stopping at Willington for the night. The moorings in Willington can get very busy, as the village has a railway station, a Coop, other shops, a chippy and 3 pubs. And its only a short walk for the moorings.

When we reached the beginning of the mooring, we could see them starting to pull in near the Dragon pub, and the Captain assured me there was room for us too. In fact there was room for 3 boats as long as nobody left git gaps. It appeared that, until I challenged the Captain of Augustus, he was intending on doing just this. I pointed out that he would be better mooring up close to us, therefore leaving room for a boat (should it arrive) to moor in front of him. This he did, although I am not sure how well he took my suggestion.

We walked into the village as we needed a few bits from the Coop, and of course we had to have a pint. We decided to give The Green Man a try, no darks on but a good pint of John Smiths, so the Captain was happy. As he was getting the drinks I heard my name mentioned and looked over to see Lesley and Nigel off NB Orkney. We had first met them in the Angel Ale House in Atherstone, and then on the Ashby canal, its was great to see them, and we spent a lovely hour or so chatting and catching up.

When we parted company we decided to give the Dragon a try, hoping that Tuffer’s Old by Boots brewery would be on, but it was not to be, however the Captain was very happy with another pint of Titanic Plum Porter.

Only a short hop to Burton upon Trent next day, and out first narrow lock for quite sometime at Darrow Lane. We found good moorings near were the hire car was being delivered. No pub tonight though.

The hire car was delivered right on time (thanks Enterprise car hire), and we were able to use it to run some errands and do some much needed shopping. After a quiet afternoon we headed out for a pint, (of course). Firstly The Weighbridge is a tiny micropub next to Lidl. Railway Porter for the Captain and Two:20 Lager by Titanic for me.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Weighbridge-Inn-Burton-100057584283863/

As you know we like to sniff out new micropubs to visit, and the Captain using all his detective skills found one to try not far from the Weighbridge. Outwoods Brewing, it is located in the railway arches, and the brewery and tap room are side by side. So we took a poddle and weren’t disappointed. There was a good range of beers on from Outwoods (obviously brewed on the premise) and Thornbridge brewery, which is based near Bakewell in the Peak District. The Captain tried the Nitro Stout and I had Czech Mates lager, both from Thornbridge. So good we stayed for another pint.

https://www.facebook.com/OutwoodsBrewCo

We had a long day next day, travelling all the way to Chorley (by car) and back for the Captains granddaughter Olive’s christening. It was a lovely day and great to catch up with all the family.

Grandad Pete and Olive

We set off from Burton and headed for Alrewas, 7miles and 5 single locks away. The weather was lovely for a change. At the first lock we encountered a bit of a queue, so I headed off to help, and discovered the boat in front of us NB Fledermaus (German for flying bat) was a single handing lady, and of course we had to help out were ever we could. I walked between locks getting some much needed exercise, which also meant I could have the lock set and ready for her when she arrived, so no messing about. As we locked up the last lock for the day, the Captain walked up to see what the moorings were like, he managed to find us a great spot but it was a little to short, but the very helpful Captain on NB Wild Cherry offered to move up so we could fit in, and we did.

Alrewas has 3 pubs, and we decided to head to our favourite The George and Dragon, but nothing on to tickle the Captains taste buds, so just a pint of lager. Then we moved on to The William IV, still nothing on in here for the Captain, but we decided to stay. As we were ordering our drinks, the lady who we had helped out came over and thanked us for all our help and offered to buy us a pint, this then turned into a bit of a session. We discovered her name was Phillipa and she had only had her boat a short time, but was an experienced boater.

Our time of the Trent and Mersey was coming to an end, and after 5 locks and a couple of miles we joined the Coventry canal at Fradley Junction.

We saw Phillipa again, she was helping a friend through the locks at Fradley, so we got to say a proper farewell and hope to see her again.

We are heading home to Swan Lane in time for my daughter in-laws 30^th birthday at the end of September, and it will probably be the end of our cruise for this year, but we will see.

29 miles, 19 locks, 1 river and 2 canals.

WORK TO DO AND FAMILY TIMES.

 

Springfield Mill Sandiacre

Our visit to Langley Mill had 2 main reasons. The first was to black the boat, and the 2^nd was to attended 2 birthday parties, my grandson Dylan's 1^st and my sister Diane's 60^th which were on consecutive days the following weekend.

We arrived exhausted on the Thursday and managed to moor with Vicky’s help, the basin was quite busy but we managed to find spots for both boats.

Then off to the pub, The Great Northern, they had Dark Drake by Dancing Duck brewery on for the Captain. Carolyn ordered fish and chips, and they looked great, and very reasonably priced at £9approx.

https://www.facebook.com/greatnorthernlangleymill/?locale=en_GB

Luckily we weren’t booked into dry dock until the Monday, it turned out Carolyn was joining us for the same reason. This meant that Friday was a day just for resting and catching our breath after the nightmare journey up the canal.

We had a quiet day and headed for the Bunny Hop for a pint at tea time. We did call and see if she wanted to join us, but she was still getting over the previous day.

https://www1.camra.org.uk/pubs/bunny-hop-langley-mill-161440

The Captain was a happy bunny with Vanilla Chinchilla, an ice cream porter from Little Critters brewery of Sheffield, and I had Madri. We saw they had a band on on Sunday called Swindle, a Sex Pistols tribute band, not quite our taste in music but thought we would give it a try.

I had invited Carolyn for Sunday lunch, and she was happy to join us and come and see the band too.

The rest of the weekend was quiet, mainly shopping and bits, making sure we were rested and ready for the work ahead.

We did go and see the band, they looked and sounded the part, so a great afternoon was had by all.

Monday and the real work started, more for the Captain than me, as he had the job of pressure washing the hull of the boat, making sure it was ready for us to start applying the bitumen that protects the hull when its in the water. Its a job we have to do every 2/3 years. Carolyn was having the work done by Dan and Vicky, so she could sit back and relax, although she did take little Oscar (her dog) out of the way during the pressure washing, as its an extremely noisy job and no good for little ears.

https://langleymillboatyard.co.uk/

I stayed out of the way whilst the Captain pressure washed, and he was given instructions to come get me when it was time to paint. But he didn’t, naughty Captain. I popped out to see how he was getting on and he had already started without me, very naughty. But I soon joined in.

We had thought after our little mishap at the Anderton Boat Lift, (we hit something in the water whilst winding) that the skeg may have been damaged, and this turned out to be correct. The skeg was cracked and needed welding. Dan is an expert welder and soon had it fixed.

We soon had the first coat on (you usually apply 3 coats below the water line). We also paint up to the gunnels to, just to make the boat look tidier. The Captain wanted to sand the top part first before applying the bitumen, so did this whilst the 1^st coat was drying.

Unfortunately it rained next day, and you cant apply the bitumen in the damp, so that meant nothing got done. Luckily the next day was dry, and we managed to apply the second coat and sand down and paint below the gunnels. Then it rained again so play was halted again. However the final day Friday was glorious and very hot, so the Captain managed a final coat and painted the tunnel bands. I cooked food for Dylan's party the next day rather than painting.

We did manage to eat out one night. We headed to Ripley and the amazing Turkish restaurant

Rokaa. The food was amazing. We had a couple of pints beforehand. First in the Pear Tree and we were amazed at its transformation since our last visit, very smart indeed. Then down to the Talbot, the best real ale pub in Ripley, and finally the Nags, which was our local when we lived in the town. Another great transformation in here to. All 3 well worth a visit.

https://www.rokaturkishkitchen.co.uk/

https://peartreehotelripley.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Talbottaphouse/?locale=en_GB

The bus trip back was a bit of an adventure. A serious accident blocked the bus route, and the driver, not knowing the area needed to find a way round, I was more than happy to guide him with my local knowledge. We soon had him back on track and he didn’t charge me for the trip, bonus.

We were re-floated on Saturday before heading off for Dylan’s party, we had a wonderful time catching up with the family. The same can be said for Diane’s party next day. They made a very enjoyable end to our visit to Langley Mill.

Happy Families

The hard work commenced next day, we needed to be in Burton on Trent for Friday to pick up a hire car, this was to go to Olive’s christening near Preston on Sunday, it has been a very busy time for family events. We decided to do the whole of the Erewash in one go, that’s 16 locks over 12 miles. Carolyn asked to join us, she is a single hander and not in the best of health (bad knees), and was finding it hard to do the locks on her own. We were pleased to be of help.

We made good time to the Gallows lock, which is about half way, and stopped and had lunch in the lock. The second half of the journey seemed to take much longer and we arrived at Trent Lock after about 6hrs. Carolyn managed to breast up against Last of the Summer Wine, whilst we went down the last lock onto the river and moored on the pontoons, which surprisingly only had 2 boats on. We arranged to meet Carolyn in The Steamboat, and then she joined us for a curry I had already prepared, knowing I wouldn’t want to cook after a full day doing locks.

We said our goodbyes here as she was turning left on to the river Trent and her moorings at Cranfleet, and we were turning right and on to the Trent and Mersey canal, heading to Burton upon Trent. Hopefully we will meet up again at some point.

12 miles, 16 locks, 2 canals and 1 river

HARD GOING, BUT WE GOT THERE.

 

Map of the Erewash Canal

Our journey up the Erewash canal was challenging to say the least. We set off bright and early and met our first problem at the very first lock. I got the gate open and the boat in but couldn’t close the gate, it simply wouldn’t shift. Luckily for me the Captain was able to lending a helping hand and it closed eventually.

I also found a lot of the paddles very difficult to wind up and down, they seemed really stiff. The reason for this became apparent later, but at the time I put it down to poor maintenance.

The going was slow, but came to a complete halt at Hallam Fields lock. This is the lock before Gallows lock, where we normally would moor for the night and head off to the pub.

A number of people had informed us that the pound between Hallam lock, and Gallows lock, was extremely low in water and not passable.

We reached Hallam lock to find 2 boats already moored on the lock landing, this did not bode well. On the towpath a gentleman was on his phone, we soon realised he was talking to CRT about the situation and was off NB Last of the Summer Wine, who was moored in front of us.

After he finished his conversation the news wasn’t good, and it looked like we were going no further that day. After lunch and a rest, the Captain decided to take a walk up to Gallows lock to assess the situation. I got chatting to the lady of the second boat NB Manatee, Carolyn. She was a single handed, and had travelled from Trent Lock with David and Eva off Last of the Summer Wine. Turned out she was short of water, as she had expected to get to Langley Mill sooner rather than later. As David was already setting off she hadn’t managed to fill up with water at Trent Lock. I was happy to let her have a bottle of my fizzy water to tied her over.

The Captain phoned me from the pub saying that the situation was hopeless, the pound was extremely low and would need CRT to come and do water management. We just couldn’t take water from the pounds above, as this would create low water issues further up the canal. I decided to walk the mile or so up to meet him and have a pint.

As we sat outside with our pints, 2 youngish guys turned up on bikes, one was an old Chopper, which bought back memories of my childhood. They opened all the paddles on the lock and rode off up the canal, it appeared they were doing water management of their own.

They hadn’t been gone long, when an older guy turned up with a windlass and closed all the paddles, slightly defeating their objective of filling the pound below.

He came over for a chat and told us he was moored just above the lock on NB The Lady and the Tramp, and that the water levels had dropped so much, his boat was now sitting on the bottom of the canal and listing to one side. I will say he was a right character and made me laugh.

He only left us when one of the guys on the bikes returned to find the paddles closed, he explained about his boat and they reached some kind of a compromise. After a short time the bike guy set off to get his boat, the pound had obviously filled up enough to allow him passage and we walked home.

Next morning we checked out the pound and the levels had remained high enough for us to continue our journey to Langley Mill. Carolyn asked if she could join us, as David had work to do and was staying put until after lunch.

The going was slow and steady up to Gallows lock, so I decided to walk up to the next lock, only stopping for a chat with the funny old guy from the night before. This is were I learnt there were more problems ahead with water levels. I set off with my fingers crossed, but it didn’t work.

I got the boats in Greens Lock and walked up to Potters lock, soon realising that this pound was unpassable, just like the one last night. The water was sooooo low, it was just a small trickle in the centre of the canal. Luckily for me the next pound up was a very long pound, so I knew I could take water from there without any problems, well so I thought.

As I let the water down, the boats were stuck in Greens lock, and the Captain phoned CRT to appraise them of the situation, they assured him that someone was somewhere on the canal doing water management, but we hadn’t seen them.

It took an age, and the water levels above the lock dropped more than I would have liked, but eventually the 2 boats made it into the lock.

Unfortunately the water levels had dropped a little to far, and as the boats approached the next lock they grounded again and I had to let more water down. Watching carefully, as the pound to the next lock was quite short and I didn’t want to lower the levels to far in that pound.

This was taking so much time, a journey which should have taken about 3½ hours was now seeming never ending.

At Stenson lock we eventually met up with the CRT guy who was doing the water management, he had had to start from the top, and it was taking time to sort out each pound, but he was doing his best, that’s all I can say.

He helped me get the boats into Stenson Lock, and then went on his way down the canal. At Stenson I realised what had been done to stop people, well kids, from messing a round with the paddles and draining the canal. They had tightened the paddle gear to such a degree that I couldn’t even move the paddles with my trusty windlass, and had to resort to using my long handled one, but even then it was tough going.

I wish I could say that this was the end of our problems, but at the next to last lock at Eastwood, the boats grounded again, and again I had to let water down.

It was so good to finally get into the basin at Langley Mill, say hi to Vicky who runs the boatyard, where we are having the boat black. Then off to the pub for a more than well earned pint. The Great Northern is right next door to the basin and had Dark Drake on by Dancing Duck, so a very happy Captain after a long and frustrating day.

https://langleymillboatyard.co.uk/

Carolyn joined us with her little dog Oscar, and later David. He must have reaped the rewards of all our hard work and made it to the basin without any problems. Lucky him.

I can honestly say that it was one of the hardest days of all my 10yrs of living on the canals, but worth it at the end.

12miles, 16 locks and 2 canals. (the Erewash and the Cromford)

HAPPY TIMES TO BE HAD IN NOTTINGHAM.

 

Three Generations

The wind was still strong, but the Captain took the decision to head to Nottingham after lunch the next day.

After 2 large river locks that were manned, I had my first exercise for a while and had to do Meadow lock. This lock takes you off the river and onto the Beeston and Nottingham canal, which runs through the city before rejoining the river at Beeston lock. There was a CRT reported problem with the lock, with instruction to take care when operating it. But I had no trouble with it and we were soon up and back on the calm waters of the canal.

Part of the Canal Mural in Nottingham

We headed for our favourite moorings in Nottingham, near Sainsburys, with only one more lock to do, Castle lock, we were soon moored up and off to the pub, The Olde Trip to Jerusalem. A Green King pub that offers an excellent choice of real ales, so one of our favourites.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ye_Olde_Trip_to_Jerusalem

We had a couple then headed back to the boat for a quiet night, the plan of action next day was to take a walk into Nottingham, and head up to Victoria Centre and the indoor market there (I do love a market). We took a slightly different route than normal, and had intended to call in at the Broadmarsh shopping centre on the way, only to find it had been demolished since our last visit, and was still being redeveloped. But it was still an enjoyable walk into the town. We made it to the Victoria centre, and I was quite upset to see how the market had deteriorated. Most of the stalls seemed empty, and there was a general air of neglect about the place. The Caribbean food stall was still there, and busy, which was great and a stall offering loose herbs, spices, nuts and seeds was interesting. I managed to get some star anise I needed. 

The Emett Clock in the Victoria Centre

Then off to try a couple of pubs, The Bell, on the Market Square had Old Peculiar on for the Captain, then on to the The Dragon, and a real find in here, Dark Drake by Dancing Duck

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bell_Inn,_Nottingham

http://the-dragon.co.uk/

And finally back to the Trip.

I had heard from my daughter Jess next day (Saturday) and we arranged for them to come for Sunday lunch. So after a bit of shopping I settled in to do some cooking, roast chicken, cauliflower cheese and a lemon merengue for pud. After my hard work the Captain took me for another pint, this time we tried The Canal House which belongs to Castle Rock Brewery. We have cruised past this canalside pub on many occasions, but never visited. It is an interesting pub, with a spur off the canal actually in the building, so you have to go over a bridge to get to the bar. We sat outside in the sunshine, although it wasn’t strappy top and shorts weather (not really had much of that this summer) it was pleasant, and a great people watching place and a great pint,

https://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pubs/canalhouse/

My daughter Jess, her husband Stuart and baby Lowen turned up on time, we had a lovely meal together and time catching up. Lowen is such a happy baby and a credit to them both.

Proud Grandparents

After they left we headed off to pick up a parcel, the Captain had ordered me some Korean Gochujung paste which I needed for a couple of recipes I wanted to try, couldn’t find it in Sainsburys but they do do it I discovered later.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gochujang

We had a pint in the Waters Edge as it was the closet pub and we didn’t fancy walking too far, but were very disappointed so only had the one.

The weather had still been hit and miss over the past few days, but the Captain decide it was nice enough to move to Trent Lock the next day, and it was a very pleasant trip. Beeston lock is a flood lock and a pain to operate. Before doing the lock we intended to put water in, but unfortunately there was a boat on the water point and one waiting, so we changed our minds, we knew there were a number of water points ahead of us. The reason the lock is a pain, is because you have to leave the 2 red paddles up when you leave the lock, this ensures a flow of water going into the Beeston canal. It is also awkward when leaving the lock to get onto the pontoons to pick up your crew. And of course for us the wind wasn’t helping either. Getting off the pontoon was a task but the Captain knows all the tricks in the book, and after a couple of set backs he had us on our way to Cranfleet Lock, this is a very deep lock, but luckily for us there were lockees on to help us through. I did jump off to help out and chatted to the lockees whilst waiting for our boat to lock up. This turned out to be a mistake as the high walls made it difficult for me to get back on the boat, but I managed it with the Captains help, and went for a shower whilst we filled with water. The tap was very slow, and after ½hr we gave up and set off for Trent Lock, with fingers crossed we could get on the pontoons there. Unfortunately we now had a widebeam in front of us who took the last spot on the outside of the pontoon, so we had to back into the inside of the pontoon, but the couple off NB Spruce Goose came out and helped us pull back, and we were soon moored and having a chat, joined by their beautiful German Shepherd Bailey.

A Well known Landmark

Off to the pub after lunch, The Steam Boat, and it was quiet for a Bank Holiday Monday, I think the weather had a lot to do with it. But the Captain was more than happy when he saw they had Imperial Drake on by Dancing Duck, at 6.5% abv its a very moorish stout, and so nice he had 4 pints sat in the sun. On not so good news, we spoke to Simon the owner of the pub, and he is thinking of closing the pub and converting it into Airbnb apartments. I sincerely hope not but only time will tell.

We stayed put next day as we were still a bit early to go up to Langley Mill Basin. The trip up the Erewash usually takes us 2 days. There are 16 double locks over 12 miles. The first 8 take us to Ilkeston and The Gallows for the night, and then the final 8 locks the next day and the Great Northern for a pint. But that’s for next time.

Just an update on Nick and Alison, due to the weather they took their time getting to Nottingham and arrived on the day we left, and are staying there for a week. So we don’t know when our bows will cross again but hopefully they will one day.

21 miles, 7 locks, 1 river and 1 canal

A DETOUR.

 

In Keadby Lock

We decided we had enough time to take a slight detour, as we weren’t due in Langley Mill until the 1^st week in September, and the Captain fancied some fish and chips from Saxilby chippy, one of the best on the system. Since we were going that far we decided to head to Lincoln for a night too. After discussing it with Nick and Alison they decided to join us, they had never been to Lincoln, and had time also, as they didn’t need to be back on their home moorings on the Shroppy until early October.

We were booked to go out of Keadby onto the Trent at 1pm, going with the tide to Torksey before joining the Fossdyke and heading to Saxilby for the night.

We were joined on the Trent not only by Nick and Alison, but by a Brummie called Paul on NB Thunderstruck, he had only recently bought his boat (like a couple of days before) and had no life jackets, maps or an anchor, so the lockee had refused to let him out on his own the day before.

There was enough room in the lock for all of us and it was agreed that we would lead, being experienced, followed by Paul, and Nick bought up the rear. We all had a radio (supplied by the Captain) in case of any problems and to keep in touch.

It was hard going on the river, the sun was out but the wind was terrible, and we were cruising into it. The high winds created waves like you would see on the ocean, and they slapped against the front of the boat creating even bigger waves. But the flow on the river was actually sluggish. This meant the journey to Torksey took a lot longer than in the past.

Paul stayed on the pontoons at Torksey, whilst we headed up the lock and onto the Fossdyke to Saxilby. It soon became apparent that we would not make it to the village in time to have a pint, and get fish and chips, as the chippy closed at 9pm. We eventually arrived and moored up just after 8pm. We headed straight to the Sun, which was really busy and a tad noisy. We discussed heading to the Anglers but it started to rain, so that idea was knocked on the head.

https://www.facebook.com/thesuninn20/?locale=en_GB

Next door to the pub was Bella Pizza, I have had a kebab from there before and was impressed, so we decided to get food from there and take it back to the boat after more beer.

The kebab was lovely and plentiful.

https://www.saxilbybellapizza.co.uk/

After a quiet night we headed to Lincoln, passing the moorings at Brayford Pools and going through the Glory Hole, also known as High Bridge, it is the oldest bridge in the UK to still have buildings standing on it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Bridge,_Lincoln

Through the Glory Hole

We found good moorings. Nick and Alison who had not been to Lincoln before set off to do some sight seeing, whilst we had a quiet time, before heading into town and the Cardinals Hat, a great real ale pub, dating back to the 14C. It is said to be named after Cardinal Wolsley who was Bishop of Lincoln in 1514, before having his head chopped off by Henry VIII

https://www.visitlincoln.com/food-drink/the-cardinals-hat

We also found out it was Lincoln Pride next day, a great reason to stay put for another day.

Nick and Alison joined us in the pub after exploring Lincoln Castle. We organised to head out a round 11am next day so as not to miss the parade. But it meant we were in the pub just after 12, not ideal, but just the one.

We headed back to Torksey, and I took the time to prepare a Sunday lunch for all of us. We moored just before the lock, and Nick breasted up against us to leave enough room for anyone who needed to use the services (water and pump out) that are there. And off to the pub, (I am not sure who is the bad influence on who here). The White Swan is under new management since September 2023, they are hoping to start doing food soon after a major kitchen refurb.

https://www.facebook.com/whiteswantorkseylock/?locale=en_GB

An early start next day (8am) as the tide dictates when you can rejoin the river. The wind was against us once again, and again the journey took longer than expected to get to Newark. One thing in our favour, the locks were all manned so I didn’t have to get off, bonus.

Our favourite moorings in Newark, the pontoons were full. So we had to moor against the low wall opposite for the night, but there were no plans to go out that night, I think we were all too knackered, although Nick and Alison went off and did some shopping at Aldi.

I was on it next morning, and as soon as a couple of the boats left the pontoons I got the Captain in gear and we moved across, so much better. Nick and Alison followed a little later. They were cooking tea for us that night, a curry, but of course first we had to try a few of the pubs. First the Organ Grinder, belonging to Blue Monkey brewery of Derby, the choice of beer is always good and the price reasonable.

https://bluemonkeybrewery.com/organ-grinder-pubs/newark/

Then onto the Prince Rupert, again a good choice of beers but a little more expensive.

https://www.theprincerupert.com/

Finally Just Beer, a proper micropub.

https://www.justbeermicropub.biz/

In here we met Polly and Ian from NB Meadow Pipit, we had met them before in Atherstone, so it was great to catch up, they had had a new engine fitted but were having some teething problems, hopefully it will all be good soon.

Then back to the boat for a lovely curry and more beer.

Nick and Alison decided to stay in Newark for another day, but we needed a pump out at Newark Marina which was through Town Lock, the next lock on our journey, so we decided to head to Gunthorpe for the night.

Getting a pump out was fun, the wind was again against us, and right in the middle of the mooring for the pump out a large yogurt pot. The Captain could see he wouldn’t fit in before the fibre glass boat, and didn’t want to chance the wind pushing us into to it, metal against plastic isn’t the best idea.

He phoned the marina and someone came out and moved the boat forward, then the Captain performed a perfect manoeuvre into the space left. He deserved a round of applause.

The wind has been a problem since we joined the Trent, and this didn’t change for our trip to Gunthorpe. The locks were all manned again so I had very little to do. We did have an air show as we left Hazelford lock. A Chinook helicopter scared the living daylights out of me whilst I was steering, the Captain was having his lunch and a break from the wind in the boat, as it came from behind me, really low and loud, but it was great to see. As was the jet fighter and the stunt plane that flew overhead as we cruised.

A Chinook

The pontoons at Gunthorpe, which have usually been really busy, were almost empty to our surprise but it meant we could easily moor. After a couple of pints in the Unicorn we battened down the hatches, as the wind was going to get worse, and decided to play it by ear next day for our journey into Nottingham.

85 miles, 8 locks, 1 river and 1 canal

WIDE WATER, BIG LOCKS AND BROKEN BRIDGES

 

Sunset on the river

Before we left Leeds we stopped and had a chat with Pete and Dawn. It turned out overnight some low life had nicked their bike off the front of their boat. What is the world coming to?

They were heading back to their moorings at Rotherham, so we wished them well and hoped to see them soon. However Alison and Nick off NB Panacea, who they had been travelling with were heading on to the Trent for the first time, so we said we would catch up with them nearer to Keadby and the Trent if they wanted any tips.

At the first lock of the day a small yogurt pot was coming up so I went to help, the guy on the boat had no experience, and was being helped by the crew of a widebeam which was coming up after. I recognised the yogurt pot as one reported stolen a week earlier, but was happy to hear it had now been reunited with its owner. All well that ends well in some cases.

At the river lock 2 lockees helped us down and onto the river, and then I was on my own. It seemed strange at the first river lock to jump ship without my trusty windlass. These big (and they are big) river locks are all electric, and just require a BW key to operate them. So much easier for me.

Once through we were on the Aire and Calder Navigation. 4 more of the huge locks and we stopped above Lemonroyd lock for the night.

I love being on the river for a change, and we managed to spot a pair of Kingfishers zooming past the boat, we also saw a Red deer, it ran through a field, and then performed what looked like a vertical take off to clear a high wall into the next field, were it disappeared into the undergrowth. Buzzards have soared above us, and Terns dive behind the boat fishing for their dinner. Snowy white Little Egrets and Herons have lined the river bank as we have cruised by.

At Castleford junction we turned left and headed for Ferrybridge, its once famous power station just a pile of rubble now. We found decent moorings at Ferrybridge and decided to stay for the night, and there was a pub (of course), The Golden Lion. So what better way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon than sat outside with a good pint of Cruzcampo over-looking the river.

Although we don’t usually do long days, the weather was so nice next day we decided just to keep going and had lunch on the move. We did around 14miles and 3 locks. Turning right at Southfield Junctions we joined the New Junction Canal. This is 5½ miles long and very straight, with a number of lift and swing bridges, but only 1 lock. The bridges are all electric apart from one, which is right in the middle Sykehouse lock and had to be opened manually before using the lock.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Junction_Canal

I had been in touch with Alison, and suggested meeting up at The New Inn at Stainsforth the next day. She was happy with this suggestion, so after a quiet night we headed for the pub.

https://www.newinnstainforth.co.uk/

At Bramwith Junction we turned off the New Junction canal and onto the South Yorkshire Navigation. Bramwith lock was a bit of a shock, although it is still a large river lock its manual, so my trusty windlass had its first outing for a while. The swing bridge which followed also had us scratching our heads, as it appeared to be closed and there were a number of men working on it. We were really pleased to find out it was only closed to traffic, and not boats (the pub was about 2miles beyond it). A very helpful man from CRT operated it for us, and we were soon on our way.

There are great moorings right outside the pub, which were empty, so we were soon moored up. It has happy memories for us, as Bubbles, our ginger tom cat who died in 2019, made a lot of friends here roaming round the beer garden being a right tart, as was his way.

Alison and Nick turned up after lunch and we agreed to have a pint together later. But the pull of the pub on a hot afternoon was too much, and we were soon sat in the beer garden enjoying a cold beer and the sunshine.

We decided to travel together, so next day we headed for Thorne, only a short hop of about 3miles, they needed diesel and there are 2 boatyards there. At the first, Stanilands, there was no one there to serve them, so onto Thorne Marina and success, and we moored on the pontoons overnight. We headed to the Canal Tavern for a pint, and it was great to see that it was very busy. No darks on for the Captain so he made do with Bierra Moretti, he is becoming a right lager lout like me.

https://www.facebook.com/stanilands/?locale=en_GB

https://www.thorneboatservices.co.uk/index.html

7 miles to Keadby and 7 moveable bridges. The first Princess bridge can be a bit of a pain to operate but behaved itself on this occasion. It was the next bridge, Wykewell lift bridge that proved our undoing. I jumped off and let 4 boats through, but when it came to lower the bridge, nothing, not a dicky bird, it was going nowhere. The fault light was on so the only option was to ring CRT and hope someone came out quickly, as we couldn’t leave it as my key was still in the control panel and we were having to explain to drivers that the bridge was stuck.

A Lift Bridge

Alison and Nick kept going not realising we had a problem. After my phone call with CRT, were they said they would be as quick as possible, I messaged Alison and explained the situation and they agreed to wait at the next bridge for us.

We only had to wait about 20mins and Paul from CRT arrived, it turned out that the lift mechanism was low on oil and he had oil, unfortunately it didn’t solve the problem completely and the bridge still refused to lower. Eventually he had to lower it manually, then the barriers wouldn’t open, so these had to be done by hand to. Once everything was back in place the control panel released my key and we could get back on our way. Paul was great and did a fantastic job.

Our eventual destination Keadby also had a problem with a bridge, the Vazon sliding railway bridge, which is an amazing bit of kit had a fault, and as the railway it carried was a main line and well used, they were only opening it for boats at 10pm at night.

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/sheffield/sy9.htm

We arrived in plenty of time and brested up on the bridge landing to wait, we were informed by the gate keeper it would be dead on 10pm that the bridge was opened. Not a problem and we were both ready to go in plenty of time, but it turned out this was a big fib (and told to make sure everyone was ready). About 10.20pm the bridge opened and we made our way through in the pitch dark, which was fun. A very helpful boater guided us to the available mooring spaces, and we were soon settled for the night and prepared for our adventures on the mighty Trent the next day.

Waiting for the bridge

47 miles, 15 locks, about 17 bridges, 5 canals and 1 river.