Continuing from yesterday… the next lock was Eastwood lock which I can remember nothing about ((Of course you carn’t Peachy. It’s not as if anyone actually expects these blogs to be informative!)) I will attempt to give a better account on my way back! We finally arrived to Langley Mill Lock and as luck would have Dan from the boatyard had come back from his hols so we had a natter about what to do get into the dry dock and off they went to Lidl whilst we nervously prepared ourselves to go into the dock.
It was a bit of a faff to turn the boat due to the size and the weed but with help from another boater we soon got it turned and stern into the dry dock. We weren’t supposed to be ‘waterless’ until Thursday morning but as we’d arrived in good time Dan and Vikki decided to crack on and get it done tonight. It was weird seeing the water drain away and also be on steady footing! It’s like reverse sea legs as you move down the boat to compensate for it moving but it’s not actually moving!
It’s about 7pm by the time we sit down to have some food after starting at 7.30am this morning we are ready for a rest. We were so pleased to have made it to the end of Erewash. After everything we had heard it was a relief to arrive and what a stunning canal it is!
Now to Thursday…
It’s up early and off to Newark again today. It’s a boiling hot day but I dress incorrectly but at least I have my top the right way round which makes a change from the whole day I spent with my top inside out which Chris only noticed at the end of the day! Honestly, I despair of myself nowadays. ((yes, but you provide such entertainment for people Peachy))
Luckily Chris managed to get the car last night as Tom one of the guys from the boatyard was heading that was so very kindly gave him a lift so it we just had to set off when we were ready. When we arrived back from Newark the jet washing had been done and Vikki was already well on with painting the first coat – which looked amazing! Thankfully everything looked good and there were no issues we need to deal with she’d also cleaned the fenders ((The coiled ropes at the bow and the stern to stop them bashing into stuff and destroying the boat))
There was a rather strong smell on the boat as you would expect when the boat has been covered in Bitumen but it soon clears as the boat dries. It’s very weird living in a dry dock in a boatyard! It’s one after another of new experiences in this boating world and bloody brilliant.
An interview I had with a magazine in India is launched today which is quite exciting – here is the link – click here to read. It really feels like everything is coming together. just have to keep working hard! ((Famous last words Peachy. Although I hope it does as it means I get more screen time))
Until tomorrow. x
Miles/Distance: 5 miles
Locks: 8
Tunnels: 0
Swing Bridges: 0
Facilities…
Toilets: Great Northern Basin/Langley Mill there is a toilet
Elsan: Yes. Well maintained
Bins: No – apparently there used to be bons but CRT removed them! Not very useful but there are bins available in some of the businesses nearby which strickly speaking you cannot use but the odd bit here and there whose gonna know if you don’t tell them! We used the bins in the boatyard when we were booked in.
Showers: No
Waterpoint: Yes. Beware! It’s got the power of Niagara falls after a rainy day! Wow, it has some pressure.
General: Great area. Shame it doesn’t have any bins as the other place is at Trent Lock. They really could do a little more to encourage people to cruise the Erewash by offering all the facilities they can. Yes this canal is a challenge but well worth it.
C.L. Peache 