We actually set our alarm again today to make sure we were up early and we were so pleased we did! Chris spotted that a couple of the other boaters were already in the lock at about 7am. We thought the plan was to wait for CRT but to be fair there was a lot more water in the pound and apparently there we some boats on their way up and I know at least one of the boaters was desperate for the services.
Anyway, we prepped the boat ready and when the CRT chap ((Canal and River Trust who looks after the canal and river network)) arrived it seems we were very lucky as he was about to chain the gate and paddles to stop any boats moving for the day so they could try and level them out! He was happy there was enough water though and we were happy to give it a go.
The first three locks and pounds were very tricky due to the low water the boat kept grounding out ((This is where the bottom of the boat is touching the bottom of the canal)) and when we arrived at one of the locks Chris had to go into the weed hatch again and take out loads of weed and bags which were making the steering etc impossible. But all sorted in the end and the CRT chap followed us down on his pushbike to help at the locks and make sure everything was okay – great service and I had a lovely old chin wag with him. ((Of course you did Peachy. A writer’s dream talking to all these people!))
I will say we have learnt so much about the boat during this time. These things play on your mind wondering what you will do when the boat grounds out – luckily for us we weren’t stuck but it was a close thing. Chris has nailed the weed recovery from the weed hatch and we have learned more about how the water flows in and out of the canals, how the weirs work and many other snippets of knowledge which will hopefully help us in the future. It also gives us a frame of reference for how tough the locks and canals are.
Its 10.30am now and as we seem to be moving okay and the water is good, so I’ve snuck inside to try and catch up with the blog. We have been so busy since probably Tuesday 22nd August when we first started cruising up the Erewash and then the blacking, boat jobs and getting off the canal and it’s been a struggle to keep up with the blog and vlog. ((I’ve just snapped the strings on my tiny violin!)) I really need a good day ((sitting on her backside – Peachy’s favourite pastime. It’s the only reason she became a writer. She thought what job can I do which means I can have a legitimate reason to sit down all day. Then of course she added blogging, which was obviously the best thing she ever did because now I’m here – I’m sure you’ll agree. And then… if Peachy hasn’t flattened her backside enough she decides to vlog as well! )) are you finished?? ((for now, Peachy. For now)) The problem is at the end of the day I’m knackered and really cannot be bothered to open my laptop ((Oh the strain of opening a laptop… Peachy you must have the muscles of a gnat!)) You are on one today! I am pushing closer to fifty you know! It’s well known that things break on a boat on an almost daily basis, well, it seems the same happens with the body as well.
Anyway, moving on…
I’m hoping that we will be able to get a little spot on the pontoon at Trent Lock and then I can spend the day catching up. The signal wasn’t great there but it means we can try out the new router we have bought so it will be a good comparison.
Later that day…
We get to the end of the Erewash but sadly there is no room on the pontoon so we carry on and go through Sawley Lock. Luckily there is a lockie on and he puts us on the shady side of the lock – wow it’s a scorcher today! Once through we moor up and empty the Elsan, fill the water bottles and then carry on but within moments we find a 48 hour visitor mooring spot and so grab it to finally get out of this heat! It’s a fab little spot right across from Sawley marina for the bit’s we need to buy, so perfect all around.
We are both shattered and sun worn but glad in a nice way we are off the Erewash for the next stage in the adventure and grateful we didn’t listen to the people who told us not to do it. As I said earlier we have learnt so much and met some wonderful people. Although looking on the stoppages the water levels haven’t improved so we are pleased we left when we did but we really hope to go back one day.
Until tomorrow. xx
Miles/Distance: 6 miles
Locks: 7
Tunnels: 0
Swing Bridges: 0
C.L. Peache 