Saturday, August 04, 2007

Had a quiet night, considering the mooring is close to a bar, holiday caravan site and marina. Shared a bottle of champagne no less with a solo boater on his way down to Newbury. He was struggling to find somewhere to moor, so we invited him to breast up alongside. The drink was by way of a thankyou (and I think, some company).

We got off at 09:30 this morning. Bright sunshine made it a warm day from the start. Through Beeston lock, and topped up with water, then on to Nottingham.

Leaving Beeston Lock

We’re now on the Beeston Canal, which in turn joins the Nottingham Canal at Lenton Chain. We stopped near Nottingham Castle Marina to visit the Sainsbury store just next to the canal, and who was doing the same but Rev. Reed on his hotel boats Oak and Ash. We’d last seen him at Red Bull on the T&M, turning onto the Macclesfield.
Went and had a bit of a chat, but he was ready to go, heading for the Erewash.

Oak and Ash, with Meg saying hello to the guests.
Rev Reed.
Pressed on through Castle and Meadow lane locks, taking us out of the city and back onto the Trent.

The Trent comes back in below Trent Bridge (of cricket fame)
Along the by now very wide stretch of water to Holme and the first of the big barge locks, keeper operated.

Holme Lock, 12 feet deep, 20-odd feet wide and over 140 feet long.
Next to the lock is the National Water Sports Centre.

Watched canoeists cavorting while waiting for the lock.
Another 2¾ miles saw us at Stoke lock, and our mooring for the night. Unfortunately the pontoon was occupied, so we had to make do with the quay near the lock. The height of the landing indicates just how full this river can get. (And how big some of the boats are!)

Mooring at Stoke Lock. Meg couldn’t manage the ladder, a skill she’s yet to learn!
Saw this large green caterpillar crossing a bridge near Radcliffe on Trent.
Locks 4, miles 10

PS. Booked Cromwell (tidal) lock for Tuesday morning. Let the scary stuff begin!!

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