Monday 11th
August 2014
To Gunthorpe
12.5 miles,
3 locks
Time to
leave Newark – the forecast was for strong winds (they weren’t kidding), but
not too much rain (none). Cleddau moved
up to breast up with us at 09:00 to be ready as the lock keeper started at
09:30. She was pretty much on time and
we went through with ease.
the bridge over the weir
this is it from the land
and the Leicester Trader – a heritage barge, out of the water for hull repairs, but they hope to be finished and open to view again soon.
Out into the countryside – we can only wonder why this man was stood in a field of horses with no shirt on! It really was not that warm!
Past Averham Weir which is huge and quite ferocious – keep well over! There was nothing to stop you going to your doom.
Just before 11am the second layer was added and we were all bundled up against the bitingly cold wind
It certainly is a big imposing river
And very
pretty
Turn right at Gunthorpe Lock – it was just us here as we left nb Cleddau taking on water from a very slow tap at Hazelford lock. We were went ahead in the hopes that we could secure moorings at Gunthorpe. There are a lot of floating pontoons with mooring on each side – would we be lucky?
Yes right at the end on the inside of the pontoon just room for two narrow boats. In we went
To be joined by nb Cleddau in due course.
The wind was really throwing him around
and I am sure he was pleased to stop for the night.
We used to
live near here in the 80’s. Our children
went to school at East Bridgford which is just down the road. Chris thought he might be able to walk there,
but failed in his attempt.
Tuesday 12th
August 2014
To Holme
Pierrepont
7 miles, 2
locks
The first
challenge today was to leave the pontoons! The wind made for an interesting
departure. Cleddau went first. Untie
Hang on tight
The is off, but without Boatwif
The current and wind conspired to take him through 360 degrees
But he makes it back to collect Boatwif
We managed to leave with me on board and without the 360 degree turn, but only by cheating and using the bow thruster!! I was too busy hanging on and leaping aboard to take any photos! It was an interesting way to start the day.
A bit of light relief - a cormorant perched on this post stretching his wings
Under the A6097 (doesn’t the traffic whizz past) just after Gunthorpe. The world down here, thankfully, is a very different place to the world up there.
There is a mooring just after the viaduct that must have been used once, but I would not fancy going up this ladder!
Through Holm Lock which is the deepest on the Trent at 12 foot but it looked deeper
And if we thought Nether lock was fierce, we had not seen anything until we got to Holm.
The moorings at Holme Pierrepont are plentiful and good, but there is a big ledge, so you cannot moor tight up to the bank. We had to extend the ropes on our tyres and put bungees on the rudder to stop ourselves banging and thumping all night. The only other downside - very noisy geese throughout the night
This is a really good place to stop with so much to see. The activity on the water is very entertaining.
There was a lot of action on the canoe slalom.
When you get to the end the only way back is to carry your canoe
This inflatable was boarded right between the two boats
Paddled round
to join the slalom course and in they went
The order was to paddle forward which they did until the water engulfed the front of the boat (I was too engrossed to snap!)
The result two overboard
Who were rescued safe and sound – Chris’ comment – you pay good money at Alton Towers for that sort of experience!
Round the corner were canoeists on calm water having a lesson
Next we came upon the 2500km rowing course
With many
lessons going on including having to stand up in your skull – the winner was
the one who lasted the longest.
On the far side of the course we came across this construction which we assume is the referees standpoint
To give some idea of size this is Chris underneath it – the legs must be around 8 – 10 feet high
At one point on our walk we were approaching an open piece of ground when another border collie came from a 90 degree angle. Her owner could not see us and we could not see him. When we did he was rubbing his eyes and asking if he was seeing double! Tess and Monty, were, indeed very alike. Mind you she loves water and he still does not and just stood and barked at her as if she was mad!
Now how about these two beauties – Great Danes
Wednesday 13th
August 2014
To Beeston
7 miles 2
locks
This boat
was noticed this morning which says it all!
Not long after we set off this morning we came across this property – however did they get planning permission
It was truly enormous
It would have to be a penthouse apartment with a large balcony! You must feel like a poor relation if you live on the other side of the building!
We passed this double decker boat – a first for us
No these gallant souls came to the rescue
He caught
the life line as we passed
Nottinghamshire fire brigade training session
Next came Radcliffe Rail Viaduct
It is much more impressive than any photo I was able to take and definitely better going East to West
Through Meadow Lane Lock and we were back on a canal for the first time since the 6th June. It did seem very strange having the sides so close
Past the Canal Museum that we believe has been closed and is now a pub
Wetherspoons is still advertising that you can watch the World Cup – now that does not fill me with confidence for their eye for detail
This sign by Castle lock told us we were 1.25 miles from the River Trent, but which way? We left the Trent today and will be back on it again tomorrow.
The only
real rain of the day and it has to come at a lock!! It is a bit of a shock having to get out,
wind paddles and push gates after all the Trent Locks!
Past the very unimposing Castle
And into the country again
We are moored just before the lock at Beeston ready to go back on the Trent tomorrow to make our way to Sawley Marina. Nb Cleddau is going in for a day or two, so tomorrow will be our last night together.
Total stats to date:
460.5 miles, 227 locks
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