Branston Water Park to Wittington
6.5 miles, 2 locks
We woke to rain, rain and yes, yet more rain, plus it was a lot colder than it had been yesterday, so serious layers were required to try to keep dry and warm. A few days ago Sue (Boatwif) from nb Cleddau commented to me that on one occasion recently, had her clothing needed to be removed in an emergency she had on 19 separate items. I cannot claim that many, but was quite impressed with 15 (not including my glasses). I am glad to report that neither of us required such intervention.
First job - a walk round the lake with Monty whilst Chris got the boat ready to go. It was too wet for photos, but it is a good walk of just under a mile and a half and good surface all the way round, hence not too much mud.
Fully togged up, off we went. It was a miserable, cold and wet trip with the very noisy A38 very evident for a lot of the way. We were surprised that there was so much boat traffic with short queues at both locks. Most were going our way. It meant help at each lock with the bottom double gates - something that is always appreciated. I discovered that we were in a line of 13 boats from Lichfield Cruising Club that are all heading for the Erewash and today's destination was Willington. Thankfully they were all mooring up on the outskirts as we needed to be in the centre as our daughter in law is arriving tomorrow to take us to their house for the day.
A bit of an obstacle at Shobnall Basin
I had a conversation with a single hander boater a day or so ago. I was helping him through the lock and, as you do, we started to discuss where we were off to. He was heading west along the Trent and Mersey on his way to London. Nothing unusual in that, but he then added 'Yes the wife said she wanted to go to London this year and when I said okay, she said 'that's great, thank you - give me a ring when you get there and I will get the train''!!
Postscript - the misshapen cake tastes good and a new 2lb loaf tin arrived courtesy of Tesco on Friday.
Sunday 29th April 2018 - Shore Leave
Jo came to collect us mid morning as arranged and took us to their house. Dirty sheets and towels travelled with us and came back clean and dry - a huge bonus with the current weather. We were taken to Go Outdoors and Boots. We then had a meal with Jo and the three grandchildren (our son is away on business) before settling down to watch Paddington 2. It is a film we have seen before, but it is so good it is no hardship to watch it again and again. If you have not seen it, then put it on your wish list. Early evening Jo dropped us off at the boat for a quiet evening (no cooking) before we head off again tomorrow. It was a blissful interlude and we look forward to seeing them all, plus our son, next weekend.
Typically it was dry all day with the odd burst of sunshine and tomorrow it is due to rain again.
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