7 miles, 2 locks
Today was just one of those very frustrating days that just seemed to go on and on and on. The wind was fierce and bitingly cold - the long sleeved thermal base layer came out again and was definitely needed along with the serious winter hats. First job was to move over to the services to fill up and empty as required. The water flow was good, so this did not take too long.
We needed gas and coal so Mercia Marina was our next stopping place. In we went through the narrow gap, the water widens and then narrows again and we finally emerged to find a new boat shell just being lowered into the water on our right.
We sailed on and on - the marina is huge, but because it goes round a lot of corners with little islands here and there it does not seem as large as it obviously is.
There was nowhere obvious to get coal or gas, so we winded (turned round) and went back to the moorings for Midland Chandlers customers. Somewhere one cannot go past without a visit which Chris duly did coming back with a few bits and bobs and information on where he was to go to get the coal and gas. A DIY job, so he had to trolley first the gas and then two bags of coal. As we were leaving they had already started to add ballast to the new shell.
It all seemed to take forever. It was in fact 1 hour 20 minutes and that was without stopping to explore the many shops on offer!
On the move again we passed Stenson Marina - a much more compact affair.
Just two locks today, but our first (Stenson Lock) broad lock this year. Someone was smiling down on us as there was a boat (Knot my Fault - I love the name!) just about to come out, so the lock was ready for us. Better still there were the best sort of gongoozlers around - the ones that help open and close gates, something that is always appreciated.
Our target for today was Swarkestone, however we only moored up to have lunch as it was noisy (road again) and we just did not fancy staying, so on we went through
Swarkeston Lock which was empty. You would certainly have to take this steady if going up as the flow is very fierce. No need to hold back though with no boat in the lock.
Nothing special about this bridge except its name - well it is to one set of our friends - Massey Bridge
So here we are between bridges 10 and 9 with the only boat in sight about 200 yards away. It is blissfully peaceful, not that we will be sitting outside tonight. The lady single hander from the boat in the distance was walking past with her dog and told us that the Soar is in flood and the Trent will be soon, so we may not get through Sawley Flood lock tomorrow, so watch this space.
And finally what did Chris buy in Midland Chandlers - well some boring stuff (aqua tablets and tape), but he also came back with a gift for me!
A collapsible bucket!
So much easier to store than our current one and it is even in boat colours. No excuse not to clean now. He certainly knows how to treat a girl!
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