Tuesday 6 September 2016

Relieved that we have made good time we allowed ourselves a slightly later start today 8.30am.  We have booked into Sawley Marina for the next three nights.  Mum and Dad are coming to pick us up tomorrow so we can go back and get the truck so we have a vehicle for our week in the dry dock.

We arrived at Shardlow Lock which is the first double lock we have been through in ages.  The CRT have volunteers on hand as it is the first lock that a lot of hire-boaters arrive at when they pick up their boats at Shardlow.  One of the volunteers was nearly 80 and a great character – it must keep him fit too as the paddles and gates are pretty heavy!

Through Shardlow and the sun is shining which makes it look really pretty, one more lock then out on the wide bit at Sawley Cut – back on the river.  Then we see Sawley Marina on the right hand side.  

We can relax for the afternoon now.  I set off for a walk in search of a shop, after walking a mile in the wrong direction I turn back and eventually get to Long Eaton where there is a Co-Op – good enough for a bit of fruit and some mince for a spag bol!

Nice morning as the sun comes up over the trees.

Troubled bridge over water.

hundreds of seagulls enjoying the newly harvested field.

Waiting for the lock to fill.

I didn't realise terrapins lived in the canals but this is the second time I have seen them.

It's a lovely morning in Shardlow

This building triggers memories of when the boat was built near here.

Out onto Sawley Cut.

Arriving at Sawley Marina on the right.