The silence was almost deafening

Thursday 8th May to Saturday 10th May 2014

Relatively early on Thursday morning I moved the boat about 200 metres with a bit of wind about and reversed it into the allocated space that we had - as is usually the case there was no-one about to see it done perfectly - even Diane was still in bed.

The reason for this is to have solar panels fitted - Tim Davies at Onboard Solar was doing job - a 9:30 start and just over 2 hours later they were all installed.

The irony of all of this is that the rain virtually did not stop the whole time; the overcast skies weren't the ideal situation to see how well the system was working, but it still was producing 1-2 amps.

I think we understood that it would be much better in sunny conditions - even on cloudy dry days.

After coughing up the payment we set off - without the rain - and we were heading down the River Soar.

Hard to tell from a distance - is it snow or blossom?

Approaching Kegworth Deep Lock

Still on locking duties whilst the skipper's knee is on the mend

After 2 hours cruising along the river, we looked at the skies and decided that it would be wise to moor up and avoid a drenching - almost minute perfect - all tied up; pram hood up and we were inside and the rain started.

That was it for the day; we had positioned the panels to catch anything that may come forth later.

We would normally have run the engine for a bit longer after mooring but we decided to test the system - nothing to lose.

The rain did stop, the amps started to flow and the batteries were being topped up.

Looked very promising - and naturally we were looking almost constantly to see what was happening - guess we might be doing that for awhile until we get more used to it.

It was not from the excitement of the thought of having the panels and most probably reducing the running of the engine for our power that interrupted sleep that night - seems we were moored on the flight path to East Midlands airport - no wonder it was deserted.

Next day we were heading to Loughborough and it was only just over a 2 hour run; just short of the turn we moored up and let the sun do the rest whilst we went off to do some shopping.

Sunny days - warmth on the back

another house that Diane would buy if we won the lottery -
yes it has a mooring for the Dutch barge

we saw the motorhome moored parked in the pub car park and
immediately thought of Elaine and Paul (mh Manly Ferry)

Yes, when we returned we checked out all of the input figures and it was going very well -  varying between 5 and 15 amps; batteries were up over 13 Volts - very happy.

Weather reports for Saturday suggested that it would be a good day to not move much - we took it as not move at all and so we did - not move that is.

No need to have to run the engine - peace and quiet all day

The new addition - if not for the fact that we have to move, they
almost replace the engine.

There were some showers; some cloud but mostly there was sun and we remained silent - keys left on the hook inside whilst we got stuck into some work inside the boat -  finally got around to finishing off the surround of the fireplace - only been waiting since last August - well it is well progressed and almost done.

All through this we kept checking and smiling - are we happy about it - so far you have to say yes.

11 Miles, 7 Locks

Totals: 2428 Miles, 1752  Locks, 77 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 147 Swing Bridges

Out and then back in again

Monday 5th May to Wednesday 7th May 2014

Bank Holiday Monday - traditionally at least one of the three days on a long weekend is dismal - mmm, no traditions this time around - whilst it wasn't brilliant sunny cloudless skies, this was an OK sort of day.

We had a spot in mind to moor at - beside the playing fields at Trowell - they moorings along here looked like a nice unobtrusive place to spend a night - it wasn't on the list of suitable places given to us by Irene and Ian, but we felt sure this was not the full list anyway.

Diane gave a few of the locks her efforts - the ones that she did do all seemed to be in our favour (so simply open the top gates) and there weren't any of the anti-vandal locks - too easy.

As  soon as we swapped, the locks were only half full and the anti-vandal key was in and out of my pocket endlessly - she does know how to pick them.

Anyway, our night there was uneventful - probably made more so by the evening and overnight rain. It was nice and quiet as well - add this one to the list.

these guys (above and below) were just sitting around with not
a lot to do

Our goal for today was to get as close to Sheetstores Basin, which meant finding a mooring in the more urbanised areas of the canal - most of the stretches of canal didn't offer a place to pull in - those that did were either next to a busy road or less desirable.

These two were a bit more restless than usual - the reason....

...the cygnets were starting to hatch - look at the right hand side
of the eggs and you can see the first one out

We did find a place below Long Eaton Lock which was reasonably open and just before a busy road - seemed pretty good.

Why close to Sheetstores Basin? We were due to get them to look at the tiller/rudder -  it has been quite heavy and difficult to swing over on the turn - Paul had said Wednesday morning would be suitable.

I called to make sure that we were still OK for the morning - as luck would have it he had a chance to look at it that afternoon - be there after 2.

Diane decided that the milk situation was drastic - less than 10 gallons in the fridge, so a trip to Tesco would be worthwhile - the shop was a short walk from where we were, so she would shop, I would cruise down to the basin and she could walk the extra couple of kilometres and meet me there.

I couldn't believe it - cruised down and got in the entrance - there were boats simply everywhere - no way did I think we could get around to where we needed to go - but with the help of Barry it was a breeze.

The real amazement was the whole thing.

In 2 hours flat, Ferndale was taken out of the water, tiller off, bearing off (longest part of this was a 30 minute wait while a set of Allen keys were purchased to fit the grub screw), rudder off, rudder heated and straightened, all reassembled, back in the water, reversed out and on our way.

look closely at the top part of the exposed shaft and you can
see where the bend starts.

the prop is all OK

she made it back OK after shopping

Of course in with that we had the huge sum of ₤40 to part with - they were absolutely fantastic. Our thanks to Paul, Barry and Dave.

If you need any help whenever you are in this area seek them out.

All of this allowed us to amble down and moor up just above Trent Lock.

We strolled off in search of the rubbish disposal point but a heavy shower made us retreat back to the boat and as we found out in the morning, we missed out on a lovely cafe and an equally nice pub just at the junction.

Wednesday, now was all about getting to Shardlow for our next appointment - on Thursday - along the way we needed use of the services - water, elsan and rubbish point - which was taken care of at Sawley.

Coming out onto the River Trent from the Erewash was much easier than I expected; turning to go upstream was less difficult and most of this I have to put down to the rudder work from the day before - Ferndale is handling much better.



Just at Trent Lock - power station in the background

The entrance to the Erewash is at the left where the brickwork
can be seen; straight ahead for Nottingham and right to Leicester

Upstream we made good time without having to push the engine.

quite liked the look of this wide beam at Sawley

The remaining 2 locks to Shardlow were no problem and we moored up about where we wanted to be.

Spoke to Tim Davies at Onboard Solar and we are all set for Thursday.

The only problem that we had was the fickle weather and the washing being put out, then brought in, then out again, in again, out again and finally in for good as we had a number of passing heavy showers.

she does like her washing days

14 Miles, 17 Locks

Totals: 2417 Miles, 1745  Locks, 77 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 147 Swing Bridges

Happy Star Wars Day

Sunday May 4th 2014

I have been reprieved - apparently my services will still be required, at least in the foreseeable future.

She who must be obeyed has decreed that I shall be taken off the "For Sale" list as there no doubt will be more hills to have to push her up; more days when coffee is still required by her in bed; more heavy locks to be done; more Sundays to have to go out for her paper - mmm looks like I have full time employment again.

We did move today as well - about 30 metres - across the canal. It gave us access to the water point and will make it easier to deal with the elsan.

This is the basin - visitor moorings on both sides - we move from
the low brick parapet wall on the right over to the left - as shown.
the small arm on the right is the connection with the now defunct
Nottingham Canal.

Other view of the basin - lock on the right - on the left is the
Nottingham Canal arm

A few boats moored in what remains of the Nottingham Canal

The bonus was that the TV signal improved immeasurably and "she" now has BBC and of course - the snooker.

Diane washed the roof whilst I dealt with our rope situation - we have over the last two years bought and changed some ropes around; others, which had come with the boat and been replaced were either too short, too old, broken and patched up etc had been consigned to out of the way storage places - so all were exhumed and 4 ropes of varying degrees of tattiness will be dumped at the next rubbish point.

We both managed to get a bit of painting done as well - me with varnishing fender holders and a hatch endboard, Diane with staining the plank with a wood preserver - I was not called upon for any clean up duties on the paintbrush holder.

As it was Sunday we went off for Sunday lunch at The Great Northern - the food was fine - not going to drag us back again - but I wasn't impressed with it - even less so with the guy, who seeing me waiting at the bar, didn't bother to ask had I been served - No! just in with his order when the girl said "Who's next?"

He copped an earful - in a quiet forceful manner.

After returning to the boat we relaxed for most of the afternoon and evening - snooker for her and I occasionally looked in on it, but for me a book and the computer.

So endeth another weekend - there will definitely be greater movement on Monday than today

Redundant Crew Member Available

Saturday 3rd May 2014

What a cracker of a day it was!!

The sun was streaming in - even though the curtains were closed this morning and when we emerged outside, it was glorious. The air was a bit cold but there was nothing to take away from the clear bright blue sky.

We only had a couple of miles and three locks to go to the terminus of the canal, so we left reasonably early and we were moored up about 10am.

The cruising highlight without doubt was Diane winding just above the last lock - whilst it was a suitable size, it was tighter than most winding holes.

But wait, that wasn't all, she then brought Ferndale onto the visitor mooring perfectly; stepped off with centre-line in hand and just simply held it without any need to exert force to move the boat.

All I needed to do was tie the front - she had already done the stern line - with all of her skills I am feeling a bit redundant.

Anyone in need of an obsolete crew member?

Whilst she readied herself I tried desperately to remind her of my relevance - pram hood up, all the gear sorted out, TV aerial up - I think that I might have survived for a bit longer.

With virtually a full day ahead of us, we decided to take the train into Nottingham - the prospect of a wait of an hour (we had just missed one) the next option was the bus in just 5 minutes - the travel time was much the same as the train anyway.

With some help from a friendly local lady who advised us about the ₤9 all day ticket which covered the two of us (in fact it allows up to 5 people to travel together on all buses for the whole day for that price - great value for families), we hopped on board - 50 minutes later we were in the centre of Nottingham.

Old Market Square

With the Sheriff - these days reduced to working
for a coffee chain

Every city or town looks much better in full sunshine and Nottingham was able to show off very well indeed.

We ventured up to where the castle once stood - it had disappeared centuries ago and a stately home had replaced it - probably the ultimate in buy-to-demolish and then rebuild.

Castle gates

Love what they have done with the place since
they got rid of the old monstrosity

As we were here for just hours we opted not to do any of the real touristy things - some we had been through before when we were here with the kids back in 2000.

The main attraction of Nottingham - the statue
and history surrounding Robin Hood - not the chick
in theforeground

A wander down to the canal was in order - a bit of a reconnaissance for next year when we come through here.

Diane's favourite thing about walking is the hills (not really) and with Nottingham built as it is, there was plenty of need to push her up the slopes.

It was pleasing to see how the town planners had dealt with the need to remove traffic from the narrow laneways (but still allow access) and leave the city pedestrian friendly.

Pedestrianised but with vehicle access, these 19thC building are
undergoing the process to attract people back to the city

Like all larger towns and cities, we could see areas where the regeneration was well underway and others where it still couldn't spell it.

After lunch we made a bit of a dash for the fast return bus (it cuts out all of the stops before Langley Mill) and takes about half the time, but only leaves hourly - we made it with minutes to spare - more pushing up the hill.

Returning to the boat we found that another boat had moored opposite and we were joined later by a third - all moorings now full.

Much to Diane's annoyance the TV signal for us was non-existent for BBC - but what about the snooker and Neil Robertson?

Problem solved - we streamed it and she was able to see the first four frames via the computer. She watched the last two frames on her phone - sadly Robertson lost, but another excellent player Selby will face O'Sullivan in the final.

We will be moving on Sunday so that she watch it more easily!

2 Miles, 3 Locks

Totals: 2403 Miles, 1728  Locks, 77 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 147 Swing Bridges

Something New, something not blue (a canal is brown)

Wednesday 30th April to Friday 2nd May 2014

It will be another 8 days before we get our new solar panels installed - this will be in Shardlow - so we have decided to take the time to cruise the Erewash Canal.

We haven't been along this canal before, but keep on hearing reasonable reports.

First stop for us after leaving Shardlow was just down as far as Sawley - not too far at all. We moored up and started a couple of small jobs that had been on the list that we have - jobs that involved staining and varnishing - but at least they are done.

The weather didn't look too great and this backed up our decision to just stay put - as we wanted to do anyway.

Diane took a walk into Long Eaton to send a card to her mum for Mother's Day (11th May in Australia this year) - didn't take her too long; I had settled in to get some work done; when she arrived back it was snooker time; warm up time (it had got a bit chilly outside) and time for a cuppa.

We had been through here just last year but we hadn't stopped.

It really is quite nice - a bit like a marina on a river.

Cloud making machines at the ready (nearby Ratcliffe Power Station)...

...and it worked - the morning mist almost making them invisible

Next morning with an overcast sky and a bit of light fog we prepared to head off; elsan first; no need to fill the water tank; a boat went past heading toward the lock, so we went up as well - Diane walking ahead to help with the process.

Down onto the river, our companions went around to the services but we were straight ahead down the river.

Onto the river and time to open the throttle...

...and guess who by.

Opening the throttle to allow the engine a bit of free play - it sounded good and zoomed along quite easily.

In little time at all the 4-way intersection of river and canals came up and we headed left into the opening for the Erewash.

Even though there was seemingly little flow from the Trent, there was still enough to see it's effect as we steered around - the flow taking a bit of a hold and moving us sideways - extra power gave the speed to overcome that and it was a pretty easy turn in the end.

New territory

waiting patiently

TrentLock

Diane still had some problems with her back and so I went up to set the lock - just as I started, there was an invasion of primary school kids, teachers and parents, who had appeared from nowhere - after that they were fascinated with the process of moving the boat through the lock - nobody came forward to help the poor old guy doing the lock.

bye for now

Thanks to Irene (nb Free Spirit) we had a list of suitable mooring spots for this canal and so we cruised crawled along - for the first part it was moored boats and moored houses, after that it seemed that the canal was uniformly shallow.

The houseboats are big in this neck of the woods (or canal)

He stayed still long enough for us to finish
taking photographs

Long Eaton Lock

We carried on through 3 more locks before deciding to moored just above Sandiacre lock.

From what we have seen to this point, the Erewash is heavily urbanised with mooring spots few and none where we would have felt comfortable stopping.
With just a modicum of noise from the nearby A52, there was no trouble sleeping.

The view from the galley above Sandiacre Lock

In the morning we thought that a relatively early start would be best - if the canal remained relatively shallow and with a reasonable number of evenly spaced locks we couldn't be sure how far we might progress.

The first two locks were in our favour - so much so that the bottom gates were open and gate paddles had been left up - not simply a case of the gates opening by themselves.

From a distance it looked like trouble getting around...

...up close it is a sad sight - apparently it has been this way for
a few weeks already

Looking back at one of the villages outside Sandiacre

Coot kids

The canal does become more rural as we progress

Given that we yet to see another boat moving, save for a CaRT vessel we were at a loss to explain the open locks.

We shouldn't have bothered - the karma gods made sure that the next 6 locks were all against us and a couple with top gates that wouldn't stay closed until we started to empty them.

But we got through OK; the scenery changed from entirely urban/industrial to more countryside - an Ashby or Shroppie it isn't, but it does have it's own character and so far I wouldn't say that it wasn't worth it.

We had the good oil on the next mooring point and the pub alongside - both from Irene and also from a guy at one of the locks, who was also a member of the Erewash Canal Society.

So we took the advice and moored up at Cotmanhay Bridge - The Bridge Inn right next to it - Happy Friday took place here - photos duly despatched to the viber recipients.

The Happy Friday picture - Diane knew about the rabbit ears
as the photo was being taken

We got to chatting with the licensee who in the past had been a boat owner - so a bit of discussion about the canal and things associated with it.

He was keen to let us know that he has a couple of winter moorings available if we were in the market, they were there at a good price.

A bit more discussion about the ales available, a local brewery and things in general.

It was a comfortable friendly pub and we would be happy to have another visit if time permitted.

We have a few more days before we go back to Shardlow, one of these will be a visit to the boatyard at Sheetstores Basin to see about our stiff tiller/rudder - we'll see how that all goes next week.

11 Miles, 14 Locks

Totals: 2401 Miles, 1725  Locks, 77 Tunnels, 32 Lift Bridges, 147 Swing Bridges