Monday we moved the short distance from Cranfleet to Sawley. The lock was manned again so I didn’t even have to get off the boat. We moored opposite the Derby Boat Club.
After mooring we went to Long Eaton on the bus and as we had missed the opportunity to go to Sainsburys in Nottingham, we did some shopping at Asda. I also got my unruly locks cut at Combinaction (great name) which is a walk in hairdressers and was not busy when I just happened to be passing, lucky for me.
Ken went off to the pub (obviously) to wait for me. The Twichell Inn (Wetherspoons) in Long Eaton is usually packed but they were refurbishing the kitchen this week so it was lovely and quiet. Apart from the fact that just after I arrived they had a fire drill!
Tuesday we stayed at Sawley because Ken wanted to check the batteries in the morning and in the evening we wanted to go for a meal in The Harrington. After the batteries were done we went to Long Eaton again for more shopping and another visit to the Wetherspoons, still nice and quiet.
In the afternoon we had a visit from Jeff and Shirl from Thurmaston who were on their way back from a trip to Boston. They were moored at Trent Lock and had come to Sawley for a walk. It was nice to see them and we will see them again in October when we take the boat to have it’s work done.
In the evening we went to the Harrington and had a lovely meal. It was a really warm evening and we sat outside before and after the food. We did exceed the stated wine dose though and both fell asleep soon after returning to the boat!
Today we have travelled another 5 miles and 4 locks up the T and M to Weston and are moored above the lock. Another boat left Sawley at the same time as us so we did all the locks together. Derwent Lock was open when we got there, there was a boat coming out of Shardlow Lock, a boat coming out of Aston Lock and 2 boats coming out of Weston Lock so it was a really good trip with everything in our favour.
We had a walk to The Coopers Arms this afternoon and spent a pleasant time there watching the fishermen at the lake. One chap was catching loads of carp but the rest didn’t seem to be very successful. Ken is currently fishing here but he’s not seeing any action either!
Tomorrow we are moving on to Ragley I think (if we can get in) if not Stenson or Willington hopefully before the thundery downpours get here!
