Reached Barrow on Soar

Well thats the back of last nights mooring. Very quiet and peaceful.

Even the birds hang about to let you  take a pic.

Had to wait for a few minutes while a boat moved a pontoon into position.

Lovely countryside to wander in and getting near Normanton on Soar. The river keeps you busy with loads of turns.

The church at Normanton with a superb mooring for bellringers :-)

I thought that the river was a bit wider than I remembered but ahead there seems to be a gap in the bushes I have to go through - I hope.

All the bridges along here are numbered and named.

So delightful 19th century bridges.

This one has a nasty crack on the left and has been given a beating on the right.  Lee had no part in either of these events.

Loads of newish conversions and buildings but the atmosphere is soured by the four morons that we saw at the first bridge coming into Loughborough.  Apart from stoning the ducks they then proceeded to kick a canalside sign to bits.

I was going to stop and pulled into the side on a mooring near a pub. A bloke comes to the door and says I hope your bikes are locked up as the idiots from the flat will have them away. We moved on.

Found somewhere that looked half decent and pulled over. Took a walk into town and while it was nice enough with the market I didnt find it outstanding.

When we left. The question now is why was a fireman in full breathing apparatus moving the curtain in the second downstairs window while the police were at the front of the building.

We are still getting overtaken by all and sundry :-)

There are a lot of boats out and about and I make a habit of meeting them at bridges for some reason.

Soon back out in the countryside.

Every so often there are small communities of boats.  This one has the use of some railway arches behind the boats.

Had to laugh at this one.  There is a three piece suite and all the rest of a living room in use underneath this one.

Looking for a mooring now as we get near Barrow on Soar.

I was going to call in at the facilities but there seems to be boats moored all over and room left for a ten foot cruiser.

The mooring for tonight with just the sound of the weir in the background.

Trent to Soar

Blimey. What happened to the sun. It is definately a bit draughty round the knees as I leave Beeston lock and head for Trent lock.

Some lovely scenery and this is Barton Island.  It is or at least was once used by the Sea Cadets.  There are several small summerhouse type buildings up on stilts on the site.  It looks quite idylic.

A little further on and there is a line of chalets on the riverside. Some of them look real swish while others look as though travellers have moved in.

Trundling on to Trent Lock and I am overtaken.

Shortly afterward another boat goes past.

and there was another behind him. Getting to be rush hour.  Wonder if they have heard that there is some derv for sale somewhere.

By the time I reach the lock I have just been overtaken again.  Someone rushing to get somewhere.

I waited and let the others through.  Then while we opened the lock Myfanwy turned up. I went in first and as I edged down the gunnel to go up the ladder to pull the boat to the side and let her in there is a bang as Myfanwy decides to come in anyway.  He is a novice and all the idiot of a tutor says - Boating is a contact sport. Yes and the contact could have been me between the boat and lock wall. I was not amused.

Several lines of boats. Some of them are rather individual in style.  This one seems to be being built by a cooper

while this one is another escapee from the army.

Out into the cross roads and turn left and head for a power station. The power station stays in sight for ages.

There are some more chalets after the flood lock and a lovely view of the layers of gypsum in the red ground

The sides of the River Soar are somewhat nearer together than on the Trent.

Yet another very individual boat.

Met up with Kevin who operated the lock for us as he is going down stream and enjoying the chance to get away for a week or so over the holiday.

Much swinging from side to side with lots of sharp bends. Brilliant.

Arriving at Kegworth Deep Lock and the church spire behind it after being buzzed by the two swans that have just landed in front of me.

Just after four and the sun is out and its time to look for a mooring.  The village of Zouch is not far away so we will head for there and see what happens.

A rather nice pub a bit further on.

Star of India - well for me anyway

This is the dress we bought in Janpath market.  Abz wore it to school during a book day. It represents the girl in Jungle Book. Gorgeous

5-stars for Nottingham

Yet another wonderful sunny day. Not a cloud in the sky. As we leave the mooring the entrance to the White Water Course is passed. I overcome the urge to take the boat down it and head for Nottingham and civilization - that means rubbish in the canal.

Just outside there is this small bridge. Doesnt look very important but look at the care taken to finish it off.  It is only a drain.

 The lock to enter the can is on the right while on the left is a football ground. Made of sustainable wood I think the logo indicates or it could be Notts Forest :-)

 Some of the bridges going through are a little low but still have 6 inches headroom  to spare.

One bridge is well marked by the ropes from the horses then they put in the roller but forgot to grease it so one side ends up as bad as the wall.

Nottingham is looking good.  Loads of new buildings and towpath runs right along.

Loads of bridges too.

This one is the main road in near the railway station.

I was sure there was a castle somewhere but it isn't very impressive is it. We need some battlements built around it :-)

Still going through and there is an almost total absence of rubbish. The occasional plastic bottle but thats about it.

Couple of new blocks with water in between and just  enough room left for a bank and as you can see on the wall nesting for geese.

Coming up to a business park with Curry, PC World and so on plus still clean and clear.

Moored up for five minutes to go to Sainsbury. Could do with a Morrison or Asda. 

Looking back and the place is a picture. I really must give Nottingham five stars for the canal.  It is looked on and used as an asset to the city. Well worth a visit with oodles of moorings.

Out of Nottingham nearly and passing Trevethick Boatyard.  Its been here since 1895 so they must be doing something right.  Not far away is the old and filled in Nottingham Canal.

Heading for Beeston 

Beeston Moorings so its time to slow and find a place for the night.