Nottingham then back and beyond.

Wednesday morning dawned bright and breezy and we recommenced  our journey down the Soar. We had decided that since we were in this neck of the woods, it would be a shame to miss the chance of a divert onto new territory and visit Nottingham.

We shared Ratcliffe lock with NB Seventh Heaven, Pam & Peter and crew 

taking the boat to Mercia Marina to go on brokerage

Pam off up the Trent towards the Trent & Mersey Canal

It seemed to take no time at all before we were making the turn onto Cranfleet cut. A poodle down to the lock, then onto the Trent proper once more. This is a big river and combined with the breeze, had quite a flow, well to us anyway!

It was great to be able to open up the engine for a blast on these broad deep waters. Rounding a bend we spied a black wide beam on the first of a section of permanent moorings on the river. We were hailed by a chap on the bank. Would you believe , it was the multi talented Viv! He has been painting and generally upgrading this boat for some time now. He does seem to get around!

We enjoyed our river trip and all too soon Beeston lock Hove into view. This takes one into the city via the cut and off the river. The large weir adjacent was not to Ali's liking, but we were soon off the river and beginning the final run into the city.

(Ali - And he wonders why!)

I really don't know what I was expecting from Nottingham. Possibly the same old litter and graffiti strewn surroundings common to many an urban area. How wrong could I be!

The cut itself was litter free, as were the general surroundings. It was in fact the most pleasant journey into a city centre we have ever made. The city has not turned it's back on the waterway, but embraced it and it shows. A lesson for Leicester here!

The old BW building in the distance

We moored near to Sainsbury's. Rings everywhere and again, trimmed and pristine surroundings. It just felt, well, pleasant and totally safe. We showered, then walked into the city centre. After a little retail therapy, it being late night shopping, we called into Jamie's Italian. Birthday meal and all that and very nice it was too.

One point to mention. Whilst waiting for Ali in Debenhams, a young assistant directed me to a seat! Showing my age, obviously... (Ali - and no I wasn't taking ages)

The next morning in glorious sunshine, we retraced our route, after dropping down Castle lock in order to wind below. Just loved Nottingham, a real gem. The trip back was just as pleasant and we slowed to natter to Viv once more. Back to Trent lock, then West towards Sawley cut and the locks onto the Trent and Mersey canal. Passing under the M1 with it's roaring traffic always gives a buzz.

Think we might of woke him!

Entrance to the Erewash Canal

After topping up with fuel at Sawley marina, we carried on to Shardlow and called it a day. I now have a touch of sunburn! First of the season, although copious amounts of after sun was applied, as I was a tad "over done".

This morning, we had a leisurely start and poodled up the cut, tackling the last of the broad locks for a while. We managed to share with all bar Stenson lock, the very last, but as this was manned by volunteers, it was a doddle. So moored in relative isolation near bridge 20. I say relative, as we are in close proximity to railways and the A50!

So now we are truly back in narrow lock land and the journey south begins!

Miles 37
Locks 20 broad locks.

The Beacon Boat Gathering.

We have just left The Soar Boating club, host's of the meet at their wonderfully situated base, at Normanton on Soar.  A fantastic location, very friendly members and all had a wonderful long weekend.

We last updated at Kilby bridge.  Leaving our mooring with frost on the roof last Tuesday, we watered up and then began the descent into Leicester. The weather has still not decided which season it is, so we had a dose of each! It even at one stage snowed... So a tad chilly and windy, but we were well wrapped up and despite meeting only two boats moving, we made good progress. This was despite the fact that few if any locks were in our favour.

It is a great pity that in the boating world, Leicester has such a poor reputation. (But not in football, apparently!) There are some fantastic, but underused moorings.  It really does need more boats stopping along the towpath.  As ever, we encountered not a whiff of a problem passing through and by mid afternoon we had reached the Hope & Anchor, moored up and called it a day.

On Wednesday, it seemed only a short hop to Loughborough. We moored up, did some shopping and were considering dropping down to Normanton when the wind rose and the sky darkened. So we stayed put overnight.

Our first ducklings this year

all along the Leicester line someone has been yarn bombing the locks
and on a cold drizzly day they really do make you smile

Cormorant on a power cable

On Thursday morning, the weather looked good, but was forecast to deteriorate later in the day. Two locks, some beautiful river cruising and we arrived at the boat club. We breasted up to Serenity, with Willow Too, Dionysus and Hallyth already present, before the winds became too severe. A short while later, Merryweather and Bisbigliando hove into view and battled the now rising winds to breast up to the other two boats.  Wind was the abiding feature of the weekend, although it was not too damp.  Still a tad chilly though and the fire remained on throughout our stay.

It was brilliant to see Beacon owners old and new and we had a fantastic time socialising. The club welcomed us with open arms and we seemed to make good use of the bar facilities! I think the takings were up a little. It is fair to say, a good time was had, throughout our stay, by all. Those who could not make it by boat made the journey by car and along with club members, enjoyed a memorable Saturday night in the club house.

they were chasing John & Greg

Saturday Evening

Boot Hill Toe Tappers

Thanks to Jo for sorting out the cake

& Pauls perseverance on lighting the candles (that had got a tad damp!)

John conducting the band on Raw Hide!

full clubhouse

Viv doing a great turn on Saturday eve

A very big thank you must go to the Soar Boating club for their hospitality, catering & bar services and to Karen and Ian for their hard work as organisers, along with Geoff. It has been a brilliant weekend, so thank you, and to all those who attended.

My weekend was topped by a surprise party in the Plough on Monday. I am about to celebrate one of those milestone birthdays and family travelled up from Northampton, London and the south coast to help me celebrate it. Thank you Jan & Wul, Jane & Paul. Craig, Michelle & Dave, Graham, Helen, Isabella, Harry and Noah. You really all made my day. I was flabbergasted to see you all. The secret was well kept and I never had an inkling that this was planned.

thanks Michelle for a great cake in design and taste!

Now time to give the liver a rest. We have made a short hop today and moored just above the lock at Kegworth. The weather is looking up they say, although, not just here, yet. Sitting writing this in a downpour! If the sun shines tomorrow, we may pay Nottingham a visit.

Leaving this morning

Greg battling the high winds

then Ken & Linda

then Julie & Geoff

Ally getting the final photos - without whom none of this would be possible & Neil

& finally Karen & Ian

Serenity  & Triskaideka sharing their first lock

Karen & Ian going into their moorings

& finally a huge thank you to Jo for my lovely butterfly,
look out for her selling these in the future!

Miles 30.
Locks 26 broad.