On the way to Napton

Shardlow Canal Heritage Centre

Monday 25th August 2008

We are moving the boat to new moorings so we can explore other parts of the canal system. On Saturday, James finished the work on the bough of the boat and we cleaned the sides up a bit.

On Sunday after the Grand Prix (Valencia Massa, Hamilton and Kubica) we set off to Sawley, loaded the baot without organising it, and then headed off to Wigram Turn Marina, the new home for our boat. Left Kevin's car there and then returned in the MR2.

We arrived back at Sawley about ten minutes before we were due to have dinner with K's family. However we discovered that we were only meeting Phil and Penny as K's parents had taken Billy, Christine and Stephanie off to Scarborough. Had a lovely meal, not the food, the company!! Afterwards we manged to make the bed and fell asleep.

Slow start to Monday as we had to organise the boat, walk the dog, fill with water and hand in our key for Sawley Marina. Eventually we set off at 9.55 am. Quite a gusty day and progress was slow. Lots of boats at the locks too. Well, it was a bank holiday.

Restored front of the boat

K thought the river was on amber at Sawley Flood Lock, but it was well on green at Derwent Mouth.

Derwent Lock

Stopped for an hour at 2 for lunch. Had the bottle of red Penny and Phil had given us. The overcast clouds cleared to give us some warm sun.

About 5pm, we received a text of Glynis to say that Robbie and Hannah had had a baby boy! A new baby in the village. Great news.

We stopped early at 5.30 as the wind was strong and K was tired with handling the boat. We walked into Willington to buy provisions, and headed back for a BBQ. Sat on back of boat as it went dark.