Back to the beginning!

We were soon away and clear of Burton on Trent. The wind was gusting and made life interesting in the exposed parts. We didn't see very much moving towards us but when we got to Shobnall Marina there was a boat just about to pop out but they let us go by.

The rape fields were luminescent in the daylight. They would have been a nightmare to hay fever sufferers but to me they almost smelled of honey. 

Tatenhill Lock lock pretty in the greenery.

When we arrived at Barton Lock there was a boat on water point and another waiting to go up. There were a couple waiting to come down too. We took the opportunity to top up with water whilst we were waiting. By the time we had filled it was just about our turn to rise up. By then there were three waiting behind us. I suppose it is Saturday near big marinas and hire bases so it is no surprise. All went good naturedly and we were soon off. We then had the run along the busy A38

There is a little wooden shed and small wooden crane alongside the lock at Wychnor. It looks as though it would have been a little warehouse for working boats and certainly would be a great little facility today.

It was good to be clear of the main road and into the Trent Flood plain with the many foot bridges over the sitches. The trees and water meadows make for a very picturesque view. We were then into the River Trent.

Foot path over the wet lands of the Trent.

We waited in the current whilst the lock landing was cleared and then went on to wait for the lock. There was a boat of Americans. Once we were up the lock we got through Bridge 46 and found a spot to moor. We then had lunch before going shopping and spending more money at Coates the Butchers. We did stop at the Crown for a swift pint. When we got back to the boat I got talking to the hire boat moored next door. They were frequent hirers and I ended up telling them about Middleport Pottery as they were heading that way. A Share boat came through and asked the two of us to budge up a little so they could squeeze in which we did. We decided to light the fire to make it all a bit cosier for a night in front of 'Britain's Got Talent'.