Next stop Newark.

 The keeper came on duty at 0800 and it was obvious that there was a lock full coming down. Rather than pick up the three waiting boats at the bottom, he went back to let down another boat. They had 'T'd him off the evening before and he decided to get his own back. We were in no rush so it was fine with us

I was chatting to the guy fishing near the end of the pontoon and he told me that all the blokes in tents up and down the Trent were fishing for barbel and he had got a couple of whoppers through the night. He also told me that he had got a crab like a dinner plate, and had the photo to prove it. He was off next weekend paddling down the Nene from Peterborough and round the Wash to Boston in his kayak! There seems to be a counter current runs along the pontoon and with the wind it made it a little complicated to get swung round and heading into the lock, but all went smoothly.

Once through we pulled up on the wall for breakfast and filled up with water and dumped the rubbish before heading off up the non tidal Trent.

There were hundreds of little tents alongside the river all the way down from West Stockwith, and again today. I could understand that the peace and quiet of the fishing and camping out over night, but this pair and pitch up right next to the A1M. Surely this spoils the peace and quiet aspect, unless they are stone deaf of course.

Here we are in Newark Nether Lock. Wwe were hanging about for ages waiting for them to open up, and with the strong current coming doen the side river and a gusty wind from the other direction it made it interesting. It was only once the gates started opening that I remembered that I should have called them on the radio!! I somehow thought that they had a camera or something. I felt such a berk, but the lady lockie was good about it.

We were wondering wheter there would be moorings in Newark being a weekend and with the Meadow Lane Lock out of action for now. The pontoon was full but there was nobody on the park wall so we tied up so the stern was right next to a ladder and this will do us. There is not many moorings you can look out at the remains of a castle.

It is a tradition now that we have a photo taken outside Porter's shop. It is also tradition that we buy some triple treacle smoked bacon as it is so gorgeous. Lunch on Sunday sorted.

This is the side of St. Mary Magdelen Church to the west of the Market Place. I liked the little chimney to the right that was for the boiler of the church heating that was installed in 1854!

This is the arcade that links the Market Place to the Butter Market that passes under the Town Hall. During a past visit we had a tour of the Town Hall etc and it would be a great place for a wedding.

The castle at Newark was defended by the Royalist and suffered three sieges. It was only when the King was captured and he ordered them to surrender that they left. The Parliamentarians were ordered to blow up the castle. They however did a rush job as the plague was rife in the town and they didn't want to hang around. It is only the north wall that was left standing. but does make a great view point for our boat.

The local swans came a knocking and were feed with porridge. If it is good enough for me every morning it is good enough for them. We noticed that the cob had a fair bit of fishing tackle around him. It didn't need to be restricting him but Amy reported it to the relevant people.

The real reason we are in Newark is for Amy to catch her train home. A bargain direct train for £10. We went to the Prince Rupert pub for a meal, which was very nice, before walking her to the station and seeing her off. It is sad to see her go, and she did do 90 locks during her time with us, so that saved us a bit of effort/ Thanks alot Amy and see you soon.