Lorry spotting.

We woke up to rain this morning but it was expected. I was hoping that it would clear away before we were ready for the off, and it did. 

On the left is the entrance to Shobnall Basin that marks the furthest we got down the Trent and Mersey last year. Under the beer bridge is new territory for us. We have never done this stretch, even in all the years we hired boats for family holidays.

The weather wasn't nearly as cold as yesterday despite the wind being just as strong. The locks are well spaced out along this stretch. 

We are now on the narrow system and it isn't just the locks that are narrow! This bridge is minus a tow path making it appear very narrow. I wonder why the towpath was missed off? Was it just money saving.

This stretch is absolutely fascinating, if you are a Eddie Stobart truck spotter (other truck companies are available). The A38 roars passed and on some stretches you feel as though you are on the inside lane of the road!

This isn't the closest the canal gets to the road. It one stage it was just the other side of the fence. I couldn't believe that a boat was moored there too. He was under a bridge painting but I think I would have found another bridge unless he was deaf!

At Wychnor lock the canal seems to transverse many small tributaries of the Trent that feed down to the main river. The 14th century church stands on a hill above the flood plain. It is also the place that the canal leaves the A38.

The long bridges over the numerous streams or sitches.

The advantages of a narrow canal and long legs.

The longest footbridge over another part of the Trent that flows into the canal for a short stretch.

After lunch we took a stroll round the village to get the lie of the land and passed the lovely church and lych gate unfortunately the church was locked. There are several thatched buildings and other notable homes in the village. We will go and explore the pub later I expect.