Delaying a start even further, we filled up with water before going down to the lock itself. Two other boats were passing ahead of us and perhaps a dozen in total that morning. So . . . off we set, having first to wait for a group of youngsters being brought up through the lock together with their canoes. They were heading for the weir!
Although the river was fast running, it did not seem especially flooded and when we reached Pillings Flood Lock, a little further downstream, it actually showed the level well down the amber section and almost to the green!
The next section is canal and we moored at Bridge 38 with just 15 mins before Andrew was due at the railway station. He arrived only minutes later, pulling tolley loaded with four crates of beer and wine - oh, and his baggage as well! Should not run out too soon.
On to Loughborough Junction (Wharf closed for development work on huge black of student flats). Shopping and a chance to find the flat where we first lived after we were married. Generated some debate as we could not find the entrance! The street still housed a thriving market, now extended into the main town centre which is now
pedestrianised.
Whilst we were able to do most of our shopping in local shops and from the market stalls there was still a need to visit Sainsburys! Four bags later we returned to the boat and set off.
Much relief as we approached Bishop Meadow Lock (where we once moored our own - very small - boat) the light was green and the sign stated that the river was now open. Even so, the flow was still speedy and we raced down the river. Some very heavy showers crept up unawares. At one point we passed under a main road bridge and were amused to see that we were probably moving faster than the queue of traffic above!
Trent Junction arrived and, for a short distance, we navigated upstream - very slowly! Then we turned into the Cranfleet Cut followed by a return to the river. A boat coming upstream reported taking two hours from Beeston Cut - we did it downstream in 45 minutes! The river is quite spectacular - pretty as well as much larger than the average canal.
The shelter of Beeston Cut was a welcome sight and we found a satisfactory mooring opposite the Boots Estate - well shielded by trees and shrubs.
