Weston On Trent

Arrived at Shardlow on Friday, after a long day cruising from Birstall and visiting Kegworth Marine on the way. We decided to do another long day as the weather forecast was for thunder storms at the weekend and we did not want to be on The Soar or The Trent in heavy rain.As it turned out the thunder storms have not materialised and we have only had the odd spot of drizzle.

We stopped at Kegworth Marine to chat to Pau,l who amongst other things, reconditions old Francis lights. For those not in the know, these are the old spotlights that used to be on fire engines and green goddesses and also some naval ships. We decided we might treat ourselves to one but they do not come cheap!( hHe has just sold one to Michael Parkinson for his cruiser on The Thames)
Having chatted to Paul we have decided we may go back and purchase a brass one in September when he is back from his hols. They do look nice and we thought we would give Jojo a treat. The headlight we have (much inferior) is getting cracks appearing on the caseing so we do not think it will last many more seasons.

When we arrived at Shardlow late afternoon Friday, we found it very busy and limited mooring, so we proceeded another mile and moored not far from a very busy noisy road. This was not ideal but we were so tired having started out  from Birstall at six oclock, that we could not face another lock!

As our body clocks were used to early starts these last few days we got up Saturday and decided to move another couple of miles and two locks to Weston On Trent, to get away from the noisy road. We got up at 6.00 and went for it! We were moored up by 8.30 a.m much to the surprise of the other moorers who had wondered if we had come late the night before! We had breakfast and wandered off to find a local shop for papers.

This became a mile and a half walk into the next village as there no longer was a shop in Weston. We walked back to the village of Aston which had papers and other nice village shops. Cheese rolls were particularly tasty for tea!

Today we have stayed put and are both doing the 'housework'. The rain has not materialised but it is overcast and quite sticky. Lots of boats on the move as it is Bank Holiday weekend.
We will probably move off tomorrow and head for Burton On Trent, before heading for Alrewas which will be familiar territory to us!