10th May. Day 8. Leicester Ring. Near Loughborough to Shardlow

Ratcliffe Power Station. Windy

Looking back towards Trent Valley Sailing Club.

Trent Wide and Windy.

When we woke it was raining and horrible. So was the weather forecast. During breakfast it stopped raining and the sun came out. We decided we'd go for full day's boating but stop if it got too wet.

Set out at 9.20. Thoughout the day we'd put on waterproof tops when it started drizzling then 15 minutes later they'd be off again when the sun came out. It never really amounted to proper rain. The wind however was another matter. Lots of planning ahead, shutting Daisy in thne boat during locks, working out which side the wind would blow us to, trying to get 2 ropes on the bank as soon as possible to get boat control. So some anxiety but no major problems. 

We stopped for lunch at 12.35 on a straight section which was a bit sheltered just before Kegworth Deep lock. A good choice. We decided we'd "go for it" and aim to moor just after Derwent Mouth lock on the Trent and Mersey (which is precisely what we did). Set off again at 13.20. On the River Soar just after a flood lock we had to turn left (big weir on the right) turning from downstream to upstream and straight into the wind. Much engine power required. There was a whole lot of activity at this 4 way junction. There were 3 rowing eights coming towards us through the chop. An outward bound centre to the left with canoes and looked pretty active. There were a whole load of posh boats moored on the right. Anyway we ploughed on upstream (and upwind).

Sawley locks are a pair of lock keeper operated locks. We went up with 2 keepers controlling us with 2 ropes. Much appreciated. Much wind and many many moored boats on both side exiting lock into the area of Sawley Bridge Marina- a very active marina in appearred. At the end of this section is a flood lock. So far these have all been drive through open. This one was closed, opening under bridge for pretty busy road. Anyway we got through this and the waterway begins to narrow and look less scarey.

Moored for the night at 16.15.

11.25 miles and 8 locks=19.25 lock miles