We did not have far to travel today, under three miles, with no locks, to the marina where the boat will stay for about three weeks whilst we return home. As a result it was almost 11 by the time we eventually cast off. Our mooring was just the other side of this footbridge, built to give pedestrian access to what was once the huge Boots estate.
As can be seen, the sky this morning was very much that of the past four days but, after the thunder and rain last evening, the temperate had moderated and a cooling breeze generally kept us in pleasant conditions.
Since Boots separated from its pharma businesses, becoming principally a retail business, the need for large manufacturing space is diminished. As a result, much of the estate that was created in 1926 and has a number of Modernist style buildings, many now listed, has be designated for residential use. We could evidence with many new homes built close to the canal, only a few yet occupied.
Nottingham is well served by railway lines (even better before the Great Central lie was closed!) We passed under two lines on this short trip - this one heads west out to Long Eaton where a complex junction connects north, south, east and west!
At one time, the northern part of the Erewash Canal and the Cromford Canal were connected Nottingham Canal to the north of here has long since been abandoned. The junction is often called Lenton Chain, It is said that the two sections were run as separate businesses and boatmen from one had to pay fees to the other. Passage was only allowed when a toll keeper was present and at other times a chain prevented passage! The southernmost part was adopted in modern times as a new route for the River Leem. Little can be seen at this location and it is unlikely that many users of the towpath or canal are aware of its former significance.
Another railway bridge links to Sheffield and Mansfield to the north. As soon as we were under it we could begin to see boats moored in the marina. The actual entrance from the canal was a little further and we had to keep a careful watch so as to be prepared for the sharp turn from the canal.
We had been instructed to head initially to the service pontoon. As we wanted to fill with diesel, we first had to swivel around so that we could reverse in. we then went to the office to sort out what is whe2re and to make sure we were properly logged in to the new electricity app. (This is new and has signs of rather hasty introduction before fully road tested!)
After filling, paying(ouch!) and disposing of waste, we were off to our mooring. Just as we were turning to back into the given slot, a sudden arrival of a fresh breeze added to the task! The pontoons are short and floating so do not offer mich help in these conditions, but we were soon tied up.
First impression is of a very well staffed marina with a keen emphasis on customer service. When Aquavista acquired the marina it was rather run down. we are told, but over a £million has been spent on improvements. They now have permission for about half of the spaces to be residential and this is proving increasingly popular with professional people working in the city. Raúl access to London is fast. Although clearly set in an urban context, the marina itself is very open and now has the range of facilities that urban marina dwellers have come to expect. On Saturday, the marina are holding an Open Day to promote itself and the very recent completion of the improvements (final touches were still happening including no electricity for tomorrow whilst the former aged installation is replaced!)
All of this activity - including making a start on packing for the return and swapping winter clothes for those suited to late spring and summer - meant that we have so far failed to take pictures of the new surroundings but we are not leaving until Friday so time yet!
The Stand
Time to tell the story of The Stand. Last year, Christine could see that at times Mike struggled a bit to stand up after kneeling down, especially when mooring to Armco or towpath rings. She found an aid online and bought it - but, it has to be said, Mike was neither dismissive nor making too much use of it.
This year, especially after the problem a fortnight ago back at Kilby, it has come into its own and is now in regular use, at times making mooring a much simpler task. (To give scale, it is adjusted to be, at the top, at Mike's knee height)
This is all part of the process, rather conscious this year, of adapting our boating techniques to avoid unfulfillable demands! (If you know what we mean, you will know what we mean . . .)
2.6 Miles - 0 Locks
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