A few showers setting off from Zouch this morning, and straight into a lock. On taking off the alternator belt squealed, we’ve already adjusted once, then bang as it broke. We pulled over and I replaced it in 4 minutes, good enough for the Ferrari team Rico said.

A couple of other boats caught up with us, and we all squeezed into the next lock.

By now we were reaching the end of the River Soar, where it joins the Trent. This is a massive expanse of water, and has some large Dutch barges on it. We’ve also just completed the Leicester Line, another canal and River system for T42.

Then it was a turn into the Trent, and we are going up locks rather than down. Sawley Locks are manned and automated. A relief as they are rather deep ! It’s also the the home of the Derby Boat Club, Lazy Otters Marina. Time to say goodbye to Rico and Lorraine for another year, we really do enjoy their company, and sharing the work makes for a more enjoyable holiday. Till next time guys …..

We’ve done 2 more locks by ourselves, but the rain has set in and we’re moored for the day now. It’s about 12.5 hours to Kings Bromley Marina where we are being trailered back to Pyrford on Friday. We can take our time over the next couple of days..