Going for a Burton

14th July

Sorry, couldn't resist it, feeble though it is. Blame it on the lack of sleep. I'd forgotten just how noisy Willington can be overnight if there's a lot of freight traffic on the move on the railway, and there was a lot of freight traffic. I suppose we should be glad that the recession hasn't bitten so deeply that there's still some movement, but on a hot sticky night it was a bit hard. On our way this morning, we noticed much quieter moorings out in the country, especially near Bridge 25, so we may well use those next time.

Never mind, today was mostly fine, though we've had the odd shower this afternoon, and after watering, we chugged cheerfully enough through the odd places on the border between Derbyshire and Staffs. It always seems strange to think that when you cross the River Dove, you are entering the West Midlands, but there you go.

We got to Shobnall before ten, and popped into the chandlery to get some oil and a couple of filters ready for the 7,000 hours service (at which we are changing the fuel filter as well as doing the usual oil stuff.) I asked about getting a replacement drive belt for the engine alternator, but even after nipping back to the boat to check the code number, they didn't have one.

No matter, they were very happy to order one for me, so we'll pick it up next time we're in Burton.

Then I brewed a cup of coffee whilst Sheila steered the short run to the Morrison's mooring, and having drunk it, we went to the supermarket to top up the stores. This did mean we succumbed to the temptation to buy a couple of their excellent pasties, as well as a beautiful loaf of bread.

During the lunch break we took a call from Elanor, and offered to stay where we were for the night if she wanted to pop in and see us. No, she said, she wanted to get in with housework tonight, so didn't want the distraction of visiting us.

On that basis, we set off for the Branston Water Park mooring, which is quieter, but less convenient for Elanor. There was a good bit of traffic around now, and we followed a boat up Branston Lock, and were followed in our turn. On the approach to the mooring, in came a text message from Elanor - could she change her mind?

Hey ho, yes of course she can, she'll just have to find us where we've tied on the newly refurbished moorings before the bridge and pub.

A brief excursion found another geocache, then we've hung about on the boat for the rest of the time. Tomorrow we'll go on to Alrewas, I guess.