River Trent:Sawley

Set off early as usual.  Nicholson guide states that the air draft between Derwent Mouth and Burton on Trent is 7 foot.  So stupidly I left the tall chimney up with the cowl on top.  Well the cowl got plucked off by a tree and dropped into the water just like my push bike did all thos years ago on our first ever boating trip.  Dangly branches may look like feathers but in there lurks more robust branches.  When these get snagged. They don't give way politely but lift whatever they are snagged on.  WE liked our bird cowl.   I will just have to get another.   Then it soon became apparent that whatever Nicholson Guide says I very much doubt that 7 foot is right because Pat had to swap the tall chimney shortly after and the bridges required ducking of the head.   Eventually we reached Stenson Lock with its lock-keeper, needed because the hire boaters get in a muddle because it is so deep.  It's only 2 feet deeper than Swarkestone or Weston Lock and the gate paddles are just as vicious.   More to the point, Pat couldn't move the bottom gates at Weston Lock on her own.  We found the lock empty and both gates open.  That was probably the reason although the offside gate proved to be a self opener.    Below Stenson Lock, about 500 yards further on there was a short stretch of fallen and leaning short trees obstructing half the waterway.   Finally we reached Sawley looking for a precautionary pump out and diesel.  From Fradley onwards the A 38 accompanies the canal.  The traffic noise is continuous and horrendous, drowning out the boat engine much of the time and making conversation difficult.   Give me a railway line any day!  The marina is closed Tuesdays, however diesel can be obtained self service with a credit card.   Very neat, but only 60/40.   Sunshine today but clouding over, a chilly wind and a bit of rain forecast.