Sunday and we're in Shardlow

We actually arrived in Shardlow on Friday and yesterday, Saturday, we took the bus into Derby. It was a wet day and we plodded around the city rather than sitting shut up in the boat. And the bus service was marvellous, 20 minutes door to door. 

But, on Thursday, we made our way from Branston to Willington. 

First lock of the day, Branston lock. 

For some reason this is a favourite lock of mine, apparently in the middle of nowhere, quiet and peaceful. 

Waiting for the lock to empty. 

Here we come into Burton upon Trent, the home of Marston's beer. 

Passing the entrance to Shobnall Marina. 

Lovely moorings here at Shobnall Fields. 

And now we have left the last of the narrow locks for a while and look at that view. 

Crossing the River Dove, looking toward the old road bridge. 

And our first sight of a black swan. 

Ah, an old friend - the blasted oak! I know it's not an oak but this tree took our fancy many years ago and it's still there but a few less branches than before. 

Arrived at Willington and found a mooring outside The Dragon. 

A seafood salad for Brigid...

...goats cheese ravioli for me. 

And we can keep an eye on the boat at the same time. 

We're on to Friday now and moving on again after breakfast in the pub! 

Looking across to the old cooling towers of the Willington power station. 

Sarson's Bridge near Weston-on-Trent. 

Modern traffic doesn't always treat old bridges that well. 

The problem is that the bridges need to be rebuilt in the traditional style and this takes skill, time and a lot of money. 

We managed to find a last mooring in Shardlow, one of our favourite places on the system.