Down with the Wheelhouse

The water levels on the Upper Trent reduced and we literally barged our way through the debris, including tree trunks, which had accumulated outside the lock gates.  

As we sailed onto the Trent and Mersey Canal we checked our Nicholson's guide, the boaters bible with maps and information about the Inland Waterways network.  Nicholson's advises the headroom is 7 feet and with our wheelhouse we are 7 feet 9 inches.  It is time to take it down for travelling.  

We had previously had a trial run but during this week we have fallen into a routine and can have the wheelhouse down in just over 5 minutes.   The windscreen and roof come forward and rest on the boat roof and the other windows fold down.  This is the first time we've travelled with the wheelhouse down and the experience is surprisingly different.  We enjoy standing out in the open and Bess has found the roof is ideal for watching the world go by.  

Brent III looks very different with the wheelhouse down.   

Bess enjoys looking out from the roof as we travel

We had another 'first' this week - sailing on the narrow canals.  I was surprised to see the narrow locks which are only a couple of inches wider then Brent III so precision steering is required.  An advantage is the tiny lock gates which are easier to open than those on the wider canals.  

A narrow bridge - just inches wider than Brent III

Alrewas may have an unpronounceable name but the old black and white cottages with their thatched roofs make this an interesting village to visit.  We moored up in this popular spot for the weekend and spent some time sat out on the front deck enjoying the sunshine.  Bess as always attracted a lot of attention, she certainly knows how to do 'cute'.  

Our route from Beeston to Alrewas travelling a short way each day.