Another Holiday

Cath, John and the kids joined us at Torksey to share the first week of their holiday.  The tides on the River Trent were low and high tide wasn't going to reach Torksey.  This meant the tide wouldn't effect our speed so we could set off at anytime.  We were surprised to see a boater taking advantage of the low tides by running his boat aground on a beach to paint it.  

Boat painting on the River Trent

 

Penrose in hot pursuit!

The next day we travelled to a popular destination, Newark, and were lucky to find moorings on the low wall which was also handy for shopping.  Newark's an interesting town and we enjoyed walking round.  At the bric-a-brac market Kev had a reminisce with another guy after spotting pre-electric drills and yankee screw-drivers on one of the stalls.  John and Kev called in at Just Beers to sample the real ales and we all enjoyed a meal in Pizza Express.  I recommend the "Chocolate Glory" dessert which lived up to our high expectations.  

The relief map of Newark which stands in the Castle grounds. 

From Newark the river took us into the countryside.  The first stop being Hazelford Island, home to blackberry bushes and rabbits.  The kids went blackberrying and then with Cath's help made a delicious blackberry and apple pie.   Late one evening the sound of jazz music drifted up the river.  Downstream we could see the lights of a large trip boat on a cruise.  A live jazz band played and couples danced as the boat glided through the night. 

Our last stop together was at Stoke Lock and again we were lucky with the moorings.  After a sudden torrential shower in the afternoon the rain held off and we were able to sit out for our last evening. 

The next day we sailed the short distance to Holme Lock and the adjacent water sports centre.  The England Relay Triathalon Championships were being held over the weekend so we went to watch.  I chatted to a lady whose husband was competing and she explained the finer detail of the race.  Our own exercise was limited to walking and once around the 3 mile circuit seemed far enough.  

Waterfowl is abundant at Holme Lock but a black swan is an unusual sighting.  It seems to have taken up residence and certainly isn't shy of boaters. 

Black Swan at Holme Lock

Our route from Torksey to Holme Lock