Newark

We stopped on the pontoons at Cromwell for another day making good use of the electric points.  When Chris and Geoff tried to retrieve their card, with its unused credits, the machine kept the card; a common occurrence at Cromwell.  The lock-keeper came down and arranged for the card to be returned.   

We sailed upstream to Newark Nether Lock which we operated ourselves because the locks aren't manned during CRT's winter hours.  From there it was a short distance to the floating pontoons which had plenty of space and an electric point. 

Newark pontoons

  
Our stay at Newark was going to be extended due to a stoppage for a sluice repair at the entrance to Nottingham canal.  I made good use of the fine weather by polishing Brent III's paintwork to give it some protection; Brinny made the most of the good weather by becoming best friends with Ziggy. 

Playing in the sunshine

Kev and I enjoyed browsing around the various markets in the town centre and were pleased to spot an Onedin Line DVD  on the bric-a-brac stalls.  As always Kev  enjoyed visiting Just Beer to catch up with the locals and sample the excellent beer.  

Just Beer

We had intended to move on Wednesday but heavy rain kept us on the moorings.  During the night the floating pontoons rose with the increasing water level and CRT closed Newark flood gates stopping all boat movement.  

Rising water levels swamped the little footbridge we use to cross under the main road. 

The delay enabled Sarah to come over to see us at the weekend bringing my post with her.  We enjoyed strolling along the passage through the old wharf buildings with their cobbled yards before heading into town.  Curiosity tempted us when we spotted Newark Antique Centre housed in an old church.  The large interior had been divided into 'rooms' which were filled with an enormous range of objects, mainly bric-a-brac but very interesting to browse through.  

The cobbled passage through the old wharf buildings at Duke of Wellingtons Yard

On Sunday morning Sarah headed for home and we took Brent III onto the opposite bank which was more convenient for shopping.  The river levels were down and the floodgates were open so we'd decided to end our stay in Newark. 

Our short journey from Cromwell to Newark