Tidal Trent and The Pennines

This years summer cruise has been a bit and bob year. We seemed to spend most of our time cruising up and down the Trent & Mersey between Fradley and Shardlow with various problems with me of TM. The up side of all of this is I have a better understanding of the fresh water system on TM and we have a new fully functioning toilet. The summer was not a total loss. We did manage the Leicester ring with a couple of important detours. We finally found time to turn left at Foxton and visit Market Harborough. The Ashby Canal has been an thorn in our side. It is only 15 miles from Castle Donington but we had to admit we had never ventured under that little narrow bridge.
Next year we are planning a big (for us) cruise, most if which will be on new waters.

Planned 2015 Cruise

In a nutshell, down the Trent to Keadby then back over the Pennines. Not sure which route back over the Pennines, that decision may not be made until the very last minute. The trip has a number of firsts for us. First time on the Trent past Gunthorpe. First time a tidal river. First time "Up North" on TM.

Over the winter we will be making a few reconnaissance trips to various key points on the trip so we know what to expect when we get there and to build our anticipation of the cruise. The details of the Recon Missions will be documented on this blog. Not that I think many people will be interested but   it is a good place to put the information where I can find it next year when we are out on TM.

Watch this space! or not.
P.S.
Yesterday we had an email from our friends Angie and Steve. The have taken the plunge and moved onto their new narrowboat Jack 'n' Janner and are currently cruising somewhere near London. Congratulations and best wishes. We look forward to meeting up with you on the cut. If anyone out there on the cut spots Jack 'n' Janner, give them a wave and say Hi.