We left Birstall at 09:10
Vivid green floating weeds sometimes left only a narrow channel to steer the boat down
and they clogged some lock gates, but herons found the floating weed-beds good place on which to stand.
We moored for lunch at Barrow-upon-Soar and walked into the town for supplies.
After lunch we had to pass Barrow Lock. Krisie found it easier to use the road bridge (Bridge 29 - Barrow Lock Bridge) to get to the lock paddles on the other side.
But she did get some time to watch the passing scenery.
The spire of Normanton church was visible above tree for a long time before we reached it.
Nicholson's Guide says, "The inhabitants of Normanton guard their waterfront jealously, making it extremely difficult to get ashore."
Luckily there was space for our 68 foot boat at The Plough where Dan had made a dinner booking for 19:00.
We moored at 17:00 and had time to explore. Nicholson's warned of a chain ferry at Normanton but we saw no sign of it from the boat. An information sign at its jetty said the ferry's history could be traced back over 800 years but now it operated only at weekends between April and September.
By now it was getting dark, so we returned to the boat for a restorative glass of fizz before dinner, and to admire the sunset.
Excellent food at The Plough and they gladly brought extra servings of vegetable and chips.
I had the Boozy Bullock Pie, described as In memory of Audrey whose recipe made this pie famous. A delicious shortcut pastry case packed with lean tender beef cooked with beer, red wine, onions, mushrooms. bacon and herbs.
Leaving the pub after dinner we had only to go to the end of its garden to find our beds.
Birstall to Normanton - 14 miles - 9 Locks - 6h20
(plus 90 minutes moored at lunchtime)
Go to Day 7 here
Go to Day 1 here
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