We left Gunthorpe this morning at about 9:30 after speaking to the Lock Keeper, and shared the lock with a trip boat.  We got completely soaked as it rained and hailed as we went into the lock, only stopping as we exited.  I am loving the automated locks though as no hard work winding paddles and pushing gates, just as well when you see the size of the gates.  We headed for Newark where we intend mooring overnight.  Arrived in Newark at about 1:00pm and found plenty of mooring spaces on the floating pontoon.  We purchased an electric card as there are electric points on the moorings and also water points.  So we took the opportunity to run the washing machine and wash dog beds, towels, coats etc (how sad are we). 

Had lunch and then went to have a look round Newark, which seems to be a very smart place with some nice shops and several supermarkets.  I know nothing about Newark and will have a look on the internet later to see if anything of note has happened here.

Graham looked at the maps and realised that we are not far from Cromwell Lock which marks the beginning of the tidal part of the Trent.  I am a bit worried about negotiating this bit, but Graham as ever is full of confidence that all will be ok!!  He phoned the lock keeper at Cromwell lock who says if we leave here at 9:55am we will arrive at Cromwell Lock at about 11:00 and should be at Torksey Lock (where we finish the tidal section and turn into the Fossdyke Canal) by about 1:00pm.  Arrgg!! I had expected to moor up this side of Cromwell Lock and not have to think about the tidal bit until Wednesday.

I have posted some piccy’s to show the size of some of the boats on the river and also to try and show the size of the locks, not sure that you can see the scale of it from the photo’s though.