Newark, Notts.

We practically took up residence here, so I think you could say we liked the place. (Pictures from both outward and return journeys on this page.)

Well, the first sight we had of it was the lock with the castle behind on a sunny day. This is always a plus point for the Braunton Family.

A pub on a barge is yet another plus point for the town.

And a market - now this has to be good!

The castle's all front (like some people I could mention) but good fun to explore nevertheless.

The town's quite a maze of streets

and much of it's pretty old

Nick found a bear baiting post, so we decided he needed to explore history from the bear's point of view.

A small but quite friendly congregation at morning service here - but the Methodist church was infinitely more welcoming. (I agree - Nick)

The moorings were very peaceful in King's Marina. It had only been open foe a few weeks when we paid our first visit.

Lots of space to relax in the sun after a hard day's working on the boat.

....like painting over all the bumps and scrapes we seem to have acquired.

The serious work of fishing is done by Nick. (It's a good job I had bought something for tea - he didn't catch so much as a piece of weed. Mum)

Now there's a sensible sized boat - I'd trust that one on the tidal Trent.

Of course, when there's a market, one is tempted to buy the most ridiculous things.              

....like a plastic frog that really swims when Nick Alan puts it in the water.

It does just what it says on the box.

And we had to stay for Bank Holiday Monday, didn't we.

There was jazz

(which bored Nick silly)

and kids theatre

(which did not)

(good to see other performers diving to share a mic!)

Brilliant Brass Band playing

(note the nifty choreography from the players - there was a lot of that from the Ransome Band)

and fireworks to end with.

All presided over by Robin Hood.