Did we have a major problem?

On the River Trent section near Wychner

 We left Fradley at 9:20 and cruised to Alrewas descending 4 locks.  There we stopped to shop at the excellent Coates butchers.  Then on the move again down Alrewas Lock to the short stretch where the Trent& Mersey Canal makes use of the River Trent.  This section is closed when the river is in flood but all was calm today.   The canal drops down from the Trent at Wychnor and makes its way alongside the very busy and noisy A38 towards Burton upon Trent.

There was a large column of black smoke in the distance which got closer the further north we travelled.  It became clear that the fire was in Barton Marina and passing by the entrance we saw that a number of boats were on fire.  Checking the news later it seems one cruiser was sunk and two or three others also caught fire.  Although fortunately the boats were unoccupied at the time, nearby boaters were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and the Air Ambulance was in attendance.

A bit further on Denise noticed that our domestic battery light was flickering.  This was worrying as it indicated that our batteries may not be charging or there was some electrical fault that could damage them.  We stopped as soon as we could and I checked the fan belt and battery voltages.  Everything seemed OK, but the light should not have been flickering.  So I rang the nearest boatyard at Shobnall  marina in Burton.  I was advised that it was safe to continue and they could check the alternator when we arrived.  We were very concerned as if there was a serious problem our journey would have been cut short before it had really begun.  We arrived at the boatyard just before 4pm and the alternator was quickly checked.  The technician diagnosed the problem as one he had seen before - the diode controlling the warning light was failing but apart from that the alternator was fine.  The diode needed replacing but it wasnt urgent, we were safe to carry on.  Phew!!!

We have moored up for the night just outside Shobnall marina.