Foxton locks to Debdale boatyard

Wednesday 15th November

Last night our central heating system stopped working and although we still have our multi fuel stove we really need to get it fixed so decided to contact the nearest boatyard. They said they would have a look at it for us. It was only a couple of miles from the locks so that was our target for today. John drove the car there and walked back with Dex. In the meantime I filled up with water and did some washing.

We set off about lunchtime to go down the flight. There are 2 sets of 5 staircase locks leading one into another. We had to check with the canal and river trust volunteers before entering the first lock. I went off to find them, they were right at the bottom of the flight chatting to some workmen who were welding in the bottom lock. I asked if we were ok to come down the flight and they said they would bring us as far as possible but we may need to wait for the workmen to finish. We walked back up the flight and John entered the first lock.

 Our volunteer lock keeper explained that there were 2 paddles to each lock, the red paddle had to be opened first and this let water in from the side pond into the adjoining lock. The white paddle had to be opened second and this drained the water out of our lock into the side pond. If you opened the white paddle first there was a risk of flooding the side pond. Their mantra was red before white and we'll be alright! Our volunteer had worked 2000 hours for the canal and river trust. They would be lost without the help of the dedicated volunteers.

 Here you can see the water emptying out of our lock into the side pond.

 John said it was really cold inside the locks. He had to watch his head on the bridges.

 There was a holding pond half way down so that any boats coming up could pass. We were the only ones on the flight so didn't have to wait.

 The workmen were still welding in the last lock so we had to wait a few minutes for them to finish. Nothing can be rushed on the canal.

 Soon we were able to go through the last lock.

 We were turning left to go to the boatyard. Hopefully we would be able to visit Market Harborough later on.

 It was a very overcast day but the Autumn colours were still vibrant.

 We liked this cider boat!

 It was really tricky to get into the holding bay at the boatyard but John managed it without hitting anything.

 We filled up with fuel, got pumped out and bought more coal. Then had to wait for the engineer. He turned up about an hour after we arrived. Apparently we need a new fan so he ordered that and said it should arrive tomorrow.

 As it was getting dark they let us moor up on the outside mooring spot. Fingers crossed for tomorrow!