Wednesday 23rd March
John moved the car from where it was parked near the church in Newton Harcourt and drove it part way along our planned route. He left it at Kibworth Bridge and then walked back with Dex. When he got back we set off. My turn to steer today!
It was a bit overcast when we set off but it soon warmed up. It was also a bit windy so I needed to concentrate on my steering.
We soon arrived at the first lock of the day, Crane's Lock.
There were a load of ramblers sitting having their picnic lunch so we had quite an audience.
Off into the lovely open countryside again.
At the second lock I somehow managed to scrape along the edge of the brickwork before entering and one of the fenders snapped off! These rubber ones don't float either so that is lost forever! Ooops!
At Taylor's Turnover lock we met up with Mike who had lock shared with us a couple of days ago. He had split open his knee as he fell getting off the boat and gashed it on the metal side of the mooring. He had to go to Market Harborough hospital for stitches. He had been dropped off by taxi but at the wrong bridge! He was struggling to walk so we offered him a lift back to his boat. Lucky we were there!
At this lock there was a large teepee shaped marquee which was being used as a wedding/party venue.
There were also a lot of unusual breed sheep in all different shades of black, white and grey.
On again and we soon reached Mike's boat and I was quite proud as I managed to steer close enough for him to step across but without hitting his new boat - phew! He's planning the same route as us so no doubt we will see him again on our travels.
Onward towards Saddington tunnel which is 880 yards long.
In the middle of the tunnel the roof was leaking and we all got dripped on. Dex was not at all impressed and hurriedly made his way to the comfort of the sofa!
It was great to be out in the sunshine again.
This next stretch of canal leading to Debdale Wharf is really pretty.
The flag irises are all coming out and look lovely.
As we reached Debdale Marina one boat was struggling to get inside the narrow entrance so we had to wait.
Finally we had reached our mooring for the evening and for the next few days until the heating and toilet are fixed!
After we had settled at our new mooring I walked back to the car with Dex. It was quite a long walk and we had to go across the top of the tunnel back to Kibworth bridge. It was a lovely walk though.
View from the top of the tunnel
No comments:
Post a Comment