THINGS, NOT GOING TO PLAN

Week 3 Market Harborough to Leicester. 24miles, 24 locks, 1 tunnel, 2 movable bridges, along 1 canal and 1 river.

Tuesday and it started off a quiet day, I worked on the blog until it was time to head into town, where we met Dave and Sandra Biddle for a pint and a curry. The bus journey down was uneventful and we made for the Beer House, a great micro pub.

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g315977-d7352512-Reviews-Beerhouse-Market_Harborough_Leicestershire_England.html

Then the problems started, it was shut, bugger. We had only been there a few minutes when Dave and Sandra turned up in their car. They were surprised at the pub being shut, but said not to worry we know a great Indian at Rothwell, and there is a pub there we have been meaning to try. A short trip and we reached Rothwell and headed to the Blue Bell, only to find this closed, bugger again. The Red Lion was our next choice, more of a cocktail bar than a real ale pub, so the Captain had to make do with lager. The Indian restaurant, The Taste of India, was only a few doors away, and after a couple of pints and a lot of catching up we made our merry way there. The food and service was excellent, and it really made up for the not so happy start to the evening.

https://www.tasteofindiarothwell.co.uk/

After a great night they very kindly dropped us off near the boat.

Next day and only a short hop to the actual village of Foxton, we have been to Foxton Locks and down the Market Harborough arm on many occasions, but never actually visited the village of Foxton. The Captain had picked up a small guide to the interesting points in the village, and we decided to follow its route.

https://www.foxtonparishcouncil.org.uk/foxton-attractions.html

The guide pointed out many old and interesting houses. It was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, and of course there was a pub at the end of it. The Shoulder of Mutton, a recently refurbished and reopened pub, with a light airy feel and an interesting menu. The Captain found a palatable red ale and I enjoyed their own brand lager. We had to share our pork scratching with the pub dog, a lovable Dalmatian

https://shoulderofmuttonfoxton.co.uk/

The only downside was the heavy rain shower we had to endure, and this has been the same most days.

Next day and down to more practical matters, the bins needed emptying, as did the toilet, and we needed water. The water and the bins were achieved at the services at the bottom of the locks, and we made our way to Debdale marina for the pump out.

https://www.debdalewharf.co.uk/

The Saddington tunnel was next on the agenda, ½ a mile long and straight, we made it through without meeting another boat and moored up for the night.

We went nowhere next day as it rained all day, and we are fair weather boaters and don’t like getting wet.

Saturday and an early start (before 9am a miracle for us) to try and miss the rain that was forecast for the afternoon. We had 12 locks to do, and at the first the rain started and didn’t stop until we reached the 5^th and final one in that flight. It luckily held off then until we completed the next 7 and were happily moored at Kilby Bridge. These are double locks and I usually only operate one side, saves me having to climb over the gates using the narrow lock beam, at some you need to have a good head for heights and sure footing.

At one of the locks I was approached by 2 gentlemen who asked my opinion on a ratchet windlass they had developed, this is designed to help people who need a bit more oomph to work the paddles on the locks. They main query was about the weight, and how it compared to my normal windlass. I must admit I was impressed, but was quick to point out that at this moment in time I do not require this type of help with opening the paddles. They assured me they weren’t trying to sell me one, just wanted an honest opinion. The price compared to the market leader was also impressive. Lockmaster retails at £154.99 and the GoWindlass at £94.99 a big difference. They thanked me for my input and went on their way.

https://gowindlass.co.uk/

At Kilby Bridge there is the Navigation pub, we have been in here on a number of occasions. We popped in for a drink, as we do. They have a small but interesting menu but we gave it a miss this time.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093963494059

I am sure the Captain fibs to me sometimes, as I was convinced he told me we had 4 locks to do to get to Fosse Park, and visit Curry’s to look at freezers, or maybe I hear what I wanted to hear. Anyway we set off late on Sunday morning with this idea of only 4 locks in my mind, and after the 4^th I said ‘great that’s it how far to Curry’s?’ he looked at me with pity in his eyes and asked were I got the idea it was only 4 locks, I said he had told me, he assured me he hadn’t and we still had 4 more to do, and we wouldn’t get to Curry’s until the next day. He did take pity on me, and we only did 2 more locks before mooring up for the night, just as the rain started, again!!

After 2 locks we reached the bridge that gave us access to Curry’s, it was still a bit of a walk but well worth it. A bit of background as to why we are looking at freezers. It would mean we would be able to freeze things like milk and bread, which is what we usually run out of first, and we now have the power to run one since the Captain upgraded our solar and batteries. We have 2 options, a 12volt freezer which wouldn’t require an inverter to run or a normal 240volt one which would. The drawback with a 12volt freezer is the cost, a ball park figure is £600/£700, but we can pick up a normal one to suit our needs for £100/£150. We also needed to decide the size and capacity. The trip to Curry’s was very helpful indeed, so fingers crossed a freezer will be coming our way soon.

We decided to push on to Leicester, which meant a final 4 locks for me, at the first we spotted a boat just leaving the lock and its crew waved as they went on their way, we were hopeful they would wait for us at the next lock, its good to share the double locks when you can, but it was not to be, and there was no sign of them when we got there. There was a boat coming towards us so as the lock was set in their favour I opened the gates and let them in. It had been very quiet on this leg of our journey, so it was nice to have a chat with other boaters whilst the lock filled.

Finally we were in Leicester, and now on the River Soar. We moored at Friars Mill which is a great secure pontoon mooring close to the city centre. No cooking for me we went Greek. After a couple of very good pints in the Blue Boar, including the Captains favourite Sam Smith’s Chocolate Stout, we headed of to Art’s Greek on Market St. The food was amazing and portions huge, and very good value of money.

A Happy Captain

https://www.blueboarleicester.co.uk/

https://artsgreekcuisine.com/

We are now stuck in Leicester for, well, we don’t know, as one of the locks ahead is closed and we are waiting for a CRT update to see when it will reopen.