Not a lot happening

We have moved every day this week but not very far and nothing noteworthy has happened so I haven't bothered to blog every day.

Wednesday was Mandy's birthday, my presents,  via Amazon and card, posted at Buckby Flight arrived on time so I was happy about that. It was quite a chilly day so we didn't travel far, we stopped briefly at Weedon for bread and milk then carried on as far as Bugbrooke for our overnight mooring.

Thursday was cold but beautifully sunny, I don't mind the cold if it is dry so I took the tiller and let Ray stay in the warm for a while. We pulled in just before Blisworth tunnel to check our tunnel lights then carried on through to Stoke Bruerne. Surprisingly,we didn't meet anyone coming through the tunnel but there were three boats in the tunnel heading our way. Blisworth tunnel is reasonably dry compared to some but the water was pouring down the ventilation shafts like a waterfall.

I was impressed to see a working blacksmith at the tunnel end, it's good to see craftsmen on and beside the canals. We moored at Stoke Bruerne for Thursday night and continued our journey down through the locks today.

This morning very frosty but again very sunny. We set off down through the locks,there is still a lot of water about from the recent rains. The water was flowing over the gates at the second lock like a waterfall. when we were partway down I realised that there was another boat following us so I reset the locks for him and we waited for him to catch up so we could share the last couple of locks. There was ice on some of the side ponds but none on the cut.

We met NB Vectis at the bottom lock, we have met them before around Rickmansworth. They told us there was ice on the canal near Cosgrove. We decided that if the canal is starting to ice up it was better to travel in the middle of the day and carried on to below Cosgrove Lock. At Cosgrove we encountered a meeting/photoshoot  of the Buckingham Canal Society and were included in their photos.

Since my last post we have travelled 19.7 miles, 8 locks and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 858.2 miles, 669 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 31 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2059.9 miles, 1755 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 71 tunnels

Enduring Buckby Flight

Heavy overnight rain cleared by this morning leaving us with that horrible fine drizzle that just slowly soaks you through. As the weather forecast was for more of the same we wrapped up warm, donned our waterproofs and got on our way.

There wasn't much sign of other boats on the move,we were soon at Norton Junction and round the turn onto the main line.The top lock of Buckby Flight was against us, a fair indicator that the rest of the flight would be. I think these may be some of the hardest locks on the entire canal network, after the narrow locks of Foxton and Watford the gates were, inevitably, going to feel heavy but even taking that into account these locks are hard work. In summer I have walked the flight but today I got back onboard between locks.

At the fifth lock we met a boat coming up the locks,the only boat we met today. As there was so little movement on the canal I left Ray sitting in the sixth lock while I dashed to the postbox which is just across the road to post Mandy's birthday card. I wouldn't be able to do that in the summer!

Ray stopped on the lock moorings below the bottom lock while I went to the chandlery for some milk, I decided I deserved chocolate after enduring Buckby Flight so bought a couple of Mars bars as well. No, I didn't eat both,one was for Ray.

We continued about half a mile beyond Whilton Marina and are moored sandwiched between the railway and the motorway. Homemade Scotch Broth warmed us up nicely.


Today's journey 2.7 miles and 7 locks

So far this year we have travelled 838.5 miles, 661 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 30 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2040.2 miles, 1747 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 70 tunnels

Watford Locks and beyond

We braved the rain this morning to head to the services then down through Watford Locks. We decided to stop before we reached Norton Junction and the Grand Union mainline. Previous experience tells us that the visitor moorings at the top of Buckby Flight are often fairly full and Although my knee seems to be OK now I didn't fancy having to go down any more locks today.

We followed a couple from California on a hire  boat down through the locks, I felt like apologising to them for the English weather!

We think we will probably aim to reach Berkhampstead or Hemel Hempstead for Christmas. Berkhampstead would mean about 30 hours cruising which is only an average of just over an hour a day. Our main aim is to get beyond Tring summit as there is a closure at Marsworth just north of there from early January. The only other closures that could affect us are towards the end of January and into February. We can't plan for the weather of course.

Today's journey 2.4 miles and 7 locks


So far this year we have travelled 835.8 miles, 654 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 30 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2037.5 miles, 1740 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 70 tunnels

Another day,another tunnel

This morning was still very windy but the rain had gone and we had sunshine, I'm still excused major boating duties but my knee is much improved so hopefully by tomorrow I will be feeling my normal self.

Today's journey was a straightforward one to take us to the top of Watford Locks. The fact that I was out of action didn't matter much as there weren't any locks, just cruising and Crick Tunnel to negotiate. Ray is still loving our new tunnel lights. We still haven't met any incoming boats in a tunnel so we don't know whether they are likely to dazzle incoming steerers.

We have the M1 for company now and it stays with us for the next few miles. Something obviously happened this afternoon on the motorway as the traffic was at a standstill. I'd rather be here than there!

Today's journey 5.6 miles and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 833.4 miles, 647 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 30 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2035.1 miles, 1733 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 70 tunnels

A little more progress

Last night was very cold, we put off moving until lunchtime in the hope of a rise in the temperature. It didn't rise much and within half an hour of setting off the rain started again, earlier than was forecast. I have currently opted out of boating duties as I slipped slightly yesterday, it didn't seem much at the time but my knee became increasingly painful and by bedtime was swollen up like a balloon so I am staying off my feet as much as possible.

I did keep Ray supplied with coffee but the rain increased and without my company he was feeling increasingly miserable so after only an hour and a half we were moored up again. We still haven't reached Yelvertoft.

Tomorrow is supposed to be dry so we will hope for the best, at least we aren't suffering the floods that much of the country is experiencing although the canal is getting very murky as the water runs off the fields and the fields are looking more waterlogged every day.

Today's journey 4.6 miles


So far this year we have travelled 827.8 miles, 647 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 29 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2029.5 miles, 1733 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 69 tunnels

Backwards and Forwards

Last night the wind and the rain continued and we went to bed with the sound of the rain drumming on the roof. At about one o'clock I woke up to silence, no wind, no rain and when I looked outside I could see the stars. The day dawned clear and bright, not a cloud in the sky but it was distinctly chilly.

We didn't rush to be on our way this morning as Rachel had said she would ring us when the washing machine arrived and all we had to do was go to Welford to post Margaret's birthday card, turn round and head back to North Kilworth. Rachel rang as Ray was on his way to the postbox so we headed back to collect the machine. We left Merlin moored near the junction with the Welford Arm so it would be easier to turn Morgana back round when we reach North Kilworth Wharf. We decided to buy a new leisure battery as well so after fuel, washing machine and battery, plus two birthdays (Margaret and Mandy) we are officially broke until the end of the month!

We rehitched Merlin and carried on in the autumnal sunshine for another hour or so then moored for the night. I had hoped to get close to Yelvertoft but the clouds started to roll in and we were soon losing the best of the light. Tomorrow's weather forecast is OK until the afternoon so we should make some progress.

Today's journey 7.1 miles and 2 locks

So far this year we have travelled 823.2 miles, 647 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 29 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2024.9 miles, 1733 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 69 tunnels

The Welford Arm

After two days of rain today is at least dry, it is very, very windy however. We needed to move on because our diesel was running a bit low.so we braved the wind and headed for North Kilworth. For once we were both happy to have to go through a tunnel, at least it wasn't windy in there.

While we were moored for a couple of days we did the usual chores including the washing. My old faithful twin tub which we bought about eight years ago has decided that it is overworked, the spinner doesn't want to spin properly. As it only cost about £80 it has done well. When we stopped for diesel and coal at Kilworth Wharf I asked if they had one or knew where I might get one. Rachel very kindly offered to order one for me for next day delivery. So we have decided to take a short detour down the Welford Arm for tonight and go back to collect the machine tomorrow.

This is a new bit of canal for us, when we last travelled the Leicester branch of the Grand Union we didn't bother with this detour. We had expected to reach Welford as the arm is only a mile and a half long but the wind was so strong we gave up and moored after about half a mile.


Today's journey 4.7 miles and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 816.1 miles, 645 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 29 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2017.8 miles, 1731 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 69 tunnels

Foxton Locks to Husbands Bosworth

We've had a lovely weekend the highlight of which was a visit from Keith and Leesa. My lovely son treated us to Sunday lunch at the Foxton Locks Inn, very tasty and enjoyable. It was so nice to see them.

Foxton Locks Inn

Foxton Locks

We spent Saturday doing bits around the boat and going for a walk up the locks. It is probably about six years since we were last here. As well as the locks there are the remains of the inclined plain boat lift here. The inclined plane was a system which bypassed the locks. There were two sets of rails set on the hill, each set of rails had a caisson ( a watertight container) Two boats were loaded into the caisson at either the top or bottom of the incline (or both) and were then winched up or down with the other caisson acting as a counterbalance. Not a brilliant description but if you're interested there is information online about it. There are plans to restore the inclined plane but I'm not sure I will ever see it working. It was built to ease the congestion at the locks as a journey up the plane took about five minutes compared to over an hour using the locks.

The remains of the Inclined Plane

This morning we made our way up through the locks and almost as far as Husbands Bosworth, the weather forecast is for some wet and windy weather so our journey will probably not continue for a couple of days.

Today's journey 2.9 miles, 10 locks and 1 swing bridge

So far this year we have travelled 811.4 miles, 645 locks,  54 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 28 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2013.1 miles, 1731 locks, 110 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 68 tunnels

Foxton Locks

We are expecting a visit from Keith and Leesa on Sunday so decided that we would moor at the bottom of Foxton Locks for the weekend. The Foxton Locks Inn looks like a good place to eat and there is easy access to the canal by car.

Today's journey was a short uneventful one apart from a minor excursion into the bushes on the offside by me after Foxton swing bridge. Morgana didn't want to behave herself and refused to turn towards the towpath, perhaps she didn't want to pick Ray up!

We did think about taking Morgana to the top of the locks tomorrow but the forecast is for showers so we think we will leave it until Monday.

Today's journey 4.1 miles and 1 swing bridge

So far this year we have travelled 808.5 miles, 635 locks,  53 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 28 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2010.2 miles, 1721 locks, 109 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 68 tunnels

Farewell to Market Harborough

Our planned stock-up shop happened today rather than yesterday, mainly because we found some non-grocery bits and pieces we wanted on yesterday's shopping expedition which meant we couldn't manage the groceries as well. So, this morning, we had another expedition into town to do our grocery shop. We are now well stocked for about a fortnight. That should see us through to Milton Keynes, we will just need the usual fresh bits en route. Ray also picked up my Christmas present which he had ordered from Tesco Direct and was delivered to the local store.

The moorings in Market Harborough are really nice, there isn't a huge amount of traffic along the towpath, mainly dog walkers and nothing to suggest that it is a hangout for the local undesirables. We can't really afford to pay for winter moorings but if we could I might be tempted. There are the full range of services at the end of the arm, a good range of shops in the town, some nice independents and five supermarkets! Lots of choice on price and product range.

Once we got back from shopping we topped up our watertank, emptied the loo, dumped the rubbish and started to make our way back towards Foxton as we had spent our 48 hours on the moorings. As it was getting late we didn't get very far.

Today's journey 1.9 miles

So far this year we have travelled 804.4 miles, 635 locks,  52 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 28 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2006.1 miles, 1721 locks, 108 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 68 tunnels

2000 miles!!

We made our way to Market Harborough today, by doing so we clocked up 2000 miles since we started travelling. We saw more boats on the move today than we have for ages. When we reached the junction with the Harborough Arm I got a bit confused. I knew we had to turn left but there were two bridges that aren't on my map. I realised that since we were last here (and since the map was printed) a new basin has been created for some private moorings and there is a bridge across the basin entrance. There is also a new swing bridge across the canal to give access to the moorings.

After sorting out that bit of confusion we carried on towards Market Harborough. There are so many leaves floating on the water at the moment, they get dragged onto the prop and clog it. Normally we get a clue that this is happening, Morgana slows down without us reducing the revs. A quick bit of reverse thrust sorts things out. About 2 miles from Market Harborough we slowed down, Ray thought it was just leaves so gave a quick burst of reverse, when he engaged forward gear the engine stalled! We stopped and he checked the prop, we had picked up a large rag which had jammed things. Once that was clear we were able to reach the moorings.

After a cup of coffee I took a stroll into town, my brother had told me I should be able to get haricot beans at Waitrose so I went to investigate. I now have haricot beans soaking ready to make homemade baked beans. We will do a serious shop tomorrow.

Today's journey 9.3 miles and 2 swing bridges

So far this year we have travelled 802.5 miles, 635 locks,  52 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 28 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 2004.2 miles, 1721 locks, 108 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 68 tunnels

Rosehips = syrup and wine

Yesterday's maintenance proved what we had both suspected, one of our batteries has failed. We had noticed that our power was less than it had been previously and it was the obvious cause. Another expense when we find a chandlery.

While Ray fiddled with the batteries and the bilge I did a bit of baking, a bit of crafting and a bit of tidying. I baked shortbread, one of Ray's favourites, I don't normally eat shop bought shortbread but I do eat my homemade. As a consequence it was all gone by bedtime!

More decorations

We made good progress today, the locks were mostly close together so we were able to do our normal routine of me walking on to set the next lock. We also had our first opportunity to test our new tunnel lights which we bought ages ago in Tamworth. They are fantastic, brilliant literally and figuratively, such an improvement on the old one. My only worry is that we might dazzle any incoming boats! Not that that was a problem today, we only met two boats, neither of them in the tunnel.

Like so many days the weather deteriorated as the day went on, after we had gone through Saddington Tunnel we looked for a mooring spot. We found one where there were loads of rosehips and Ray picked enough to make a gallon of wine and about a litre of rosehip syrup. We need to buy a load of sugar be able to do anything with them. So that will have to wait until we reach Market Harborough which will probably be on Tuesday as the weather tomorrow is supposed to be a bit yucky.

Our two little boys, 12 days old

The kittens are growing fast and now have their eyes just about open, we have established that they are both boys.

Today' s journey 4 miles, 5 locks and 1 tunnel

So far this year we have travelled 793.2 miles, 635 locks,  50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 28 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1994.9 miles, 1721 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 68 tunnels

Morgana Le Fey and the very windy day

After a night of being gently 'serenaded' by the sound of passing goods trains we continued our journey along the Leicester Section of the Grand Union. Our autumn/winter cruising plan is to travel for about two hours per day. This means we don't get too cold or wet when the weather is nasty. If the weather is particularly bad we take a day off.

Today started fairly mild but windy, we weren't planning to go far but the trip included seven locks. We made fairly rapid progress even though the locks were against us.The locks are close together in a group of four then a group of three. I was able to walk on and set the next lock while Ray closed up the previous one. As we negotiated the sixth lock we saw the rarity of an incoming boat at the next lock so I didn't have to walk on to set that one.

The view from my window

The sun was shining beautifully but the wind speed had increased substantially so we decided to stick to our original plan and find a spot to moor.The wind was blowing us onto the towpath side of the canal so strongly that once we had stopped Morgana didn't move an inch even before we had tied our mooring lines. We enjoyed the autumn sunshine looking across the fields towards Wistow but the weather has deteriorated this evening and it is now raining.

We have a 'boat maintenance ' day planned for tomorrow so it won't matter if the rain carries on.

Today's journey 2.5 miles and 7 locks

So far this year we have travelled 789.2 miles, 630 locks,  50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1990.9 miles, 1716 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels

Kilby Bridge

We started out fairly late this morning under grey skies, the weather was fairly mild, but it was very gloomy..

I've never thought of Leicestershire as being particularly hilly but the are a lot of locks between Leicester and Market Harborough. At least we have now escaped from the urban sprawl of Leicester.

Yet again we only saw one other boat on the move today. It is surprising how many people use the towpath around suburban Leicester. There was just one boat on the 48 hour moorings at Kilby Bridge. We stopped for the services there but moved on about half a mile to get away from the road, our cats don't have a lot of road sense so we play safe. For an autumn/winter day we made good progress today.


Today's journey 4.5 miles and 8 locks

So far this year we have travelled 786.7 miles, 623 locks,  50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1988.4 miles, 1709 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels

Leicester

We spent two nights on the moorings at Castle Gardens. Yesterday we both went into Leicester Market,we invested in some thermal underwear at a very reasonable price and also spent some money on some very good value  fruit and vegetables. Ray went back to Morgana while I did a bit more shopping including some fabric remnants suitable for rag rugging at 3 for £1. I got about 4 metres of fabric for £2, excellent !

I searched unsuccessfully for dried haricot beans, I tried supermarkets, health food shops and a couple of small groceries. I could have chickpeas, pinto beans, black-eyed beans, kidney beans,in fact just about any sort of beans except haricot. Ray even went to Tesco this morning for me before we left, without success. Have they all been bought by baked bean manufacturers?

It was a bit windy but sunny today, not long before we left our moorings a CART workboat with a dredger on board went past. This meant that the locks were set against us as we followed them and they, annoyingly, left the top gates open at all the locks so I had to close the top gates before I could set the lock for us.`

We actually met some holidaymakers at Kings Lock,the first we have seen for a while. We were keen to find a cat friendly spot for tonight as the kitties have been shut in since Monday morning. As we approached Blue Bank Lock I spotted a good stretch of bank and we were pleasantly surprised to find there were mooring rings so that was the end of our day's journey.

Today's journey 4.5 miles and 4 locks

So far this year we have travelled 782.2 miles, 615 locks,  50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1983.9 miles, 1701 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels

Visiting great, great, great uncle Samuel's clocktower

For the benefit of those who don't know in addition to my enthusiasm for the canals, my indulgence in any form of craftwork that takes my fancy and my passion for food (cooking and eating) I am also a keen family historian.

We are now in the center of Leicester on the moorings at Castle Gardens. The Barfields, ancestors of mine on the maternal side, lived in Leicester in the mid 1800's. Most notable of these was Samuel Barfield, younger brother of my great, great grandfather Thomas. Samuel was a sculptor and his work includes the figures on the clocktower in the center of Leicester. Was my great great grandfather Thomas equally noteworthy? Well, no, his claim to fame is the fact that he went bankrupt twice that I know of, has so many alias and variants of his name that my brother calls him 'pick-a-name' Barfield. When Thomas was living in Leicester he went by the name of Henry Anderson, I'm not sure if this was because he was hiding from creditors or because his well respected brother didn't want to be associated with him! He eventually disappeared from Leicester leaving a wife and three children and we have no idea what became of him after that.

Last Wednesday was, of course, Hallowe'en and Nimue decided that was a good day to give birth, she again had three kittens but one was very weak and unfortunately didn't survive. We have named the remaining two Trick and Treat.

It was on Wednesday that we also had a visit from the Hobbins clan,we had a nice bit of lunch on board then everyone, apart from Ray, went into Leicester for a bit of shopping. When we got back we all headed for the Hope and Anchor for an early dinner before the Hobbins had to head home.

A combination of the weather and my reluctance to travel through Leicester at the weekend meant that we stayed at the Hope and Anchor until this morning. When we reached Birstall Lock,the second of the day the water level indicator was on the red, but as the current wasn't very strong we decided to carry on, there is only about a mile and a half before the mainstream of the River Soar is bypassed after passing through Belgrave Lock. We negotiated that stretch without any problems, there was actually a boat heading downstream,a fairly rare sight at the moment.

When we reached Belgrave Lock we found that the other boat had left the lock gate open, which was handy because we could steer straight in, but had also left the paddles up which was a bit annoying. The route into Leicester from the north passes between some nice lakes and parkland on the west and an industrial and residential landscape to the east.

We will spend tomorrow going shopping, particularly in Leicester market then we will head out of the city on Wednesday. It is a fairly long haul to escape to the countryside so I  hope the weather is kind.


Today's journey 5.7 miles and 5 locks

So far this year we have travelled 777.7 miles, 611 locks,  50 swing bridges, 23 lift bridges and 27 tunnels

In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels

During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels

Since Ray retired we have travelled 1979.4 miles, 1697 locks, 106 swing bridges, 61 lift bridges and 67 tunnels