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