Finally on the move again–and overstretching ourselves!

We finally left MGM at 11.30 on Tuesday. It was nice to be on the move again!

The river looked so different to two months ago when we arrived!

We passed swans on their nests,

ducks and ducklings,

blossoms and blooms!

Everything had sprung into life since we last passed!

See the difference here at Swans Nest Weir by the space centre!

We used our proven tactic to retrace our steps through Leicester, gliding through on electric drive with me walking and rubbish spotting again. We had no problems and were soon mooring up at the Castle Gardens pontoon to pop over to Tescos for some shopping.

We set off again, eating lunch on the way. See how green the mile straight had become since our journey through!

Despite still being the outskirts of Leicester, this section between St Marys Mill Lock and Aylstone Mill Lock looks more like jungle!

Just after that lock we had a close encounter with half a tree! We managed to slide by without any damage!

We were shortly passing where the Soar joined the canal, and then headed up the lock back onto the canal proper!

We decided we had done enough for our first day boating, so after passing through Blue Bank Lock, we moored up in the same spot we had used two months ago on the way to MGM.

On Wednesday we set off at 10.45 – I don't do early starts, Gary has given up trying to make me!

At our first lock of the day, Gees Lock, I had some help from the locals – but wasn't too sure if they were friendly or not, so stayed on my side to be sure!

Two locks further on we came across some volunteers removing debris from the water, and I mentioned the tree from yesterday, and was told that it had been removed that morning – so no hazard to other boaters now!

We also realised that we were just behind another boat, and at the next lock they were just at the top as we arrived, so agreed to share the next 3 locks to Kilby Wharf.

We passed this CRT guy repairing the brickwork on this bridge.

It was nice to share locks with another boat – made the passage so easy! We both pulled in to Kilby Wharf and watered up. Our companions, NB Dreamkeeper, Barry and Sue, were mooring up, but we decided just to have lunch and then move on. This turned out to be our BIG mistake!

The forecast “showers” arrived just before we left, so we waited and pulled away when the rain stopped – this was an omen – we debated whether to stay there, but decided we would carry on.

We had already done 7 locks, and our destination was 7 locks, 3 miles, further on near Wistow Garden Centre where we had spent a lovely weekend on the way up.

Things started fine, having missed the first shower, we plodded on happily, Gary taking the locks in his stride!

At the next lock, the showers returned, having moved Muleless into the lock, we cracked one of the paddles and sheltered under the trees whilst she slowly rose.

The rain stopped, but we were drenched, so changed into dry clothes and donned full waterproofs ready for the next deluge (which didn't happen, but at least we were prepared!)

At the next lock more locals were waiting to help, but I think I frightened them away – they all ran back through the fence!

We were starting to flag now! Waterproofs making us hot and irritable, my arms and legs had just about had enough, and Gary had started to help me with the gates and paddles, as well as having to climb off the boat and hold it with the centre rope whilst it rose.

As we exited our 14th lock of the day, we were looking forward to mooring up and resting.

The only mooring spot was right next to the railway and we didn't want to be that close! We foolishly thought we would be able to moor where we had last time – but that was not to be! Two boats were moored on the armco, and the rest was very overgrown, so we pressed on.

We thought there would be somewhere round the corner – but there wasnt! We tried a couple of spots, but they were too shallow!

Before we knew it we were at the next lock, and the next, and the next, which was one of a close pair, and then there was just one left!

It was now 8.30pm – we desperately tried mooring on some armco – which was again too shallow, so had to do the last lock!

By this time we were totally exhausted and were ready to tie to a tree if necessary!

Luckily there was some armco just past the top of the lock and we remembered stopping there for lunch on the way through, so knew we would be able to moor. Just in time, as it got dark!

So after 19 double locks and nine and a half miles in 10 hours, we have decided to never do that again!! Our goal will be to stop at lunch time (about 2pm for us) giving us plenty of time to find a mooring!

Our next destination was Foxton, and I’ll tell you about that tomorrow!

Where have we been?

Well it has been quite a whilst since I last blogged (about 2 months!). We have been at MGM Boats to have our snagging items (found during our six month shake down cruise) sorted out!

It didn't actually take that long – to start with we had to wait whilst they finished their current boat build “Posh Fox” – the boat MGM are showing at Crick this year.

Whilst we were stationary in Leicester, Roy, Yvonne and Tilly kindly brought our car up to us to use, and of course stayed for dinner and a visit.

Shortly after arriving at the yard we had a terrific storm including hail stones

 

and torrential rain (the swans didn't seem to mind)

and the river rose from this

to this (notice the plank in the second shot – it even had to move up a step and still sloped up instead of down!)

a rise just over a foot in just an hour (sorry for the dark photos – night was falling!) and then dropped again within another hour!!

We have been here when the river rose about 2 foot – and we had trouble getting onto the boat with our shopping that time!

In early April I had a rendezvous with blogger Jacquie from NB Like Ducks 2 Water – She had commented on our blog that she was heading our way and was finding our comments useful, so when she passed by and moored just up from us, I had to nip over for a coffee and a chat.

It was lovely to meet her and we look forward to catching up again sometime – good luck on your travels Jacquie!

It was now time to move Muleless back into the floating workshop to start on our jobs. I decided to head down south to visit family and leave Gary helping out on Muleless rather than “live in a shed”.

Before I went I had to take advantage of a dry space for my laundry! and as you can see Gary starting to get into the swing of work – wearing his “onesie” as Jacquie described it!

Whilst I was away our pigeon boxes were adjusted so they don't leak any more, and the windows were resealed, this should sort out the last of our water seepage problems!

There were also various other jobs that were sorted out by Mark in between settling in the new owners of Posh Fox and sorting out one or two of their “teething problems” and last minute requests.

Gary also repainted the roof, and finished off the touching up of our battle scars ready for the next round. Thanks to James for giving him tips (we have to keep up with Chance, after all!!) The boat was then brought back to life with a good T-Cut and polish!

When I returned from the usual round of family and friend catch ups, I brought back some spare material we had from the making of our blinds and cushions and made a headboard for our bed, which had two uses – to make it look like a “proper” bed, and to keep any cold that used to seep through away from our heads at night.

I have also made something similar for the dinette/spare bed to keep our visitors  feeling warm!!

After 3 weeks in the shed, Gary was feeling like a mole, so it was time to leave!

He remembered how to steer the boat and reversed out without scrapping the paintwork!

We had been offered the use of nice mooring spot (the owners were on their summer cruise)  so we settled in for a few days to finish off a couple of jobs and catch up with some washing (and drying!) and return the car to Roy and Yvonne.

Realising that yet another bank holiday was upon us (May day) we decided to stay put and wait out the “rush” of holiday boats.

Posh Fox had other ideas and headed down river to fill up with fuel before heading back towards Crick.

As Saturday had the best forecast, we decided it was time to try out the new barbecue (which we bought about 2 years ago – it was our first purchase for the boat!)

We were extremely pleased with its trial run, and cant wait to use it out on the cut!

On Tuesday we were all packed up ready to leave, just filling the water tank ready for the journey south!

If we decide we want a permanent mooring, one like this will do us fine thank you, it was a shame to leave, but we have itchy feet after two months and need to move on!

On through Leicester and back to the beginning!

We had moored just below Double Rail Lock thinking it would be our last country mooring before Leicester.

The lock had filled overnight and was overspilling.

There is still so much excess water along here, even when we went down the next few locks, they were overspilling behind us making it harder to empty the locks and open the gates!

It was another terrific sunny day and an enjoyable cruise, just skimming the lower outskirts of Leicester.

After going down Gees Lock we decided to moor in the sunshine and countryside with the sound of traffic from the A563 just audible, and walk to the large Asda store on the Fosse Park for lunch and some supplies.

We wanted to be sure of having plenty of time to get through Leicester in case of any problems, such as those experienced by Maffi and the CRT workboat at Limekiln Lock!

So Wednesday morning it was time to bite the bullet and head onto the Soar through Leicester.

We decided on an early start for us, 9.30! and headed into Blue Bank Lock before the sun had decided to come out from the clouds.

We soon passed under the A563 and had our first sighting of the River Soar!

At Kings Lock someone had helpfully (not) moored on the lock landing, even though there was loads of mooring space below the lock!

A quick check of the water level gauge below the lock showed the Soar to be “in the green” safe level – quite low actually, considering how much water was about in the canal so far!

Just as we were going down in the lock, a boat arrived below, so we checked with them that there were no problems along the next stretch and discovered that they had left the pontoon moorings at Castle Gardens that morning, we left the gates open for them, and headed off to join the river ahead.

The sun still hadn't come out, but there was no wind so it was a pleasant journey through Aylestone Mill Lock and past some nice new houses.

A bit further on we passed the first gas storage tank- looks a bit low!

Just round the bend (and there are lots of them on the river!) was St Marys Mill Lock – derelict buildings covered in graffiti, but still a nice setting, and Gary had a chat to a local whilst I did the hard work!

As we left the lock and headed under a bridge we spied a large weir ahead!

This is one spot you definitely wouldn't want to be if the river was in flood!

Freeman’s Meadow Lock is the site of Leicester Football Club.

Spring is really in the air now – look at these trees bursting into life!

We were now at the bottom of the Mile Straight, where the bridges are all very interesting and colourful!

This one had strange extra supports!

There are lots of colourful university buildings and accommodation blocks along this stretch.

There were loads of swans about – several headless ones too!

Then just ahead we spied the Castle Gardens pontoon moorings and there was space to moor. We decided to stop and have lunch and then explore on foot before cruising further.

The pontoons are only accessible with a CRT key, and as the gardens are locked at 5.30pm we have our own private garden too! Perfect location for exploring the City Centre, shops, restaurants etc.

After lunch the sun had come out, so we set off to walk along the towpath to check out the route and conditions ahead of us.

Our mooring from the towpath.

We are definitely in Leicester!

The first hazard we will come across in the boat is this weir – health and safety obviously haven't been here yet – there are no signs telling boats not to go straight on!

We followed the towpath past North Lock, Limekiln Lock and up to Belgrave Lock and hatched a plan to be sure not to get stuck like poor old Maffi!

At this point we crossed the river and started back towards the boat, but taking the path past the Abbey Pumping Station Museum.

Right next door is the National Space Centre, somewhere I would like to visit properly, so we will be returning soon!

We hadn't realised that you could see the rocket inside!

We then walked on, through Abbey Park,

crossing this bridge in the park.

We passed this church and  and unusually named road!

We decided that we needed a drink after all that walking in the sun, so made our way to “Soar Point” pub by the river, and sat on their terrace watching the rowers go by! (picture taken before we went in!)

We treated ourselves to an Indian Take-away from Jamals on Narborough Road, just round the corner. We recommend them highly – you can eat in if you wish and take your own alcohol too!

Thursday dawned foggy, but as we now knew what to expect whilst travelling, we didn't rush off early. The sun broke through by about 11am, so after a quick trip to the big Tescos just over the bridge, we untied from the pontoon and carried on down the soar!

We made sure to keep away from the weir and headed to the right instead!

Round the bend, and keep to the left through this bridge!

Straight ahead, another one of those weirs with no signs!

But make sure you go far enough round, or you could end up at this dead end!

Then, dead ahead, the first lock of the day, North Lock!

It is here that our plan that we hatched yesterday was to take effect.

After working Gary and Muleless through the lock, we parted company! I was to stay on the towpath to lighten the boat (!!!) and to be rubbish spotter whilst Gary put Muleless into electric drive.

The water was very clear, and we could see how shallow and hazardous it was close to the towpath!

The towpath got a bit overgrown as we passed Abbey Park!

And then we arrived at Limekiln lock, the site of Maffi’s and CRT’s problems!

So far, so good. As I worked Muleless through the lock, Gary again was deep in conversation with a passer by!

We exited the lock and headed under Abbey Park Road Bridge.

And that’s when we saw it – the motorbike in the water!

(I did report this to CRT, and they have taken action to remove it straight away)

Right next to the bridge they are renovating this old building, obviously they hope no-one lasso's the scaffolding when the river is in flood!

As Gary cruised along slowly in electric drive I realised he was hardly making a ripple, nor stirring up the silt/rubbish under the boat – and just gliding by even floating rubbish without moving it! and of course this meant terrific reflections!

As we went round the bend, first sighting of the space centre and pumping station ahead.

Just up ahead was Belgrave Lock, and another of those big weirs too, on the left just after the bridge!

And here comes Gary, heading for the gate I’ve opened ready for him!

Its celebration time! Through Leicester without anything caught on the prop! Hooray. We celebrate with pasties and drinks!

We are on the final stretch now, just the river section and two more locks to go!

You can see the difference now we are back on diesel drive – we don't leave the water ripple free!

This part of the river is lovely on a sunny day, the willow trees are blooming.

Birstall Lock looked lovely in the sun.

I managed to capture this pheasant as we cruised by.

And finally, we enter Thurmaston Lock. It really feels like a summers day now, not just looks like one!

We have arrived at our destination, MGM Boats. Six months after leaving on our maiden voyage we are back to have a few teething problems fixed.

We will be here for a few weeks, and then the journey will begin again – we have itchy feet now, can’t stay still for long!!

Phew, that was a mammoth blog! Well done to all of you that made it this far – I really must start blogging on a daily basis when I have so much to show you.