Lived on-board Hadar

Daisypath Vacation tickers

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Foxton to Marktet Harborough.

Hadar set off on an epic journey yesterday morning, to get to Market Harborough to deliver coal to boaters. The 5.5 miles would on a normal day take in the region of 1 hour 50 minutes, but this was not a normal day.
The canal was well and truly frozen with a dusting of snow topping it off. We set off breaking ice as we made our way to Foxton Swing Bridge, which was an absolute pig to move. We had to use the boat to open and close the bridge, because man power was never going to shift the thing. I am no weakling, but I could not move the darn thing. Keith used ropes to make the job easier. We have reported the problem to British Waterways, as it is now a real issue for anyone trying to get to and from Market Harborough. It was playing up before the freeze and now the ice has compounded the problem.
Once we cleared the swing bridge, we were breaking ice up to 2 inches thick, which meant it was slow going in places.Hadar did us proud and we eventually arrived at Market Harborough some 6 hours and 40 minutes later. It was the most incredible days cruising. We became a source of entertainment as people walking their dogs, or just walking took out their phone camera's to take photos of us breaking ice. I don't suppose it is something they see everyday. Having arrived at the Market Harborough moorings, we cleared the ice between the mooring and the boat, so that we could get Hadar in to the bank. By the time we had tied up it was well and truly dark and we were both feeling shattered. This will now be our home until after Christmas, as we cannot turn around as the basin is frozen and we are having our Christmas dinner out this year.
Keith and I would like to thank everyone for reading our blog.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. We look forward to 2010.

7 comments:

Dave Winter said...

Thankyou for a year of great blogging.Although not yet a boater myself I will be in the future.
Have a Merry Xmas and a safe and profitable new year.Take care.Dave Winter (Brassiclint) on Twitter

Keith Lodge said...

Hi Dave.
Thank you for message. It is nice to know our blog is appreciated.
Have a wonderful Christmas and an even better 2010. I hope you fulfil your dream of being a boater in the future. Jo

Maureen said...

Okay, why did I not know you were back on Blogger??? Grr!

Happy Holidays to you both!!! I hope to have time over the holidays to get back to reading your blog!

Les Biggs said...

Happy Christmas to you both, enjoy.

Unknown said...

A wonderful and a Marry Christmas! from all my heart <3
nice blog :)

Keith Lodge said...

Thank you for your Christmas messages. I hope that you all enjoy a safe and peaceful Christmas with your loved ones.

Hugss Jo & Keith x

Del and Al said...

Happy Christmas to you both, see you in the new year xxx