5 miles, 1hr 50mins.
Late this morning we upped stakes and winded at the winding hole before Foxton and returned to Union Wharf, where we have moored in the basin, ready for our coal delivery tomorrow morning. A very pleasant journey in the Autumnal sunshine.
Keith.
As we are going to be spending a few days moored at Gallows Hill I decided to experiment with our new solar panel. Whilst we are moving it lays flat on the cabin roof, but it is beneficial whilst stationary to tilt it towards the sun, especially during the winter when the sun is low in the sky. As a temporary fix to gauge what I need to do I have commandeered one of Jo’s logs to lean the panel against.
Today was the first day since installing the panel that we have actually had some sunshine, yes you can blame us for that! At 1:00pm, when the sun was at it’s highest, it was giving an output of 6amps. One thing about installing our solar panel was that I wanted it easily removable without any form of bracket or fixing on the roof, for when we are at festivals, rallies, etc.. I fitted 4 rubber door stops to the corners of the panel for it to sit on the roof. To stop it being stolen or from being blown away in a strong wind I have used chains and padlocks to secure it to the handrails. I have come up with a cunning plan to make a more permanent tilting mechanism than the log, I just need to find somewhere to buy the materials, watch this space. But in the meantime it will do for now.
Keith
2.8 miles, 1hr 10mins
With brief visits to the dentist and doctors, we headed back out to Gallows Hill until we return to Union Wharf on Tuesday ready for a coal delivery Wednesday morning, then we will be taking up our winter mooring on the towpath.
Keith.
2.8 miles, 55mins.
A foggy start again, but not as bad as yesterday. A short hop into Harborough, where we moored up on the towpath. Next stop the dentist for Jo as she has a suspected abscess under one of her teeth.
Keith.
17.9 miles, 10 locks, 8hrs 35mins
A foggy day from start to finish.
Pylons have an eerie look about them in the fog.
Not that you can see it, but approaching Welford junction.
Entering Bosworth Tunnel.
Descending Foxton locks.
Foxton swingbridge.
Keith.
12.25 miles, 13 locks, 6hrs 45mins
A dismal day, but not too cold. Before we set off from Braunston this morning I wanted to check the prop as for the last few days we seemed to be travelling a bit slower than normal. After half an hour this lot had come off!
The remains of a pair of trousers and the rope were the main contenders, along with the bits of plastic, stick and weed. Passing Braunston Stop house, with still a bit of mist around.
I needed to buy some new blades for my Stanley knife, which I did at Wharf House Narrowboats below Braunston bottom lock. We shared Braunston locks with a nice crowd of youngsters on a hire boat.
Approaching Norton junction, and our home waters of the Leicester Line.
Watford staircase locks.
Keith.
12.4miles, 3 locks, 4hrs 35mins.
Almost a misty start, but was only low cloud but higher enough not to be misty. The towpaths have suffered this year with the weather, this is how I remember towpaths back in the late 60’s.
Hillmorton locks.
Bonsai!
Bridge No.79 looks to be finished, and a great job they have made of it too.
Les and Jaqueline on nb Valerie following behind us.
Bridge No.80 is well on it’s way too.
Passing Derwent 6.
We have stopped at Braunston, and went to buy some bits and pieces from Midland Chandlers, mainly a new glass for our stove in the saloon, plus a spare. Les and Jaqueline were taking on water at the water point when we came out of the shop, so we had a quick chat and a cup of coffee and cake with them.
Keith.
Whilst Jo was busy moving coal in the hold this morning, I installed our new solar panel that we bought from Solar-Afloat.
All working fine, just need some sunshine now!
Keith.
19.45miles, 1 lock, 7hrs 45mins.
Another lovely autumnal day, passing through Hart’s Hill yard.
Jo cooking lamb casserole with dumplings for tonight's dinner.
Marston junction and the start of the Ashby Canal, but not this trip.
The Navigation Inn is progressing well.
We have a busy day ahead tomorrow moored here, Jo wants to sort the hold out, especially the coal, and I want to install our new solar panel.
Keith.
15miles, 13 locks, 8hrs 10mins.
A lovely days cruising, a bit less windy than yesterday. Fazeley Junction.
Wow, no queue at Glascote locks, miracles will never cease!
The Autumn colours to the trees at Glascote top lock.
Yet another double rainbow over Atherstone.
Keith.
18.45miles, 4 locks, 7hrs 55mins
A very windy day, and no queue at Colwich Lock, amazing!
There used to be some strange underground thingy here, but all gone now.
Serious shelter from the winds through Armitage tunnel.
Jo cooking dinner on the move for tonight, Spag Bol.
Much needed dredging at Fradley, below Shadehouse lock.
We pulled in next to nb Plum, aka Solar Afloat, just south of Whittington, and bought a solar panel and associated bits and pieces, so no guesses what I will be doing this weekend!
Keith.
