Welford Junction

Nearly a month has passed since our last post, so here is a bit of a catch up. Monday 9/10, we set off from Norton Junction heading for the staircase locks at Watford. On arrival we were first in the queue, so began our ascent almost immediately. We also had the assistance of not one, but two volunteers. Our transit of Crick tunnel was unopposed, although we did receive our customary drenching at the northern end, due to the leaky roof. We know we are close to our winter mooring spot, when the Yelvertoft Marina wind turbine comes into view.

Being not quite ready to give up cruising just yet, at the entrance to the Marina we carried on. On arrival at bridge 21, we found a favoured spot of ours vacant, so stopped for the day. The next day we set about a few maintenance tasks. The hull of the boat is coated in a two pack epoxy paint, which is significantly better and harder wearing, than the more traditional bitumen. However even with the most expert helmsmanship skills, scratches and scrapes do occur and these need attention to prevent rusting. The product we have chosen to use is Hempel Multicoat, and its application by roller was very straightforward. With the port side of the boat completed, the following day we travelled to bridge 28 and the winding hole. There were plenty of spaces available, so once the boat was secured it was time to tackle the starboard side. We had been fortunate with the weather, but the forecast was changing, so on Thursday 12/10, we headed back to Yelvertoft, and after visiting the services dock we berthed in our usual spot. Friday 13/10 was gloriously sunny, but the wind was very strong. We were so glad we hadn't put off entering the Marina, as manoeuvring in these conditions would be next to impossible. It did not however prevent the next pre winter task, which was to wash the boat, and get a coat of protective wax applied. We now had a few days to kill before heading to Palma Mallorca for a long weekend.

 

 

 

 

All too soon our time in Palma visiting our son was over, and it was back to a dreary and increasingly colder UK. Back on the boat we were still not quite ready to stay put in the Marina, so on Wednesday 25/10, we headed out onto the cut once more. Our destination was back to bridge 21 a whole mile away, where I would stay whilst the crew popped home for a few days.

Mooring by bridge 21

  Me and the furry crew member enjoyed our respite, and also undertook a few more maintenance tasks. We also benefited from the clocks going back, enjoying an uninterrupted extra hour of sleep. The crew returned on Monday 30/10, then on Halloween we headed off for Welford Junction, a location sufficiently rural to avoid trick or treaters. On arrival we found a spot on the long straight section with mooring rings, and after securing the boat we went for a walk along the canal, to have a look at the progress of the still under construction North Kilworth Marina. The latest estimate for opening is Spring 2018. They still have a lot to do to meet that date. Wednesday 1/11, we moved off after breakfast, and at Welford Junction turned left heading towards Foxton. Soon we were entering Husband Bosworth tunnel, aware that CRT were conducting a tunnel inspection. We encountered the working boat in the middle of the tunnel and it bounced us hard into the tunnel wall. I was expecting to see damaged paintwork, when we emerged into the daylight, but fortunately we had escaped unscathed. The remainder of the cruise to Foxton Locks was pleasant, and after filling the water tank, we walked down the flight to the Foxton Locks Inn for lunch.

Taking on water at Foxton Locks

  Thursday 2/11, we took four legs for a walk down the flight of locks, turning around at Debdale Wharf a trip of about four miles. Back at the boat with the weather fine and dry, it was time to wash and wax the starboard side. This was the last of the exterior, winter maintenance tasks completed. Friday 3/11, we travelled back towards Welford. Our transit of Husband Bosworth tunnel was unopposed, and once through, we stopped at North Kilworth Wharf to obtain diesel and coal. We hope this small business survives the new Marina, when it eventually opens. Continuing on to the junction we turned left, and travelled the short arm, to the solitary lock and Welford. After winding at the end of the arm, we popped into the Wharf Inn for lunch. We also booked in for a Sunday roast.  Saturday 4/11, we took the furry crew for his daily walk, and opted to have a look at the nearby reservoir. whilst we don't like wet weather it certainly needs a prolonged period of rain the replenish these levels.

Low water at Welford

  Over the past few days the weather has become distinctly colder and this morning was no exception. Up until now we have in the main relied on our diesel heater to warm up the boat but now the solid fuel stove has been put into use.

At lunchtime we wandered off to the Wharf Inn for our roast dinner. I opted for the pheasant and would thoroughly recommend it. Back at the boat we decided to move back to the junction in readiness for our return to Yelvertoft tomorrow.

Mooring at Welford Junction

   

• Totals Monday.      9/10.         7 Miles 7 Locks 1 Tunnel
•          Wednesday 11/10.        2 Miles
•          Thursday.   12/10.        3 Miles
•          Wednesday 25/10.        1 Mile
•          Tuesday.     31/10.        7 Miles
•          Wednesday.  1/11.        7 Miles 1 Tunnel
•          Friday.         3/11.         8 Miles 1 Lock 1 Tunnel
•          Sunday.       5/11.         1 Mile 1 Lock
• Running total 266 Miles 60 Locks 14 Tunnels 

   

Welford Junction

Shortly after arriving at Debdale Wharf today, our boat emerged from the grit blasting shed with the hull looking all shiney and new. After some final checks to ensure all the work was complete, and that the gas regulator had been reinstalled safely we were relaunched. 

       

By the time we had loaded all our stuff from the car it was midday, so we cruised as far as Foxton and stopped for lunch. Checking in with the lock keeper we were fifth in the queue to go up. The ascent was uneventful, but initially I could not understand why there were so many families about. Then it dawned, it was half term week. The crew however, were grateful for the extra assistance in opening and closing the gates. Needless to say, we now have a few scuffs on our newly painted hull, fortunately they are confined to the rubbing strake and that's what it's there for. Once up the flight of ten locks we set off for Welford Junction, approx three hours away. By the time we were approaching Husband Bosworth tunnel, the light was starting to fade. Emerging 20 minutes later, we had to leave all our navigation lights on for the remainder of the journey, as it was now quite dark. At the junction we turned right and found the mooring virtually vacant. We moored on the rings in the dark, at least I could not see our newly acquired scratches. Tomorrow rain is forecast in the morning clearing by lunchtime. If this proves correct, we will set off for Yelvertoft late morning.

Totals 9 Miles 10 Locks 1 Tunnel 

Running total 644 Miles 327 Locks 23 Tunnels 

Foxton

Well we have now been at Foxton for a week, awaiting our appointment at Debdale Wharf Marina. We departed Welford on Friday 9/10 in warm autumn weather. We turned left at the junction, and were soon passing North Kilworth. The new Marina that was being dug the last time we passed, still looks as if it has a long way to go before being finished. Husband Bosworth tunnel was next, at a relatively short 1166 yards. It was then a peaceful hour cruise to our destination near to Laughton Hills, a mile and a half from Foxton top lock.

Saturday 10/10 we descended the Foxton Locks, which are made up of two staircases of five locks each. Being a weekend and fine weather, we had set off early to be down the flight before all the gongoozerlers turned up. Unfortunately our plan was foiled. We had an hour wait at the top whilst four boats came up the flight first. Consequently we were watched, and photographed all the way down. I also found it prudent to keep the boat close to the bottom gates going down due to water flooding over the top gates.

       

Once through the flight we found our mooring spot by a reed bed just outside the the heavily restricted Foxton mooring zone. We can stay here for a maximum 14 days whilst we wait for our booking at Debdale.

Thursday 15/10 we needed to run the boat to the marina for a pump out and then back to our spot via the water points at the foot of the locks.

During our stay here, two Sunday's have passed meaning two visits to the Foxton Locks Inn for a roast dinner. The three of us have become regulars there, and today Oscar was even treated to his own trimmings from the beef joint, courtesy of the landlady. This pub is very dog friendly. Tomorrow we will get to Debdale Wharf for about 8am, ready for the boat to be lifted out for its zinc treatment.

Friday 9/10 totals 6 Miles 1 Tunnel

Saturday 10/10 totals 2 Miles 10 Locks

Thursday 15/10 totals 2 Miles

Running total 634 Miles 317 Locks 22 Tunnels

Gone Fishing

As planned, lunch today was taken at the Foxton Locks Inn where they do a splendid carvery. This was followed in my case by lemon meringue pie which I can recommend. We then took a circular walk back to the boat to enjoy the afternoon sunshine. Later I took to fishing and caught a monster sized fish.

       

                                                     It fought hard to remain free.

       

                                            Well it looked bigger before it was landed.

I think it is a roach but if anyone who reads this knows different then please let me know. With the sun shining all day today the solar panel produced a total of 56 amp hours which is about a third of our daily consumption. This has meant not having to run the engine for 3 days now and as the summer arrives even more free electricity should be produced. Tomorrow we head for Welford so an early start is planned. The locks open at 8am so it would be nice to be on our way by then.

Solar Eclipse

Woke early this morning, due to the astronomical event that was due to take place today. Amazingly the weather reports were accurate for our position in the country, and we had perfect conditions for viewing  the partial eclipse. Based in Leicestershire, we were expecting 85 to 90 percent of the sun to be blocked by the moon. Having said that, it still meant 10 to 15 percent of the sun would be shining and so I was not expecting for it to go particularly dark.

I only had the iPad camera to play with, and no special solar filters the photos taken only acheived limited success.

       

                                      First photo of the day taken at about 0845 hrs

       

                            Photo taken at about 0935, the supposed peak of the eclipse. 

                                          Not exactly dark but it was a strange light.

       

                               The only photo showing part of the Suns disc missing.

Without solar filters, even adjusting the exposure settings, the power of the Suns light was too much to get a decent picture.

Our walk today took us across the fields to the Black Horse at Foxton where we enjoyed lunch in their garden in the sun.

Having been alone for a week we now have some neighbours. We are still planning on departing on Monday subject to the weather.

Services day

We have been at our mooring now for six days and it is a nice peaceful spot. When the sun is shining it is on the solar panel all day, which is good for the batteries. We are now able to run all our electrical needs for two to three days without having to charge them using the engine. Today we needed to take on water and to pump out the holding tank. We were also out of coal for the stove. We set off at 8.30 in the mist, for the water point 300 yards ahead of us. It was slow filling due to low pressure so it was nearly an hour before we were done. In this time the mist had lifted, and we had clear blue sky and bright sunshine. A number of anglers had passed us, heading for the stretch of water we had just left. During a conversation with them I told them our plan was to return to our previous spot. They were happy to leave it free for us which was great. We set off for the junction, as we had to now head back to Debdale Wharf for the pump out and coal. Whilst there we met the owners of Black Bart who had just had the same zinc coating done that we are having in October. What was really spooky was they are from Kent like us, they moor at Yelvertoft like us and have been living on board since July like us, it's a small world.

On return to our spot we secured the boat, then walked across the fields to the village of Gumley. We found the Bell Inn and popped in for lunch. It was gone 3pm before we were back at the boat, to relax after our strenuous days work. We are now set up to stay here till Monday or Tuesday, so a Sunday roast at the Foxton Locks Inn is on the cards.

Debdale Wharf

Today we set off from Union Wharf in Market Harborough in bright sunshine. It was 1030 as we reversed from our mooring being watched by our temporary neighbours who were enjoying their daily coffee morning. If ever there is a time to make an error it is when being watched by a group of experts. Fortunately we turned in the basin without incident and set off along the arm towards Foxton and the famous flight of locks.

At the junction we turned right heading towards Debdale and Leicester. We are having some work done at Debdale Wharf later in the year so this was an opportunity to see its position on the canal. We winded (turned) just prior to the wharf and found a nice spot to moor prior to the Foxton mooring zone. It is a good rural position, close enough to the pubs for lunch but far enough away to be quite. We will probably stay here for a few days, or may stretch it to a week.

       

                                      

        You can tell spring is here as this cheeky chappy made an appearance on the towpath.

Totals 7 Miles

Welford

Weekly update - We only spent a day moored in the Foxton zone, preferring the quite rural areas rather than the busy tourist spots. It is funny sitting in the boat listening to what people say as they walk past. "Oh look they've got a chimney and there is smoke coming out" and similar things. 

We departed on Wednesday and travelled about 1 1/2 miles before stopping for the day. 

On Thursday during our daily walk we ended up in Foxton village. We found the Black Horse PH and as it was lunchtime decided to try the cuisine. They had a very good choice on the menu and specials board. Another plus is they are dog friendly. Oscar is settling into the routine at pubs well, knowing that if he behaves he will be given treats. Foxton is a lovely rural village with some large expensive looking homes. We were told that a farm shop is currently being built close to,the canal so that should be good for supplies when it's finished.

We had a lazy day on Friday and then on Saturday we set off for Welford. The trip had a few interesting moments. Due to the high winds some small trees had been blown down and in two places had partially blocked the canal. On one occasion we had to resort to using the pole to push us past an obstruction. Once through Husband Bosworth tunnel we arrived at North Kilworth Wharf. Here we topped up the water tank and also filled with diesel. We only pay the full rate of duty on the diesel we use for propulsion which I have assessed to be 20%. The remainder is cheaper as it is used for domestic stuff like heating, battery charging etc.

At Welford junction we turned left and travelled the 2 miles along the Welford arm for the first time. There is just one lock prior to the wharf which was set in our favour. At the end of the arm is a winding hole where we turned. We had some shopping to do and I also lit the stove. An hour later we returned to the junction and turned left and moored a couple of hundred yards along on the mooring rings. Soon after we arrived we were joined by at least six other boats, so lots of neighbours tonight.

Today was a maintenance day. We have a tarry/rusty residue seeping from between the chimney and the chimney collar. This has made a mess on the roof which now needs to be cleaned. We have tried using WD40, as this was recommended, with limited success. When we get back to Yelvertoft we will have to obtain something better. The second job of the day was dealing with an increasing loss of coolant from the engine. This entailed cleaning and drying the bilge first then running the engine until the leak showed its self. This required some close inspection of various joints in a tight engine bay. Not easy unless you slim and flexible which i am not. An added complication is the necessity to lay across a hot engine.

                                        Not much room in which to work

                         At one point I was upside down to reach the deepest area

Whilst I had the engine bay opened up like this I thought it would be prudent to check all the hose clips  and was pleased to find that it was only the one that was leaking that was lose. This included the hoses to our Hurricane diesel heater which provides us with programmable hot water and central heating if and when required. Again not much room is available for inspection so this is one benefit of camera phones which can be positioned in the small space to obtain a photo of the item needing inspection. By doing this I have been able to confirm that the Hurricane as only been running for 83 hours. We don't need to service this until it has done 1000 hours so some way off yet.

     The fitters must have rubber arms to connect all that pipe work together in this space

We will stay put for a couple of days, making an intermediate stop on the way back to Yelvertoft. We aim to be there on Friday as there is a Halloween party on Saturday which we are attending. By late afternoon all the other boats on the mooring had departed, so now we are all alone. It is now dark (17.30) outside due to the clocks going back. I for one will be happy if this is stopped next year as I prefer the lighter evenings.

Stormy at Foxton

We arrived at Foxton Locks yesterday afternoon and have moored in 'the Foxton mooring zone'. This area is I believe strictly time controlled, due to it being a popular tourist attraction. The area we are in restricts us to two days, and we could only stay a max of 14 days in the whole zone in any one month. After securing the boat for the impending arrival of hurricane Gonzalo, we went for a walk descending the lock flight. At the bottom is the junction where we carried on walking in the direction of Leicester. The wind started to pick up, especially when we reached open countryside and the clouds were begining to darken. The decision was made to return to the boat before we got a soaking. Most afternoons now the stove is lit, so we are nice and toasty by the evening. 

Today we went for Tuesday lunch at the Foxton Locks Inn. This is a very dog friendly pub and even has free treats for dogs when the owners have lunch. 

We have not yet decided whether to spend a further full day here or to depart tomorrow. We shall have to check the weather reports as I don't fancy moving with the winds gusting as much as they are currently.

Foxton

Well this morning after five days it was time to move on. We had exhausted our water supply, so we now know that we can go six days between fill ups without having to be careful with our usage. We set off for North Kilworth Wharf to obtain water, and we also took the opportunity for a pump out. After concluding our business we continued heading roughly north east, and soon entered Bosworth Tunnel. This is a relatively short tunnel at just over 1000 yards and took us 12 minutes. Once through the tunnel it was only five miles or so to the famous Foxton flight of locks. There is a winding hole just before the flight, which was handy because we do not intend descending the locks until December when we head for Market Harborough. We had spotted a nice, sunny, south facing mooring on the way to Foxton, and it was still vacant on our return. This was another first for us using mooring pins instead of the chains. I just hope I have banged them in well, or we may float off during the night.

Anyway now some pictures of our garden for the next few days.

Finally the solar panel got a polish ready for tomorrow because if the weather reports are to be believed, we should get quite a bit of power produced over the next few days with the sun on the panel all day.

Totals 8 Miles 1 Tunnel