6th August 2015 - A dash through Leicester

An early start today to get through Leicester and to nice moorings we have used before just south of Blue Bank lock.

Robin walked Scooby in the water meadows by Zouch lock before we set off and met a small herd of Roe deer. We also saw this heron shortly after we set off - he sat and waited until we were almost level with him before he flew away over our heads.

At the third lock we met narrow boat Eleanor and shared the rest of our journey today (and the locks) with her crew, a friendly couple who have been happily living and travelling on their boat for several years. Encouraging for us beginners.

Altogether we gravelled 17miles and went through 13 locks today; all achieved in 10 hours.
It was all too much for Scooby, who crashed out on the bed in the afternoon!

Tomorrow we head out of the Leicester suburbs and towards the Saddington tunnel and the Foxton lock flight.



Fast asleep!



 

5th August 2015 - we visit Loughborough

Just a short journey from Zouch to the outskirts of Loughborough today. The river Soar was lovely in the morning.

Combining next to the river - we just about managed to outrun the dust.

Next stop Loughborough moorings for lunch and shopping; Sainsbury's, B&Q and the fishing tackle shop (for maggots!). Robin tried out the fold up bike to get where he needed to go and it worked a treat. This all took a while though, so we just carried on through Loughborough in the late afternoon, mooring just south of the town at Millers Bridge for a long dog walk and some DIY.

Millers bridge where we are moored for the night - there were swallows dipping over the river but they disappeared when I produced my camera.

4th August 2015 - Our first day on the move

 

Today is the day we finally set off from Redhill in our newly refurbished Harold. Robin practised his loo emptying and we set off nervously like a pair of first time boaters - it seems like a long time since we were on the river!


Harold puts his nose out into the river Soar and we are off.



 

Making our way gently south, we met this lovely lady at one of the locks and Robin fed her Scooby's treats (fortunately we have plenty!) while he slept on the bed inside.

Moored for the night just after Zouch lock ready for tomorrow and a visit to Sainsburys and B&Q in Loughborough.

August 3rd 2015

Robin and Scooby at the helm.

 

A comfy sofa is a must.

Our newly refurbished fireplace and kitchen

 

At Redhill  waiting for something to happen....

Robin and Jo are preparing to set off on their narrow boat 'Harold'.
Harold is currently being refurbished and should be ready for us to set off in a couple of weeks time. He is at Redhill Marina in the capable hands of Jeremy and Michelle of Tristar  Boats.
Robin and Jo have taken the bold move to give up work and sail off into the sunset quite literally.
Hopefully anyone who is interested will be able to follow us on our journey.