It was a generally bright and sunny day as we prepared to complete the run into Union Wharf, on the edge of Market Harborough, We were not concerned about finding a towpath mooring as last night we booked a space in the bason for tonight. Later we extended this to two nights!
This blossom was spotted right outside the boat on our overnight mooring. Makes one wonder how itis that some of nature's creations are considered special and others rather ordinary - even the latter can sometimes be interesting.
We were away by 9.45 - perhaps the sunny aspect encourages us to make a move.
The building alongside Bowden Hall bridge intrigued us. We have not found definitive history but it does seems that the original Hall has properties either side of the canal - the ones in the photo comprise the main site. It dayes from the early and late 19C and is now listed. (see here for soem fetaol of the walled kitchen garden) Most of the site seems to now be adapted as a number of apartments - judging by estate agents web pages!
When we last came this way back in 2018 (see) Bridge 14 (as it now is) was only just being constricted in order give access to a large new housing estate has since been developed and occupied although we did spot some new construction still taking place.
All the properties facing onto the canal from here into the basin all seem to have large gardens. The houses vary both in style and size but well maintained lawns is a priority!
We arrived into the basin just over the expected hour after setting out. We easily identified the visitor moorings - we later were told that actually they are not numbered so take any one! The manager was busy with both hire boats and day boats but later did check that we had been recorded properly as having booked the slot!
The Man and Plank statue is still looking quite smart - someone must be looking after him. It is supposed to act as a sundial but we forgot to check out the time as it as not clear where the hours are marked. (Possibly under the parked cars!)
This blossom was spotted right outside the boat on our overnight mooring. Makes one wonder how itis that some of nature's creations are considered special and others rather ordinary - even the latter can sometimes be interesting.
We were away by 9.45 - perhaps the sunny aspect encourages us to make a move.
The building alongside Bowden Hall bridge intrigued us. We have not found definitive history but it does seems that the original Hall has properties either side of the canal - the ones in the photo comprise the main site. It dayes from the early and late 19C and is now listed. (see here for soem fetaol of the walled kitchen garden) Most of the site seems to now be adapted as a number of apartments - judging by estate agents web pages!
When we last came this way back in 2018 (see) Bridge 14 (as it now is) was only just being constricted in order give access to a large new housing estate has since been developed and occupied although we did spot some new construction still taking place.
All the properties facing onto the canal from here into the basin all seem to have large gardens. The houses vary both in style and size but well maintained lawns is a priority!
We arrived into the basin just over the expected hour after setting out. We easily identified the visitor moorings - we later were told that actually they are not numbered so take any one! The manager was busy with both hire boats and day boats but later did check that we had been recorded properly as having booked the slot!
We were quite low on water and so, as Christine went to check out a small convenience store close to the wharf, Mike tackled the filling. Normally this is a simple task and is done alongside other routine chores. However, the basin only offers rather short pontoons so getting the hosepipe from the stern to the filler point in the bow was a challenge. We use one of the expanding hoses (to make best use of locker space) and our main one is normally able to reach wherever the tap is located. However. it only achieves it operating length when full of water at a pressure. So Mike rigged up a pair of mooring ropes (worn ones used as back up and springs) to pull the end of the hose along the roof. This first involved having to get onto the roof at the stern and crawl along to pull along the rope from the front! Once it had reached the mid point the hose could be adjusted from the pontoon. But to reach the tap it was necessary to bring out one of our shorter hoses as an extension. Of course, as soon as the tap waeturned on the hose expanded and was then far too long! All this took so long that Christine was back from the shop before any water had been added to the tank! (She failed to get anything from her list, alas)
So, the next option was to walk half way to the town centre to a Co-Op. We were able to find all but a couple of items we were seeking - although only a convenience shop in style it was remarkably well stocked. We had brought our folding trolley to make carrying our load a little easier but the route is notoriously quite a long and steepish incline. Time then for lunch and one final mooring chore - connecting up the land line. Rather easier than the hosepipe as we could use our short lead between stern and bollard.
The Waterfront eating place in the long former warehouse at the far end of the basin was doing a roaring trade today with plenty of folk enjoying sitting outside in the sunshine.
The Man and Plank statue is still looking quite smart - someone must be looking after him. It is supposed to act as a sundial but we forgot to check out the time as it as not clear where the hours are marked. (Possibly under the parked cars!)
2.9 Miles - 0 Locks
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