Another shortish cruise today. Our updated trip plan showed us getting to just above Barrow Deep Lock today (where there should be facilities) but we also realised that tomorrow's segment was shorter than calculated. Pilling's Lock is really a flood lock so, at this time of year, we are very likely to be able to cruise straight through. There are a few moorings above Mountsorrel Lock but they can sometimes be filled up quite quickly. Anyway, we set off on the basis that we might do four locks (to Barrow) but stop earlier if space permits (above Mountsorrel)
Just as we were slowly preparing to set off to the nearby Junction Lock we saw a boat coming down so we asked if we could share. Turned out to be another of the boats moored along with us at Castle Gardens!
Sharing locks can, in the right circumstances, be easier and perhaps quicker - but not always. It also means that it is impolite to hang about taking photos rather than open and closing gates promptly . . . Part of the reason why we have so few photos for this blog entry.
We found leaving Junction Lock trickier than usual - somehow Mike took several goes at getting the boat to pull away from the lower lock landing, not helped by new and extensive willow growth at the far end. (Well, steerers do have to have a good reason - excuse? - for their errors!)
Below the lock it was sad to see a house left derelict. On the 1990s OS Map it labels this as Osier Villa but it will take some effort - and cash - to save this house from demolition. OK< so it is now next to a busy link road between the A6 and A46 but plenty of properties have been satisfactorily upgraded with triple glazing.
Althiugh we did not find many photo opportunities for the blog, the cruise is very pleasant, meandering route.
Sileby Lock gradually came into view, with the boatyard and former mill alongside. The boatyard were very helpful back in 2021 when we were shot at and needed a replacement window pane. We also spotted Tyto Alba moored as it has been for some years, outside the mill. We noticed that it has
had a repaint and some changes to its colour scheme. Also, a different style of barn owl on the name panel! It always did look smart, now looks even smarter.
Onward once more - we told our lock companions that we may be stopping above Mountsorrel Lock. Surprise though when we realised that no-one at all was moored on the short stretch above the lock! By lunch time two others moored, one either side of us but they continued their cruises a little later. They were replaced in the space behind us by another of the Castle Gardens boats! In such a popular spot it is unfortunate that there is only room for one and three quarters boats to moor.
Christine wandered down to the lock and scouted out the menu offerings at the popular Waterside Inn. Abandoning any claim to healthy eating, she had decided that her back needed special treat(ment) with at least some proper chips tonight, Back at the boat she found Mike quite happy to go along with her suggestion of giving our resident chef a night off and she phoned to book a table for 7 pm.
3.3 Miles - 3 Locks
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