Today was different: when we awoke there were raindrops on the outside of the windows! Actually, it was very fine and was well gone by the time we set off, just before 8:30. Also different because we knew that we would not need to pass any locks - the next are at Watford (Watford Gap for those not so familiar with the main places on the canal network!)
By the time we were up the view directly across from the boat was very typical English countryside.
From now on, today remained sunny, blue sky with occasional non-rain clouds. A stiff breeze kept the temperature temperate, even chilly for the first hour. There were few significant landmarks all day but plenty of bridges to count our way through - about 38 altogether, Each has its own character - some stand out in unprotected blazing sunshine, but others like the one above, are partially shaded by trees which lend a distinctive dappled pattern.
Before long we approached Husbands Bosworth Tunnel, very similar to the one yesterday but ever so slightly longer. It is quite dry and dead straight - even before entering it is possible to see light at the far end. We had to pass some non-working bank repairs (well, it was a bit early but the welfare boat look as if it had been unlocked.
The towpath edge is being reinforced with trench sheet piling, the classic way to prevent the edge from falling in to the water. It is not always favoured by the ecologists but seems to last much better and longer than all the alternatives which have been tried. Besides, it is generally preferred by boaters as it gives a better place to moor and much easier to tie up to.
And so into the tunnel. Before long we could see a light at the far end - it was only just before we passed that it became obvious that it carried two bow lights and not two boats as seemed possible until then. It also had bright white lights at the stern - which is deprecated. Perhaps as a result of the time taken to slow down and pass, we emerged the far end after 14 minutes, two over the estimate on the sign board at the outside.
Twenty minutes later we arrived at North Kilworth Wharf (not to be confused with North Kilworth Marina which is on the opposite side) Christine had already arranged for us to call - when we came by in May we had wanted to taken on some diesel but they were not selling at that time as the result of the tremendous price hike that Trump's Iran War had precipitated. They would have to buy red diesel at the same price as (white) road diesel. The price has recovered somewhat, dropping 10p a litre in just the past week.
The Wharf is quite a well established service and makes few concessions to the modern shiny boat brigade! Nevertheless they are very friendly and helpful but we did have to come alongside their hire boats which were taking up all the space by the diesel pump. All this is an excuse for why Mike forgot to take any photos!
Only when we passed the marina did normal operations resume.
Around this point Christine came up with the idea of attempting to reach Crick today and seeing if we could have a one night stay in the marina, also part of the Aquavista group. A quick phone call had us welcomed and booked in.
Not long after North Kilworth we passed Welford Junction - not diverting up the arm this time. We are saving any spare time we can accumulate for new things later in the trip. In the photo, we came from the left and Welford is off to the right.
Yet more bridges - only 18 more to go!
Just after passing under the busy A14 we noticed Heygates Adult Glamping - just a couple of quite intriguing lodges. However, their website is rather out of date and the booking page could not find any available dates. Shame if it is no longer trading.
We had lunch on-the-go - Mike made a small amount of tuna pate as our supply of supermarket stuff had run out. We forgot to put it on the list last Saturday! It went well in some ciabatta rolls that had been in the freezer since Sunday.
By the time we passed Yelvertoft we knew that we were well on the way to Crick, perhaps 45 minutes to go.
And then Crack's Hill just around the corner from Crick. This time we took a different view than the usual one with the beacon stand in the middle.
Just before 2 we arrived at Crick Marina still a strong wind blowing we were a tad apprehensive, manoeuvring in an unfamiliar marina. We came alongside the service mooring and Christine went to the office to sort out paperwork and where we were going to be put for the night. The staff were very welcoming and one went to the end of our pontoon to help guide us in to the slot.
After we were settled into our position we had and hour's break before walking back to the office: one of the staff had kindly offered to take us to the Co-Op in Crick on his way home when the office closes at 4.30. However, we did have then to carry everything we bought back along the road to the marina! Our trust folding shopping trolley once again came to the fore and we managed to pack into it all of our purchases bar a carton of fruit juice.
Before long it was time to prepare the evening meal (very much a 'go-to-the-cupboard-and-use-what-you-find affair AKA Beef and vegetable gnocchi bake with a cheesy crust!) You will know if we survive when (if) we post tomorrow's blog!
Photos of the marina next time!
14.7 Miles - 0 Locks
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