We awoke to a bright sunny morning and before leaving Birstall, Mike, Alice and Jess went for a walk. First they discovered the Woolly Mammoth (it is meant to look like an animal whose remains were once discovered on this site) and then the Community Woodland.
Jess and Alice crossed over a rope bridge over the Melton Channel. Mike expected them to come straight back but the recycling features looked interesting so they persuaded (nay, demanded) that he too cross the bridge.
On the way back we noticed rather too much litter for our liking and then were startled to see a shopping trolley, abandoned by the main footpath. A little later they chatted to a groundsman who was picking some of the litter and Jess reported the trolley. He said that this happens all too often as people buy their picnic or BBQ materials from a Sainsbury supermarket close to the main entrance (the opposite end from where we started) Once they have had their food they abandon the trolley!
After leaving the park we walked up to the town and found a newspaper. Jess felt that finding some cakes for tea might be a good idea but was not Co-Op.
So walked further to the main row of shops. The first bakery we looked in did not tempt anyone but the second one did. Jess carried the bags carefully back to the boat.
After passing through Junction and Thurmaston Locks, the girls had their lunch whilst Mike continued on towards Cossington Mill - where Alice took a look at the weir - and then Sileby Lock.
The weir at Sileby Mill is fierce and notoriously makes steering a boat below the lock very difficult indeed. There is a strong current but often also sharp winds. We stopped at the fuel barge to fill up with diesel before making the tricky crossing back to the towpath side and the moorings where we tied up to allow Mike and Christine also to have their lunch.
The ladies all walked the next section with Jess running the last part to make sure that she arrived at Mountsorrel Lock before the boat!
Not really noticed Mountsorrel Staithe before - the new houses may be an attempt to look stylish but in reality they are rather out of place.
Is this an attempt to avoid paying an End-Of-Garden mooring fee?
The last lock of the day was at Barrow. Just before the lock we stooped to use the services. This lock is known as Barrow Deep, which indeed it is - most of the others on the Soar so far have been relatively shallow. The volunteer lock keeper and his friend try to keep the lock surround looking well-cared for and he kindly let us all go down in the boat, shutting the gates afterwards. (The photo of the keeper was 'accidental') Jess made sure that the boat stayed in the right place as we descended.
Whilst Christine steered, Jess and then Alice helped Mike to prepare the evening meal.
We continued to Loughborough basin but unfortunately all of the four visitor moorings were occupied so we turned around and found a good spot just after the junction.
13.4 Miles - 7 Locks
No comments:
Post a Comment