Shackerstone

I am pleased to report there is no more water leaking from the pump and no air in the pipes, so that’s a success.

It was a bit chilly last night, down to 0.8° C but it was up to 3° C when we got up with thick fog. The fog cleared a bit by the time we set off just after 10am. but it hung around until after lunch when the sun came out.
We have seen a couple of hire boats out from Braunston today but not as much on the move as yesterday.
Passing Sutton Wharf they were lifting a boat out using a hiab lorry mounted crane, it was only a cruised but I thought the lorry was well away from the edge and had the boom well out to reach it, I don’t know what weight they can lift. There were four chaps with lifejackets and crash hats as well as at least three in hivis jackets, so it looked more than someone just having their boat lifted.

As you can see by now the weather was a bit better but it was over another hour before the sun peeped out. We were now following a boat but they pulled in after about half a mile so we were on our own again. Spring is on its way with loads of catkins out, there are even a few pussy willows starting to show as well as daffodils and snowdrops.
Bosworth Marina will be the half way point on this canal when the final length is opened. The Ashby Canal society (probably the wrong title) do a grand job keeping the mile posts smart.
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Our original plan (made yesterday) was to stop at bridge 47 and go to the pub for a meal not considering today was Valentines day, when Diana reminded me we decided that may not be the best idea as they would probably be packed, so we carried on to moor in Shackerstone just past bridge 52. By now the sky’s were clear, the sun was out and it was some 13°C almost summer like. Talking of spring, I hope the lambs don’t keep calling all night.

Todays Journey

12¾ miles, no locks in 5 hours