First day out and we overdo it again! The plan was to set off Monday lunchtime but could not get out the Marina because of the wind so set of Tuesday early. Managed a few firsts today, first pumpout, first electric lock at Sawley ( fortunately nobody was around so we took our time and studied it all until we were happy), first windless loss over the side at Bishops Meadow Lock, first fender loss (two more lessons learnt). A very nice chap came over with a magnet to try and find the windless but no joy. So many nice friendly, helpful people on the cut. We did manage to share a couple of locks with two boats full of old chaps trying hard to grow old disgracefully. They had obviously had a fair bit to drink (not that that in itself is an issue) and left each lock with the paddles up and gates open, Jan had to stop and put everything right before we moved on.
Out timing was a bit out today, we arrived at Normanton too early to stop for the day but late enough to give us a tough run to get through Loughborough. We ended the day at Barrow Upon Soar and had a nice meal in the Boat Inn. The pub was full of groups that had been canoeing so we thought the meals would be hearty and the were.
We had a few boats tell us of the very low water levels around Kings Lock in Leicester. We were hoping to get through Leicester in one go tomorrow so we have decided to rethink. We knew that Foxton was closed but thought we would go to Market Harborough, however we are not that fussed so will wind in the moring and head back down the Soar and head off down the Trent.
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