Zouch to Loughborough (3 miles, 2 locks)

Setting off in the morning from Zouch (Zotch, as we apparently should be calling it!) we collected a lovely coal bag around the prop just as the wind pulled the boat over the wrong side of the canal! Richard got the big boat into the towpath as I gently drifted jackknife styly over the far side.

A neighbouring boater, helpfully held the centre line as Richard braved the weedhatch, discovering the offending item and the reason for the aimless and directionless type of steering!

Zouch Road Bridge on a good bend

What a difference a cleared prop makes!  We needed it on the bend out of Zouch!  

Passing the large weir, we speeded up as the flow had slowed us down a little.

Emergency Flood Moorings at Zouch

The flood moorings look a bit unreliable!  I wouldn't want to be in a position to need them, especially as we wouldn't be able to get off the boat to shore?

Properties at Normanton on Soar

We were quite intrigued by the lack of high flood defences along the river, wondering if any of these properties were flooded by the 'yoyoing' water levels of late!

Chalets along the river at Normanton on Soar, much like the property on the Broads

Ooh, the sky started to get a bit heavy as the picture above shows.  As we approached Bishop Meadow lock, signalling the canalised stetch of route to Loughborough, hail came down briefly but painfully.  It left us soaked and the dogs inside, wondering what had just happened!

Helpful boaters had aided us through this lock and so, as we moored for the Loughborough lock around the corner, we prepared the lock for their use.  We always try to repay a service, as we were in no rush to get our mooring at Loughborough ready for the show LOUGHBOROUGH CANAL AND BOAT FESTIVAL. They sailed into the distance as we emptied the lock for the final rise onto the Grand Union (Leicester section).

Loughborough Basin with the facility block to the right.

When we arrived at the Basin, the wind had eased a little thankfully as we moored, hoping for the night, alongside a cruiser and another narrowboat.  The town is a tantalisingly close walk between the Travelodge and the Restaurant in the picture, so we had a wander to stretch our legs.

When we returned, the neighbouring narrowboat furnished us with tales of drunken students and pranks involving unsuspecting boats in this basin.  Also, he pointed out the lack of security cameras...

Moored at the waterpoint in a now empty Basin

We unattached the butty and left it at the visitor moorings whilst Richard reversed the big boat to the waterpoint in the wind.  He went back and pulled the butty over as the water filled the tank.  We were nearly on an empty tank, so we couldn't really wait and it was ok, nobody died!

The Chesterfield Canal Trust's boat Python Chesterfield Canal Trust - Python on their way to Leicester

Mooring along the towpath, narrowboat Python passed us, so we waved and wished them well.  This boat has been restored and is now going to be used as a Learning Boat, as per the above link, and we have been following the work being taken out on it.

The shop is open properly at last!!

We have spent a great week getting to know our neighbours and finding out about all things Loughborough. I swapped the shop from the offside to the towpath side again and dusted and sorted out all the stock, but the weather was windy for most of the week, preventing me opening for much of it.

My Aunty and Uncle came to visit last Monday and were thrilled by the boat.  It was great to see them as it has been a few years.

Postbox finished today ready for varnishing tomorrow....

So, I spent the rest of the time getting as much painting done to increase the limited stock I have.  Apparently, the show gets really busy.  I am getting slightly concerned, and trying not to panic, as this is the first proper show we have been involved in.

The plank to the boat!

Walking the plank could be an option.....