Kilby Bridge to Foxton Locks (9 miles, 12 locks)

We resumed our journey, intending on bringing the boats up the remaining 12 locks for a couple of days mooring outside the village of Fleckney.

Spinney lock on the edge of Newton Harcourt

Richard approaching Spinney Lock

Unfortunately I didn't have my phone with me, when a young girl walked past with 2 miniature ponies on leads and a terrier.  One of those surreal moments.....  All I could think of was she'd need a big bag to clean that lot up!

One side base colours applied to the new stern of Echoes

We quite enjoy stopping at Fleckney, as the towpath is quiet and it is a nice walk across the field to the High Street, which has a much needed Co-op and above all a much missed chippy!

Approaching Saddington Tunnel ~ a shortish one for us at 881yards

After a rest for a couple of days, painting and walking the dogs around the wood and the village, we decided that we ought to get to Foxton in good time for the weekend before Easter.

Beautiful scenery as we wind our way along the contour between Foxton bottom and Kibworth top

Debdale Wharf Marina

The boys wait patiently whilst we top up on the water point just outside Foxton basin

Before we knew it, we had arrived at Foxton, where we filled the watertank and debated where to moor for a few days.

Richard brings the boats through the swingbridge

I jumped off at the bridge before the basin and ran on ahead to open the swingbridge leading onto the Market Harborough arm.  We thought we may go all the way into Harborough as it only about 5 miles, but decided to stop just outside Foxton Village, allowing us to walk back into the basin to empty cassettes, rubbish etc.

Next to the church stands the Old Grammar School, a small timber building dating from 1614. The ground floor is open, creating a covered market area and there is a single room on the first floor. It has become a symbol of the town. (Wikipedia)

We like to jump on a bus and explore the local towns and Market Harborough is no exception. Richard grabbed his rucksack and we caught the bus for a 10 minute ride into the lovely town.  A little more expensive than we are used to, but we found everything on our shopping list.

Reilly (greyhound) and Lister (black lurcher) test driving the new bunk in the butty for size.

Our work continues on getting the shop in the butty and the backcabin ready for use, as our aim is to open up on the run up to Easter and including Easter for the Foxton Locks Easter Festival.   It is all very exciting, but there still is a huge amount of work to do.  Ok back to it..........