NB Polgara: A heavy day through Leicester

Now don't be misled by the heading. OK, then why did I write it like that if I didn't want to mislead you? Hands up, you've got me! Anyway, the heavy bit refers to the locks and the lock gates.

We set off in sunshine again, sailing regally past the Hope and Anchor which was just around the corner from where we stopped for the night.

And here we have the captain steering confidently into the lock. If you're on Facebook there is a story you can see showing all this in action. But what you can't see are the two ladies who had been chatting to her who wanted to watch how all the magic happens. And she did it perfectly, not a bump or scrape in sight. Usually when people are watching everything goes wrong but not today.

The trouble is that once in the lock it took an age to fill because only one paddle was working.

You get a good view of the National Space Centre from the canal. Another heavy lock just coming up.

Another reminder of the past, the chimney of the old Wolsey factory now surrounded by new flats and appartments.

Another chimney now put to good use as a communications hub.

Limekiln lock has some impressive artwork, all part of an improvement project in 1967.

The plaque on the lock wall with all the details.

Some parts of the canal around Leicester are quite depressing running through industrial areas. However, some of these places are being improved no end with new housing developments. An improvement, from our point of view, on what it was like before.

So, we've come through Leicester and have arrived at Leicester cathedral. Sorry, Leicester City Football club. Well, it's a cathedral to some.

And, once again, here comes the captain entering Freeman's lock. Heavy old gates and I said that I would do them all today. Probably just as well because there was one gate that I couldn't close on my own. The captain had to get off the boat and help me out. And that's another thing, hardly any other boats on the move, certainly not going in our direction.