Down memory lane

Once again looked at the forecast and decided to set off fairly promptly. That's after we popped into Sainsbury's for some milk - and, of course, one or two other bits which we didn't realize we wanted.

As you can see, the sky is clear and we have left the centre of Loughborough to turn sharp right to continue our journey. 

The Boat Inn, another pub which, when we first visited, used to serve homemade food. Still popular by the looks of it.

Though we ought to have a picture of a swan in all its glory.

This block of flats used to be occupied by 3M Healthcare. We would wave to people in the canteen on the ground floor. How times change.

And this used to be a builders waste recycling plant with stone crushers, etc.

Also on the opposite side. It was a noisy, dusty place, somewhere that you wouldn't want to moor. How times change.

One thing that hasn't changed is the Peter le Marchant Trust. Mind you, it's now got three boats for use by disabled and elderly people.

Oh, and I'd love to be a Sea Cadet here. Just look at the equipment they can play with. It's funny but I've always wanted to mount a cannon on the front of our boat. 

And here's Pillings Lock Marina our first home for Polgara. Happy days.

A lovely stretch of river on the way to Barrow upon Soar.

Now which one do we choose? Sometimes the best thing is to stick to the centre of the canal - not always the correct thing to do but OK in this instance.

Yet another pub, The Navigation. We were tempted by a house for sale opposite this pub and on the canal side but it was far too small.

Nearing Mountsorrel and we remember these houses being built. They've certainly matured well with time.

The impressive bridge at Mountsorrel built in 1860.

And the impressive weir.

Guess what - The Waterside Inn - lovely liver and bacon (in the old days).

And look again. British Longhorn.

Came past Sileby and Cossington and stopped for the night just past Junction Lock.