Stuck fast

Woken up at some unearthly hour (7:10) with bright lights shining in the windows. Well, light really, it's the sun 🌞

Waited a while to see if any other boats were on the move but only one going in the opposite direction. So we set off and at the first lock met with 2 boats coming down. This meant that they opened the gates for us, we jumped on board and they did the rest.

As you see, a clear blue sky, not at all like yesterday when, at times, you couldn't even see the trees. 

3rd or 4th lock along and here I am aground. The captain had to walk (a relatively short stretch) to the next lock, fill it with water and then empty that into this pound which gave me enough depth to cautiously motor forward. Later in the morning we met a C&RT man who said he'd spent an hour the previous day letting water down for exactly the same problem.

Now, how about this for a wedding venue? Bridge House Barn at Kibworth. 

The picture never quite looks the same as what you're looking at. To the left, among the trees, you can just about see the first of the 3 locks in this flight. It's probably taken us half an hour just to get this far.

Poetry in motion as the captain swings into action. I did much of the steering today because of a strong cross wind and the shallowness of some of the pounds. The captain thought that if anyone was going to be stuck in the middle of the canal then it might as well be me. 

Exiting Saddington Tunnel. 800yds long, fairly straight and dry. 

After that just 3 miles to Foxton Locks and no more wide locks until we get to Buckby. Yippee! 

Moored just short of the junction and took a short walk to Foxton village. Walked up to the Black Horse Pub and, even though they were not serving food until 5pm, their Tea Room & Bakery was. Had a delicious baguette each and a good old natter with the ladies who were running it. 

Popped into the church for a quick look round. A delightful place with very high ceilings. 

Had to have a record of who you're not allowed to marry. A list for men on the left and ladies on the right.

Took a different route back to the boat by following a bridle path back to the canal. We'll have to come through this bridge tomorrow if we want to get up to Market Harborough for supplies. 

Once on the boat we cranked up the EcoPot to prepare a chicken casserole. Won't be ready for 3 hours but after the initial cooking no more gas is needed. It's the equivalent of a ceramic hay box, if you know what I mean.