Combine Harvester

Started the day with a blast of Arcade Fire. No, no, not the results of my cooking but a Canadian rock band with great lyrics and energy.

Fields of wheat and barley are looking nearly ripe. Havnt seen my first combine harvester yet.

After yesterdays spooky goings on today was more straightforward but also interesting. Started at Kilby Bridge on the outskirts of Leicester and finished at Birstall the other side of Leicester. Lots of heavy double locks. Matthew and Kerry came to help.

Kilby Bridge Wharf

1We went past the backs of lots of houses as we went through the estates of Wigston. Many make most of the canal frontage. We also shared locks with a Canal Club boat (previously Canal time)

Backs of gardens in Wigston



Sharng locks with Canal Club boat.



At the back of the Walker stadium approaching  Leicester you pass a Sargasso Sea of debris and rubbish. Also a vicious looking unprotected weir.



Walker Stadium



Then at last we are into Leicester and the River Soar navigation. 

"0" milepost in Leicester. 42 miles and 41 signs that we have passed since last Thursday.

The only decent moorings in Leicester where already taken so we pressed on to Birstall. With a good depth of water under the hull SL galloped along at a good 6 miles per hour and we soon covered this stretch. Agood days boating in brilliant sunshine.



River Soar in Leicester




Birstall mooring



140 miles and 129 locks.

Now for what they call in marketing "A Teaser" my sister has written an epic poem to acompany this blog along  the lines of Coleridges "The Ancient Mariner" coupled with Longfellows "Hiawatha" which will be previewed on this site in the near future-Stay Tuned!!