'eadless Anne

The day after the Norwegian tragedy.

 Into Market Harborough to Sainsbury's to pick up supplies. Set off about 1045.

I am not a massive fan of plaques but we thought we would treat ourselves to one of the Foxton locks (Shown above) as we survived them and no children were drowned! (Children insist on helping even though its dangerous, their parents seem oblivious)We retraced our steps back to Foxton and turned sharp right in the direction of Leicester. This is a new canal to me never having been this way previously on any boat. It surprised me. 

On the "Leicester Line"

The channel is narrow and winding at odds with the fact that it was the major canal artery for coal traffic from the East Midlands to London a 100 years ago. Signs said it was an area of special sceintific interest but I am not sure why.

We aproached Saddington tunnel which burrows under Saddington Hill. I know this has memories for some of you reading this log.

On a different subject there is a legend that the tunnel is haunted by " 'eadless Anne" as well as lots of bats. We didnt see 'eadless Anne but I have I have to report, readers, that three quarters of the way through I felt something like a finger being trailed across my back! This is absolutly true and I have no explanation! On leaving the tunnel a unusual butterfly of a type I have not seen before, olive green in colour, flew out with us. It circled the boat then flew on. All very strange.

Then down through the heavy Grand Union locks through Newton Harcourt. Great scenery and not much trafic on the cut. A couple of photos below give the flavour.

Near Kilby Bridge

Pasta and Carbonara plus Sainsbury's wine. Brilliant sunset. (see above)