Welford

Heron strolling down towpath

 After yesterday's 10 locks we  took things quieter today.  We set off at 9:50 for yet another pleasant day in fairly warm, occasionally sunny weather through the same isolated countryside.  Some wildlife - the picture shows a heron walking down the towpath. In this area they take little notice of the passing boats.

Wsaiting to enter Husbands Bosworth Tunnel

First and only point of interest was the 1166 yards Husbands Bosworth tunnel where we were second in a line of 4 boats passing through.  Entry to the tunnel was delayed for about 1/4 hour as the lead boat did not want to enter because there were boats coming the other way although the tunnel is wide enough for two boats to pass.  Note that in the picture the light in the tunnel isnt the far end.  In the tunnel we met another boat who hit us as we passed.  Shortly afterwards I heard a bang as he also hit the boat behind us.  But no damage was done.

We stopped soon after leaving the tunnel at North Kilworth Wharf to pump out the waste water and for a quick repair.  A few days ago the brass fairline which carries the top ropes over the edge of the boat to protect the paint work came adrift when one of the screws broke.  The helpful guy at North Kilworth drilled out the old screw and fitted a new one for us.

We arrived at the junction with the Welford Arm at 13:00 and moored immediately.  We took Densie to the end of the arm a few years ago and saw no point in going again as there is little of interest.

During the afternoon Denise varnished some woodwork, washed one side of the boat as this was the first convenient mooring where the right hand side was adjacent to the towpath, and touched up some scratches in the paintwork.

Today: 5.22 miles, 3 hours 10 minutes travelling.