End of the line

 Aug 28th

So we didn't stay at Market Bosworth, because poking my head out of the side hatch just as a boat heading back from Snarestone passed, I asked if the moorings at the Globe were full. With a favourable answer of "Completely empty luv"  made us stir our stumps, put the tiller on and set off. Low water was still a bit of a problem but nowhere as bad as the stretch between Stoke Golding and Market Bosworth battlefield. Our revs could increase slightly although there did appear to be a noticeable amount of reeds encroaching the channel so when we met another boat and had to head toward the side, that didn't bode well. A jaunty angle achieved as we passed each other, both boats finding the silt!

Reaching Shackleton we very nearly stopped. Moorings available and the Rising Sun pub so near, could this be a better place to meet up with our daughter. But the time limit for staying was only 48 hours, not long enough as we wouldn't be seeing her until Thursday. Best keep going then.

Made the moorings by the Globe Inn and before we stopped, in the distance Snarestone Tunnel was seen. All boats have to proceed through this tunnel to the terminus, it's the last place to wind before heading back. Not for us today though, and glad too seeing how busy it was.

 The Globe moorings had only one boat moored, that chap this morning was quite correct and we had the pick. Deciding to stay well back from the trees, it did mean a bit of a walk to the Globe. 

From the towpath we could see right through the tunnel. This was not what could be seen from a travelling boat though. We found that out the next day.

 

Aug 29th

Yesterday evening we WhatsApp our friend Lynda and Tony who used to be our neighbours when we lived in Barlestone. A new plan was formed, they would come and meet us at the Globe today for a meal. Because these moorings were so empty and without any fear of them filling up if we left, FS was untied and we set off toward the tunnel. From that view shown above to this view there was a very different perspective. It looked just like a black hole with no ending! 

Ian was sent below to race to the bow as lookout, he waved me on, all was clear.

Snarestone Wharf was but a 10 minute cruise. Here we could wind, water up, get rid of rubbish and do the loo. A very nice new lock gate was across the channel, ah... so this was why loads of boats had come past when we were moored at Sutton Cheney. They were all there for the grand opening.

Once the biz at the facilities were complete a walk across that new stop gate to say hello to Maria. I asked as to what the workman were doing. The answer was unexpected. Apparently ever since the new section had been completed, leakage from the new walls had occurred. It got so bad that the crops on the other side of the hedge failed due to being water logged! So for the last 9 weeks these men, contracted from the council, have been drilling holes of up to 3 feet and then filling those holes with silicon. It appears to be working and the last of the length of canal by the stop gate was almost complete.

Another boat arrived just as we had let go of the ropes. It winded, we waited but then a hand signal waving us past. Assuming he wanted the facilities, I was wrong when he said he had forgotten to put the headlight on and wanted us to go first. Baffled, all was made clear when his wife emerged, still in PJ's, with a portable magnetic headlight that she placed firmly at the front!

The view as we neared the Northern portal of the tunnel was equally bad from this direction. No straight passage through, it has a kink that obscures the exit.

It is only as you enter that the South portal can be seen which does show that kink.

Nearly at the Southern portal a bow of a boat appeared. I'm pretty sure if we had been further back it may have entered, I don't believe this is a two way tunnel any more in fact I looked up why and this was what I found on the Geograph

This is the southern portal of the 250 yard or 229 metre long Snarestone Tunnel, completed by 1804 when the canal opened. The other end is just visible as a light spot, but the tunnel is crooked and the roof clearance decreases towards the northern end, such that only one way working is now permitted. The deformation of the tunnel can mainly be attributed to mining subsidence. Both tunnel portals are Grade II Listed Structures. Both portals have blank niches above the arch

 Anyway the skipper of that boat did see us and made evasive manoeuvres.

That following boat, you can just see his headlight on the starboard side.

 

We stopped at the same mooring spot, and still only one boat here. So from Thursday we will be looking after the grandchildren for two days and this was the nearest place for our daughter to come too. All we have to do is try and keep them occupied....thank goodness for internet!