It was too much of an ask!

 Dec 23rd

Moorings by Bridge 2 were so very, very quiet. In fact, our plan to get away early went by the wayside as it was after 8 am when we woke. With 18 miles to do, it was a rapid wash and dress, breakfast would be on the move, and we managed to get underway by 8.30am. Initially the going was good, plenty of water under FS's hull and we made good time. Then conditions changed, even with the revs at 1800 we couldn't get much speed. Also, vegetation became an issue, plenty of branches down and bushes lying across the water. In some places it was like driving a chicane, going from one side to another.

 We took turns in steering, that icy wind was blowing directly in our faces, and doing a long stint wasn't fair on either of us. So it happened that I was below when lots of clattering came from above. Rushing to see what was what, Ian had tried to avoid another fallen bush but failed to see the overhanging branch on the offside. Consequently, it nearly took our Wi-Fi aerial from where Ian had laid it to rest. I took over while Ian walked down the gunnel to make it more secure, hoping he wouldn't lose his footing and end up going for a swim!

 By the time we reached Market Bosworth, enough was enough. We could have gone further, at least until the light faded, but it was now 3 pm. I was ever so glad to see a mooring free at the end of the 2-day mooring. So we never did make Shackerstone, only another 3 miles to do tomorrow, and fingers crossed a mooring would be found there.

Market Bosworth visitor mooring.

 

Dec 24th

Another cold and windy day. The only difference to yesterday was the sun was out, if only that wind would die down, it would be a great day for a cruise.

 Anyway, I was at the helm for those last three miles. Ian was making a banana cake! It's usually something I do, but he has a bread maker recipe, so who was I to say no. 

Not bad. 

Passed another moored boat with no sign of anyone on board, the stern seemed to come a long way out from the bank. Maybe slack rope, I thought? I was concerned at what I saw. A chain around a board which had come away from the bolts. As I came past, the board rose out of the water and the chain was but a few inches from the end. I do hope it holds, otherwise this boat may end up across the canal.

 

At a blind bridge hole, a boater was met. Both of us saw each other at the same time and brakes applied rapidly. I was further through the bridge so got waved on, the other boater had to breast up with a moored boat to allow me to pass. Then as I got through yet another boat appeared. Gosh, it was tight passing each other, but having two boats coming away from Shackerstone bod well for a mooring to be found. And coming through Bridge 52, a space appeared just about long enough to slot FS in. 

 

So here we are, moored safe and sound and all ready for Christmas Day to celebrate with the family, It  just remains for us both to say to you all,

Have a very Merry, Wonderful and Happy Christmas 

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