Rounding out July

As planned, we were able to cruise up and down between the winding hole above Foxton Locks, and that at Bridge 57, incorporating that lovely wooded bit around the Laughton Hills. We did this both alone, and then on Sat 23rd, with friends, ending up moored near bridge 60, but despite being next to Armco, the water was only about a foot deep, and we struggled to get Quo into the side.

On Sunday 24th, with Jody along for the ride, we "did" Foxton Locks ....

Waiting to go down the locks - we allowed another boat to breast-up, then go down in front of us, as all the other moorings were full of boats that didn't look like they were going anywhere soon.

This splendid little plant, growing in the side of one of the lock chambers hides a Wren's nest, which was visited a couple of times as I passed through ....truly wonderful!

 .... followed by a very pleasant cruise all the way up to the Union Wharf in Harborough.

Just ..... fantastic!

Between Bowden Hall and the A6 bridge

The footbridge near The Woodlands in Harborough

ditto

Liz at the tiller heading for Union Wharf.

The lovely open space in there led us to try something new, we turned without using the engine, by holding the bow against the wharf side and letting the wind take the boat round, an all together more sophisticated affair than my normal "revving and splashing :o)
The day ended with Quo securely chained to the Armco just outside the Wharf on the 48 hour visitors moorings.

Jody carrying a bucket and texting simultaneously, with Quo secured behind ... a very pleasant place to be.

 I was a bit concerned that we may not be able to move Quo within the 48 hour limit, so I phoned the Wharf Office on Monday, and a nice lady said we could probably sneak a couple of extra days if need-be.
I had no need to worry as it happened, because I was able to get Tuesday afternoon off (in lieu of working Saturday), and, using two cars, Liz and I had a very pleasant afternoon taking Quo back to Foxton, then moored-up on the 14 day visitors moorings beyond Rainbow Bridge.
Saturday 30th, Jody, Liz and I drove to Debdale Marina, then walked along the towpath to Foxton to fetch Quo. The weather was splendid, so we dallied there until the evening, "feasting" at Bridge 61 on dried-up baguettes and microwaved pies, it was like a flashback to 70's pub grub. But our displeasure was soon gone though, as we cast off and took Quo slowly back to Debdale Marina, reversing back onto our mooring without a hitch .... this narrowboating lark just gets better and better :o)