Now at Kilby Bridge

Birstall Gala Day

We had a lovely few days in Birstall. We saw Dave and Joan on Friday and then on Saturday we met them and their daughter Tanya on the village green for the gala day.  We had a picnic there and listened to the music.  This ended with a band and fireworks at 10 pm.
On Sunday we moved on as there were thunderstorms forecast and we wanted to get to safer moorings.  Arriving in Leicester on Sunday afternoon there are moorings on rising pontoons, but we didn't see or hear any thunderstorms, although it did rain a fair bit in the 3 nights we stayed there.

Ervine Lock with water coming over the top!

We moved on from Leicester on Wednesday putting in a long day of 7 miles and 10 locks, phew.  Didn't intend to go that far, but we just kept going!  Plenty of water around as you can see in the picture.  Several of the locks had water coming over the top gate.  Just past this lock was our mooring for Wednesday night.  Yesterday was a much gentler day just a couple of locks and miles.  We are now at Kilby Bridge, not much here besides the pub, no we haven't visited.  There is a service point however and once we have got water we will be moving on.

Finally leaving Loughborough

Loughborough Carillon 

Well as I am sure you are all aware that the rain just went on and on.  The River Soar went into flood and so we were unable to move on.  In the end we spent 12 nights at Loughborough.  A long time for us.  However that said it was a good place to be stuck in as there is quite a bit to do there.
With thoughts of our imminent return to dry land we went looking for beds and have ordered one to be delivered on 5th August.  So make it seem time on Falcon is coming to an end.
We also caught up with friends Dave and Joan who live in Birstall.  Dave is a model flying buddy of Paul's from when they lived in Plymouth.  Strangely so did we!
The river came off flood alert on Monday, but with more rain still forecast we remained in Loughborough until yesterday, making good progress of 9.5 miles and 6 locks.  Today has been more sedate with 1 mile and 1 lock!
So now we are moored at Birstall and Dave and Joan are coming to see us tomorrow.

Mould for the bell in St Paul's Cathedral

After a couple of nights here we will be continuing our southward journey as we have a good few miles of river to go yet!  A day of cruising will bring us into Leicester, so things seem to be going to plan, although a bit delayed!

Loughborough

Coot family, parents still feeding the chicks,
 unlike ducklings who have to fend for themselves!

We arrived at Shardlow on Monday and went for a meal in the Clock Warehouse.  Another lovely meal there.
On Tuesday we cruised a short distance to Sawley Marina so we could get a pump out and do the washing, only to find the chandlery was shut on a Tuesday!  So se moved across to moor on the towpath and wait until Wednesday!  When we found out there is an office which was open on Tuesday so we could have bought tokens and carried on!  Still never mind.

At Zouch Lock, before the rain started!

Canal and River Trust on the move.
Push me pull you!

So Thursday saw us moving on and turning right on to the River Soar which forms part of the Grand Union Leicester Arm.
We stopped that night at Kegworth.  With the forecast for rain we were keen to get off the river and back on to the canal at Loughborough.  So Friday saw us starting to cruise at 8am!  Usually we are still in bed at this time!  We managed about 2 hours before the rain started!  It hasn't stopped much since!  We did get rather wet but with 3 locks worked we arrived at Loughborough in time for a late lunch!

On Saturday one of Paul's RAF
mates, George, lives quite close and he came and picked us up and took us back to his place to meet his wife Ruth.  We ended up going out for a meal then they both came back here.
Yesterday we were walking into the town as these boats came under the junction bridge to turn a sharp right.  We are stood on the bridge.  The first and last boats are being towed by the little boat in the middle.  Not an easy manoeuvre, which they managed much better than some single boats manage! Just 2 guys on board.  Meanwhile we will stay here in Loughborough until the weather improves as moving on will put us back on the river until we reach Leicester.  The River Soar very quickly goes into flood so its a case of wait and see.

A while by Mercia Marina

We spent a lovely weekend in Alrewas Catching up with Paul's RAF entry.  On Friday we had visitors for lunch, and in the evening 13 of us met up in the British Legion Club

"The Gang" at the National Memorial Arboretum

for a meal and a
natter.  We were very blessed with the weather on Saturday for our visit to the Arboretum.  15 of us gathered for a wander around.  Photo is courtesy of George, so he isn't in the pic.  What a rabble!
Some more of the guys made it on board for a cuppa at various times, so all in all a very enjoyable weekend.

Since then we don't seem to have travelled very far.  Paul has had 2 vertigo attacks, but meanwhile we now have Falcon up for sale.  Just privately at the moment, but think we will probably end up with
a broker.  We pulled into Mercia Marina

The willow spiral at Mercia Marina

yesterday to buy a replacement gas valve, staying on their visitor moorings until Paul had fitted it, just in case he needed any more bits.  So with having lunch there it was about 4 by the time we left, so we moored for the night just outside.  Back there today to use the internet!

Hopefully tomorrow we will be making our way towards Shardlow.

Me in the centre of the Willow Spiral!