Sunday 11th July 2021
We were up and off at 9am as agreed with the crew of nb Abraxus last night, we enjoyed sharing with them yesterday, we knew it would be a pleasure today. Thanks.
We ascended the five locks to the Market Harborough summit quite quickly, at Taylors Turnover lock a pub had installed a tepee village. With the sides up and being joined with roof panels, they will have provided a fully protected – rain wise – Covid compliant space for customers. Impressive!
Then we followed Abraxus through Saddington tunnel. We played Brenda’s new CD, the orchestral version of Freddy Mercury and Monserrat Caballe’ singing together, at a loud volume with the wonderful sounds reverberating on the tunnel walls. Their rendition of Barcelona is another track to be added to the Soddit Cruise tunnel music album.
Graham was amazed to find a widebeam boat almost blocking a bridge hole just past Debdale marina. Not an easy obstacle to get around. The addition of it's life ring to the offside stern indicates that other boats had obviously had problems as well.
We arrived at the bottom of Foxton locks so pulled over for lunch while nb Abraxus went onto the lock landing to await ascent. After lunch, we then joined them in the queue and together we waited for three boats to come down the flight.
Then up we went. It was a very easy passage, none of the Sunday gongoozlers got in the way and some of them were quite interested and chatty. Our volunteer lockie had quite a few of the kids opening the gates for him. All in all, the volunteer lockies were invaluable today – tidying, crowd control, engaging, explaining and teaching interested children. Thankyou all, your time is invaluable.
At the top lock, Graham popped into Top Lock Cafe and got a couple of ice creams to celebrate the end of the ascent. We cruised the summit until we found a nice quiet spot to spend the rest of the afternoon.
G&B
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