(Backup) Monday 25th June 2018

Fantastic weather all day. More sun in one day than we had in the whole of last years cruise! We walked into Loughborough for shopping but saw no signs of the University. I think that it must be on the outskirts with lots of playing fields etc. as sport is what it is famous for. By the time we had filled with water at the Basin it was 11am before we set off. We passed the infamous Pillings Marina which, about a year ago, featured a great deal in boating forums and magazines. At one point there was a threat to place stop planks across the Marina entrance so that no one could leave. Seemed to be quite 

quiet today.

. 

Barrow on Soar had a succession of railway arches which moored boats had taken over for their homes. One showed a great deal of imagination as they must have collected numerous door and window frames  to cover the entrance.

Some of the houses were very attractive with their gardens coming down to the river and some even had outdoor hot tubs or river side seating areas.

This one definitely decided that an Englishman’s home is his castle! It is for sale if anyone is interested.

Bicycle Paddling was seen on a couple of occasions. The ladies said that it was easier than they thought it would be.

This bridge looks newer than the 1860 picked out in brickwork. Very impressive.

We moored at Thurmaston Lock for the night and were able to sit at the stern to eat which I don’t think we ever achieved last year. 

Tomorrow we head into Leicester either to moor there or to moor outside the city and to take a bus in to look around. There are some secure moorings but you just have to get there at the correct time.