Looks like we’re being stalked!

After a broken nights sleep we were both up early and away cruising by 7.30am.  The map showed a water point just before Bishop Meadow lock and when I suddenly noticed a white water point post I quickly pulled in and started filling the tank.  Then I realised we hadn’t reached the water point and were actually on a CRT long term mooring that happened to have a tap.  Oh well…… pretend you know what you’re doing and try to blend in.  Jan noticed a tall, distinguished, well dressed gent was observing what was going on  took a photo of her fat, elderly, grey haired husband trying to look nonchalant.

The range of dwellings beside the river was quite interesting.  Jan rather liked this particular home.

Although we might be able to stretch the budget to one like this

If we can’t then we can always join the Clampett’s.

I’m sure Granny, Elle-May and Jethro wouldn’t mind!
The church at Normanton on Soar looked rather attractive but there was no time to stop as we pressed on towards Kegworth.

There must be a few hundreds of tonnes of stone in the spire.  I wonder how far down the foundations go.  Especially as it’s close to the River Soar?  Unfortunately my quick Google search didn’t reveal that piece of information.
Jan pointed out the two house boats moored just before Kegworth.  They look like a large bath tub to me!

A conservatory at one end and a large bay windows at the other

Still not my idea of boating!
Timing was perfect at Kegworth New Deep Lock as we met two narrowboats on the way up with a third waiting at the bottom.

There are a number of stop locks on the Soar and at this time of the year they are normally open at both ends.  Makes locking much easier!

In the distance we could see the cooling towers of Ratcliffe Power Station and it was rather obvious where all the high voltage transmission lines adjacent to the canal were going to terminate.

Jan had put a load of washing one whilst we were cruising.  It’s the second time she has done a hot wash in the machine rather than the usual cold wash.  The Smartgauge has shown an Error 11 message both times.  My assumption is the electrical demand from the washing machine has caused the problem.  If we are going to do the occasional hot wash then we need to think of a way of adding hot water from the calorifier rather than attempting to heat cold water using the 240v element in the machine.
The engine on Waiouru stalled as we attempted to depart from Ratcliffe Lock.  When I restarted it and engaged the propeller it stalled a second time.  Obviously something major was jamming the propeller.  It was rather opportune this occurred whilst Waiouru was in the lock rather than out on the river.  I did the “down the weed hatch trick” but it’s almost impossible to reach the bottom of the propeller and the water wasn’t sufficiently clear to see if there was an obstruction.  However I couldn’t turn the propeller by hand so either there was an obstruction or the shaft/gearbox had seized.  I was about to have a look in the engine bay when I had this flash of brilliance idea.  I restarted the engine and very gentling engaged reverse.  The propeller turn!  I then engaged forward and the obstruction had been cleared.  I must remember that trick for the next occasion!
We’re now moored on some 14 day bollards opposite Redhill Marina.  Jan is attempting to make the most of the weather and get the washing dry whilst I sit inside feeling sorry for myself and hoping this damned cold I’ve been given departs very soon.

Oh….. I’m starting to believe we are being stalked.  Waiouru hadn’t been moored more than 10 minutes when there was a tap on the side hatch window.

I’m sure they are the same family that came calling at our previous four moorings.  Same aggressive “hiss”.  Big birds with small brains.  You don’t “hiss” at people when you’re begging for food!