25th September

We had an enjoyable weekend at the Foxton Festival, meeting up with friends and catching up with their boating stories and experiences this year. We decided to moor out side the Foxton Locks Inn for the weekend. Friday night was a little noisy, as they had a "James Bond" party, with a disco and dance, as it was a dry night people were drinking out side in the garden, just outside the boat. However it did stop at 11.00 p.m. on the dot, great, except the party then went over to Bridge 61 to continue. No bother it's what you can expect when you moor outside a pub. Saturday and Sunday were very quiet.
Saturday we walked up to the showground, that was set up near the long stay car park. Two big marques, one with stalls selling everything the other the entertainment and beer tent, lots of fairground rides and games, exhibits of alpacas, MG cars, vintage fire engine etc. lots of people coming and going. Sunday we walked up the locks and met up with Jill & Don on N.b. Idunno, had tea and a chat on the bank. They were preparing to go into Harborough for winter mooring.
Monday a dash back to Harborough for my doctors appointment. Wednesday and Thursday looking after Amelia after school. On Thursday Sharon and Stephen on N.B Mutley came over to Harborough to visit, tea and cake on the bank. We were invited to Peter and Anne's, (residents of the apartments overlooking the Wharf) for a drink.
On Friday we moved off with Mutley to Foxton, mooring up between Foxton Village and the Locks.
Saturday I watched England playing in the World Cup on the TV first thing then lots of dog walking and sitting with Sharon & Stephen.
Monday we moved off to Debdale and met David our boat fitter, who was finishing off after the painter had finished his last boat. We told him about our plans for our proposed alterations to the galley. We've now got to go to Midland Chandlers to see what cooker and hob we need and there sizes.
On the way back from Debdale I could smell burning, when I opened the engine room door the smoke alarm sounded, on checking the alternator it seemed very hot, it was then I realised that it had stopped charging. When we got back to the locks we pulled in opposite the Locks Inn. I removed the alternator and replaced it with the spare, all went well and when I started the engine the alternator was charging. I then took the faulty alternator over to the shop for them to pass it on to Sam Matts. We moved off  passing through the two swing bridges with the intention of mooring just after bridge 6 for the night, the burning smell returned shortly after we passed the road swing bridge, the replaced alternator had stopped working!!! Phoned Sam, he will see us in Harborough. So off we went to Union Wharf to moor with a land line for the foreseeable future.