Monthly Archives: June 2021

Tilly To The Rescue. 6th June

Meadow Lane Bridge 60 to Springwood Haven

Our Saturday newspaper doesn’t tend to get looked at until Sunday morning nowadays so we allowed ourselves just a little bit longer in bed before getting up and having breakfast. As we chomped away on our cereal a chap appeared at our side hatch, this was Bob from NB Burghley Girl. They’d been having problems with air in their fuel line for quite sometime, once the engine got going they could cruise, but he’d been having to pump diesel through to the engine every morning for this to work. Today it hadn’t and a call to RCR had been made.

Bob was hoping to be able to bow haul Burghley Girl closer to the services which were a mile in front of us so that it was easier for an engineer to get to them. We obviously offered to lend them a hand by giving them a tow, just our cereal to finish and get ready for a days cruise and we’d be with them. We had to go and help another boat cat, we couldn’t leave Amy stranded! I organised the crew and they moved the outside to meet Amy’s outside.

We’ve only really towed once before and that was a short boat through Islington Tunnel that was seriously overheating. Bob had set up his bow line to be able to attach to one of Oleanna’s dollys at the stern. With both boats connected on a shortish line we pulled away, just as a boat appeared behind! No stopping us now we were committed as Burghley Girl had momentum and wouldn’t stop for anyone.

We tried to keep a steady speed of slow, hoping there might be enough to give Bob some steering, but it seemed like Burghley Girl just wasn’t interested, she just followed. One bridge hole she was bound for the bank, Sue managed to position a fat fender so that the impending bump wouldn’t be too much.

Thankfully we didn’t meet an oncoming boat and the one following us kept a distance behind. As Bradley Green Bridge 49 came into view we slowed right down. With armco just after the winding hole we pulled in, Burghley Girl just slightly overtaking us and coming to a halt. She was pulled into the side and once we’d pulled through the bridge to the services for water they nudged up further away from the winding hole, nearer to the bridge where it would be easy for an engineer to get to them. We waved them goodbye and wished them luck with their onwards journey back to their marina, still a few days away with an operational engine.

As we approached the bottom of the Atherstone flight a boat came past saying we’d be a welcome sight as there were plenty of boats coming down, but none going up. We headed straight into the bottom lock where numerous crew stood willing to help, another boat already in the pound waiting to come down and one in the lock above.

When Oleanna was half way up, the lock above was emptied. These locks are slow fillers but quick to empty. The boat coming down came out of the lock and the crew started to close the gates! Oh Hang on! Not again! I shouted and shouted, Mick sounded the horn and what seemed like four people then reopened the gates for us.

Once in the next lock I was joined by the crew from the next boat waiting to come down. It was as if the world had teetered on the edge of oblivion when the gates had been closed, they really weren’t looking forward to following a novice crew and sure enough everyone was going to know about it. Well we all make mistakes at times and we all started with no knowledge at one time. Hope both boats enjoy the rest of their hire boat holidays.

At most locks we met someone coming down. I think I only had to close a couple of gates behind us. We loved the sign alongside Lock 6 of the Atherstone Locks!

Chatting to a chap at one lock I asked where they were heading to, a nosy but standard question whilst waiting for a lock to do it’s thing. He said Liverpool. Brilliant, had they been before? No. They were in for a treat. When were they booked to go down the locks, had they got a casual cruise or a mission on their hands. Booked?! No, do you need to?

I was fairly sure you did need to book and suggested that he looked at the C&RT website for the Liverpool Link. Liverpool can be a popular destination, there’s plenty of space in the docks, but passage is limited to so many boats a day. Hope he manages to get a booking that suits.

We’d not noticed these metal bars on the edge of Lock 6 before. Mick did when he nearly tripped on one. They look like they were added to protect the lock side from ropes wearing them, but why are there no others on the flight?

By the time we’d reached lock 5 the top gates were open and no boat visible. Most of the talk had been of the volunteers on the flight, but only one was visible at the next lock, maybe it was lunchtime. I walked up to see what was happening, a boat was just coming into Lock 4. If they were going to stop for water just before 5 then I’d drop the lock for us, if not I’d wait for them. They were carrying on down the flight.

By now the rain that had accompanied our towing this morning had returned, coats were needed. The volunteers reappeared and helped us up the last few locks. Our ascent marked up on the chalk board making it seven up and eight down, we’d certainly met all the downhill boats somewhere or other.

Our planned mooring for tonight was opposite Springwood Haven, we decided to press on and have a late lunch when we arrived, allowing Tilly more shore leave in one of her favourite spots.

Near Mancetter I could hear drums, then the occasional swirling flag was spotted above the hedges then brass instruments. Something was going on, but sadly the hedges stopped us from getting a good view.

Three years ago we spent quite a bit of time along this pound as I designed panto for Chippy. Then there were works going on and boulders had ended up in the canal. Now there is a long length of wharf for Rothen work boats. A short distance on a new marina has sprung up. In our experience when marinas are built a hole is dug which sits there for years and years before any definite sign of intention is made, but this one has popped up within three years.

A few more miles and we reached our destination a day ahead of schedule. Our preferred spot was already taken, but there was still lots of space. We pulled up and let Tilly out. She was straight up the bank to see what lay beyond!

A couple of hours later a green boat came past slowing down, NB Burghley Girl. They pulled in in front of us and moored up for the day. Numerous checks had been done by the engineer and the cause was thought to be that that the pipe from the diesel tank to the engine maybe had rust spots, with the level of diesel now being low air was being pulled through the pipe rather than diesel. We don’t quite understand the theory but it’s not good. They need to get the level back up in their diesel tank, then things should improve. Springwood Haven was however closed today so they would have to wait for the morning.

Chairs and cuppas were brought out and we had a good natter with Bob and Sue and got to meet Amy, although Amy and Tilly did keep their distance. I’d been happy to help, but no way was I going to actually meet another boat cat! We both kept a respectable distance away, well except when I had a peek in through their window!

11 locks, 6.8miles, 1 mile towing, 2nd Lockdown boat, 1 Ribble Link boat, 3 volunteers, 1 novice hire boat, 1 far more experienced hire boat, 7 up, 8 down, 4 hours, 1 boat cat.

https://goo.gl/maps/8ooJaQhmejsh18os9

Thumbs up, Mrs Tilly stamp of approval, maybe even one from Amy.

No, I’m Spartacus, 5th June

King’s Orchard Marina to Meadow Lane Bridge 50

Settling into the earlier routine now we got going in the morning sunshine a touch later than yesterday. Standing on tip toes I could just see a big digger and some fencing. Is this our first glimpse of HS2? I’m sure we are going to see more as we work our way southwards.

At Whittington we skirted round the village with neat back gardens all open to the canal. In fact one garden seemed to have a welcoming committee out to greet us. The gardens here were to set the theme for our days cruise.

The polytunnels that used to fill the fields alongside the canal have been moved away, the contents of which didn’t look very productive from what I could see. The tractor weather vane still looks good especially with the bright blue sky we had.

Another Geraghty zoom on the move, today we could worry them all as we passed through the shooting range, no flags were showing so we were fairly sure we’d be safe. Popping out the other side of Hopwood Woods one cloud hung behind our heads, would more join it through the day?

At Fazeley Junction two new birds have joined the Kingfisher and Robin not quite in the same style, but the Finches (?) are still quite effective. Fortunately Mick was on the ball and followed his instincts as to navigation as I’d got side tracked somewhat by the birds and had not given him directions! We turned left towards Coventry, soon arriving at Glascote Locks.

Quite often there is a queue here for the two slow flowing chambers, but as we arrived one boat was just finishing in the bottom lock so there was only a slight pause for us before we could start to ascend.

As with most narrow lock flights, I waited until Mick was happy, maybe the lock half full before I walked up to the next one. I could see that there was a slight gap between the gates indicating the chamber was empty, I’d just need to push them open. Well the next photo contradicts what I’ve just said.

That is because despite Oleanna most definitely being in view from the next lock, she had almost reached the level of the joining pound, a chap arrived and wound both paddles up to fill the lock. I’d walked about two thirds of the way to the lock, called out but wasn’t heard. An about turn for me back to help Mick open the gate and drop the paddles, no point in raising the blood pressure, surely the chap would apologise.

If he was a single hander I could be of assistance, I walked back up, crossed over the bottom gate so as to drop the offside paddle once the lock was full. The gate was opened, he brought his boat in and was just closing the gate as his partner arrived with some shopping, she stepped on board and took over the helm, well once she’d sorted herself out by which time the chap had already lifted a bottom paddle. I waited for a thumbs up from the helm. When the gates opened she seemed a touch bemused that there was a boat sitting waiting in the lock below!

We paused for lunch and a top up shop at the handy Co-op before carrying on. Our aim for the day was to get ahead of ourselves again and get towards the bottom of the Atherstone flight so we could climb them all tomorrow instead of just the bottom two.

More wonderful gardens including the one where they really must hoover the grass to keep it so immaculate!

Clouds were gradually gathering. Some impressive cirrus above our heads, their long whisps stretching off.

At Alvecote Marina we looked at the old work boats that moor there and hunted round for a blue boat with a bench on the bow. There she was NB Harnser having a little rest between cruises.

Under the M42 where a couple were busy painting their roof making use of the shade from the bridge and easy mooring with armco.

A short distance on there is a little island, behind which are some private moorings, NB Spartacus being one of them. The proposed route of HS2 will pass directly over the heads of these boats as it clings to the route of the motorway.

Onwards some more, not quite wanting to get to the bottom of Atherstone today. We passed under the railway and then skirted round a small hill which we hoped would shield us from the trains. A couple of boats were moored up their tabby cat sitting watching the world go by. A bit further and we passed NB Burghley Girl, we pulled up a little way on from them as yesterday I’d seen them walking their Siamese cat. Not often you get three boats in a row all with cats. We kept our distance so each feline could enjoy their own patch of towpath.

Tilly was straight out, along the cat walk at speed. She’s seen some movement up ahead that would require a pounce into the friendly cover. Would two hours be sufficient? Six would have been better!

A copy of a script was printed out as a quinoa crust quiche cooked in the oven. Time to get my head round my next show as before I know it I’ll be doing costume fittings. The quiche went down very well accompanied by some Jersey Royals, there’s enough left over for a couple of days time too.

2 locks, 14.24 miles, 2 lefts, 1 turned lock, 0 apology, 5 zoomers, 0 shots fired, 1 Saturday newspaper the last copy in the shop! 3 cats in a row, 32 pages, 1 quiche, 2 more colours on the crochet blanket.

https://goo.gl/maps/FonQdQVCRQLEW7o98

Thumbs up. Not enough time for a stamp of approval. Reusable blocks still being problematical!

Plop! 4th June

Alrewas Lock to Kings Orchard Marina, Coventry Canal

Pushing off just a touch earlier than yesterday we weren’t the first to move by any means but we did miss out on any queues that might form later in the day.

Alrewas is such a pretty place with it’s half timbered buildings and thatched roofs. On the narrow stretch it was a relief to see that the boat on the off side was no longer there, the house recently sold. Sadly I couldn’t find the details to have a nosy.

Bagnall Lock despite it’s new (to us) gate beams still doesn’t want the gates to stay shut, luckily Mick had equipped himself with the boat hook to hold them closed for our second attempt.

A greeting came from NB Bridge Street as we passed. They had been one of the boats around Nantwich and Hurleston in the first lockdown last year. I wonder who else we’ll come across this summer?

Fradley Marina is under construction close to Common Lock, the pontoons already numbered. We wondered where the entrance would be, only to find it with a digger moving earth around and a chap stood by the stop planks, still a while before the marina gets connected to the canal system.

We swapped with a boat coming down and headed on up to Hunts Lock, here the first volunteer greeted us, each lock manned at Fradley and advance warning radioed up to the next lock.

Pulling in at the services the café was quite busy. A chap sat with his head in the clouds whilst waiting for his water tank to fill, here is a very slow tap and he’d already enjoyed a cooked breakfast from the café. Fortunately we were only after emptying our yellow water tank and dispose of the rubbish.

Mick got out the adapter and hose connectors for the wee pump whilst I got everything ready inside. Plop! “Oh BUgger!!!” What had gone in the drink? If it was the lid that would be quite easy to replace, but the adaptor would be a problem!

Sure enough it was the adaptor. Time to get magnet fishing and hope that something on it was magnetic. A few dips into the gloom of the canal and fortunately it resurfaced, a jubilee clip coming to our aid. I think we’ll be adding a few more to the adaptor before too long. Now with everything we needed we could pump out the last few days worth of yellow water to dispose of in the elsan.

The lockie at Junction Lock was absent, but the locks are really easy so I just carried on until she returned. Gongoozlers watched our ascent, one little boy being quite disappointed that we’d finished as the gates opened. A lady from an on coming boat had come to help and as the Lockie made a comment about there being a butty with the boat I realised why the ladies face seemed familiar.

The little lad seemed to perk up when I said that the next boat had an extra boat in tow and inside that boat I was pretty sure it would be filled with jam!

Unfortunately I couldn’t remember Helen’s name at the time and we’ve never met and we were now at the point where a conversation would have got in the way of a lot of boats as two were holding back at the swing bridge waiting for us to exit the lock and turn onto the Coventry Canal. She acknowledged that I was correct about the jam just before I headed round the corner to hop back on board, Mick turning as Andy Tidy brought NB Wand’ring Bark and the Jam Butty into the lock.

One of the lockies had made a comment that we were taking the easy route by turning down the Coventry, lock free cruising for 14.4 miles. Well after the miles we’ve done in the last week and a bit, we’re allowed an easy day!

Now on the flat we were on the look out for places to moor. Passing the garden that gets narrower and narrower until a railway line pushes it into none existence. Fields of wheat rippling in the breeze. Streethay Wharf where the diesel is 86p a litre. Here the canal thankfully turns away from the A38 and starts to make it’s way across country towards Fazeley Junction. So far no sign of HS2 handily shown on Waterway Routes maps.

A place we’ve stopped before is Kings Orchard Marina, armco either side of the entrance, we pulled in calling it a day before lunchtime. Tilly was given a couple of extra rules due to our proximity to car parking on the other side of the hedge. Luckily no car would be going fast as the gravel seemed to be quite noisy and would put a curious cat off nosing around too much.

I finished my illustration, scanned it and printed out a couple of copies, then walked down to Hudlesford Junction where a post box sat by a pub ready to receive my offerings. The day had become much hotter than we’d thought it would.

Mick clambered onto the bow to adjust our bow fenders whilst Tilly did her best to find some shade. The lower fender had maybe been a touch too low for river cruising, so Mick had removed it for the last few days. Now we are back on the canals and narrow locks it would be better if it was back on the bow to help protect the paintwork.

The anchor, chain and rope were all given a dip in the canal and then laid out to dry before being put back in the bucket all ready for deployment the next time. However, the next time won’t be for a while so it will all be stowed in a locker, making more space in the well deck.

5 locks, 5.6 miles, 1 left, 1 swung bridge, 1 magnet find, 1 empty wee tank, 1 jam filled boat, 6 hours Tilly time, 2 cards posted, 1 parrot walk, 1 clean anchor, chain and rope, 1 muddy locker lid still, 0 reusable blocks!

Thumbs up!

If Only You Could Change The Sound Track. 3rd June

Branston Lock to Alrewas Lock

Today we managed to get going earlier. A limit has been imposed on the length of time we take to have a cuppa in bed and instead of having our second drink after breakfast we have it with it. We don’t want to be rushing things in the morning not unless we really have to, but so far we’ve saved a full hour.

Branston Lock was surrounded by Canadian geese this morning. Four adults looking after their creche, so I talked to them nicely and requested that they allow me to walk round the lock to open paddles and gates. By the time Oleanna had risen in the lock another boat had arrived to come down, the lady came to work the lock, but the geese were not quite so amenable to her. So we left so that they could enter the lock before having to get anywhere near the geese again.

In the last five years plenty of building work has been going on. A new estate to the west of the canal and quite a few houses appearing close to The Bridge Inn. This was where we’d planned to moor last night, but maybe despite the noise from the road our mooring had been better last night as we didn’t get disturbed by early building works.

Next up Tatenhill Lock. What a pretty lock it is with it’s cottage alongside Link.

Then we had to breath in to pass through bridge 36, hoping the spread we’ve seen to our waistlines lately hasn’t expanded Oleanna’s gunnels. She fitted no problem.

Just looking at the scene you’d never guess that on one side lorries carrying aggregate and concrete were hammering past to and from the works, on the other side the busy A38. If only someone could change the soundtrack this would be a wonderful stretch of canal. It’s places like this that we wonder what it was like in March last year when the country closed down.

The noise slightly dulled at Barton Lock with buildings between the canal and the road. Here a group of what I’m assuming were Duke of Edinburgh canoeists were pulling their boats out above the lock, which meant the towpath was quite congested just as I wanted to look at some plants that had been left with an honesty box. As Oleanna finished rising I spotted that there were some wild strawberry plants for sale, I requested some coinage from Mick and we left with a tray of flowering plants. I just need to find containers to plant them in.

The canal now sits alongside the A38, so busy with traffic. We played our game of waving at the lorry drivers to see who would respond. We had quite a few beep beeps but got more waves back. Glad we brought smiles to some faces today.

Ahead at Wychnor Lock a boat had come out from Barton Turns marina and was ascending. I went up to chat and help. The paintwork on the boat had seen better days but I soon spotted that it was a Narrowcraft boat, NB Lillyanne (Lillian) was a Narrowcraft. I mentioned that we’d had a bright yellow boat from the same builders. The chap wearing a suitably coloured polo shirt said he’d most probably driven Lillian. When they had been having their boat built he had been asked if he could move a bright yellow boat to be sign written, he’d been warned that the colour would attract attention.

Now the canal meets up with the River Trent for a while, the next pound having numerous bridges to keep the towpath dry. A warning to keep away from the weir means giving the engine some extra umph.

Alrewas Lock needing setting but that was soon done and Oleanna had reached her destination for the day, just slightly ahead of schedule. Well we’d rather stay here than back alongside the A38. There was also a butchers to visit.

A full on six hours for me today! Well that was until I was told off for breaking the first boat cat rule! She wasn’t too pleased with me bringing a friend home, popping it on our bed got a different reaction.

After a small top up shop at the Co-op and Coates the butchers I got on with adding some colour to my illustration. Then it was time for the Scarborough Chums zoom with a special guest this week, the lovely Susie Blake.

The evening was spent sat out doors chatting to our boat neighbours. We had another barbecue, well the butchers had some nice looking lamb steaks and asparagus which we couldn’t see go to waste.

5 locks, 5.54 miles, 1 hour quicker, 1 sunk boat removed from lock, 4 strawberry plants, 0 pots, 6 beeps, 8 waves, 1 wolf whistle, 1 yellow helmsman, 6 hours, 2 lamb steaks, 2 pork steaks, 1 pork pie, 1 bunch asparagus, 2 pints milk, 1 perfect mooring for a barbecue, 1 fender discussion, 1 friend, 1 illustration coming along, 1 Susie, 1st episode, 2nd series Line of Duty, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.

https://goo.gl/maps/jcP5oTYZKc9dKVXi7

Stenson, 2nd June

Sarson’s Bridge to Branston Lock 8, Trent and Mersey

Alarm was set to get us up and at it this morning. So how come we only pushed off at 9:30?! Does it really take us three hours to have breakfast?!

One boat had already passed us this morning before we set off. In an ideal world it would be good to have another boat to share the next two locks with, especially Stenson Lock which is 12ft 6″ deep. We’d see if we would find a partner.

The Tudor twin towers of Swarkestone Pavillion still grab your attention as you cruise past. In the past I’ve tried to find out a bit about it, but not been too successful, however today I’ve found out that it is a Landmark Trust property Link it belonged to Swarkestone Hall which was demolished in 1750.

On the moorings below the lock was a narrowboat, there was activity, engine keys were picked up and the ladies onboard NB Puzzle made ready to join us which was great.

Mick brought us in to the lock landing where faded signs announce, once you are already there, of a sunken boat. These signs would be much better set a touch further away from the lock as you almost have to be on top of the sunken boat to read them! We reversed back for me to hop off, by which time Emily from Puzzle was already emptying the lock.

Yesterday they had teamed up with a boat for the locks, but when Puzzle stopped to help a widebeam that kept grounding their partner boat continued onwards and obviously headed up the lock without them. Well they had a new partner now.

Emily and I worked the lock whilst Mick and Emily’s Mum (sorry didn’t catch your name) stayed at the helm. We were soon up. We wanted to fill with water, but another boat had only just set up their hose pipe, so rubbish was disposed of and we’d hope to fill later in the day.

Cricket seems to have started, how did I know this, well Mick started to play with his phone, then voices of commentators sprouted forth. After a minute Mick decided to silence his phone, not wanting to disturb our cruise. I did say he could plug himself into it, but his ear phones were in the bedroom!

Today a blue field of Linseed waved in the breeze, the occasional poppy flower boosting the blue that surrounded them. We think it was early 2016 that we last did this stretch, Tilly was a new boat cat heading to Tamworth for her first vaccinations. Back then the fields were filled with swans, who then escorted us along the cut.

At Ragley Boat Stop signs on the electric post say they are now charging £10 a night. This will be reimbursed when purchasing food and drink in the bar. It sounds like they’ve had boats staying for free and using the hook up.

Trying to clear gravel from below the gates

A widebeam sat at the end of the lock landing for Stenson Lock, the owners hanging onto their ropes. A couple of boats having just come down. We could see the stern of a boat just entering the lock, was it a narrowboat requiring a partner? Well it turned out to be a work boat, two chaps from C&RT clearing growth off the gates and doing their best to dig gravel out from under the gates so that they would close better.

Pulling onto the lock landing I walked up to see how long the chaps would be. Ten minutes or an early lunch? An early lunch was the reply. I walked down and relayed the information to the widebeam and NB Puzzle. Spikes were hammered in.

Of course because we were all prepared for a wait the problem was fixed quickly and within ten minutes the work boat was backing out and the widebeam taking it’s place in the lock. Two boats then came down before it was our turn.

Going up Stenson Lock, it’s big for round here

One of the C&RT chaps was very chatty, happy to help with the big heavy gates, then he left us to it

Stenson Lock is contrary. Normally in a broadlock you would first open the ground paddle on the same side as your boat. The water enters the lock, hits the wall opposite and then returns to hold your boat against the wall. But here should you do that your boat will career across the lock. As Puzzle was shorter than us Emily and I opened the paddle opposite Oleanna to hold her there before opening up the other paddle. Then as the level rose to the cill line we carefully opened the gate paddles.

A lady waiting to come down the lock chatted, this would be the first time she’d used ground paddles. Yes they were going down, but would be coming back up later in the day. She and her husband have been liveaboards for three weeks and so far have been enjoying it. After telling her of our latest adventure she decided they would leave tidal waters for a few more weeks.

Strange shaped arch, would a horse have fitted under it on the towpath?

Up the two boats came, we were on our way again. NB Puzzle stopped in Willington to meet a friend and we paused at the surprisingly empty water point to fill the tank. The pressure of the tap was good, this was a touch disappointing as we’d hoped to be able to have lunch whilst filling as our destination was still a distance ahead.

Over the River Dove Aqueduct where we once got absolutely soaked as a thunder storm suddenly hit. We passed a boat with a rather effective paint job, created by holding fronds of fir tree against the cabin and spraying over it with different colours.

According to our route plan we should be stopping today at bridge 32, near to Horninglow Basin. Our plan was to continue onwards to Branston Water Park.

Soon Dallow Lane Lock arrived, our first narrow lock this year. A quick check back to last year and it turns out we are just a week short of eleven months since we’ve been in a narrow lock. I can’t remember a gap so long, maybe it was before we bought a share in NB Winding Down.

Small gates, easy to lift paddles all helped by an oncoming boat who’s crew came to help. There was a space at Shobnall Fields, but we decided to continue, a few more miles would serve us better.

I got myself ready for a touch of pruning. Five years ago a large rosemary bush grew at Shobnall Road Bridge, I fancied a sprig to go with our roast chicken this evening. Things change over time and sadly the huge bush has been replaced with terracing filled with bark. Oh well!

Diesel 69p, maybe we could have waited to top up the tank , but we were glad we’d had peace of mind after the Trent.

New buildings have popped up, several large warehouses all with blue smiling trucks parked outside. Another part of the Amazon empire.

Today seemed to have been longer than it should have been. Our average cruise time should be just under 4 hours, yes we’d pushed on further today and had a wait at Stenson Lock, but not too long. By the time we pulled up just short of Branston Lock we’d been on the go for 7 hours. Canalplan suggests this should have been 4 hours 47 minutes. Waterway Routes has half hour markers on the maps, here Paul has our journey at just under 5 hours 30 minutes. Interesting, are there more moored boats to slow down past, did we really loose an hour and a half?

We stopped just short of Branston Lock, whilst Tilly was out I could cook our dinner, roast chicken. Not something I’d normally choose to cook on a hot day, but with all the doors open it wasn’t too bad. I even decided to spatchcock the chicken to reduce the time the oven had to be on. It turned out very well and cooked in half an hour less than suggested for a normal bird.

During the afternoon (14:50) a notice had come in from C&RT, we’d first seen mention of it on social media.

Due to a boat sinking in Stenson Lock, the Lock is currently out of action to other users. Canal River Rescue is being called out as a point of urgency to assist the boat out of the lock.

I had a hunt through my photos for one of the new liveaboards boat, they had a trad stern, the sunk boat a cruiser stern. It appears the boat had been coming up the lock and somehow had got caught, water quickly overwhelming it. It looked like a fairly new boat. Old or new it is still someone’s pride and joy now filled with water. We hope the crew are all safe and that the boat can be raised soon.

3 locks, 2 broad, 1 narrow, 11 months, 13.32 miles, 26.11 volts, 1 full water tank, 1 partner, 0 rosemary, 1 flattened chicken, 1 rainy evening, 2 hours.

https://goo.gl/maps/dLk8WtHWysdUuyJe7

Oh Pooh! Breach Update 51. 1st June

Shardlow to Sarson’s Bridge 11, Trent and Mersey

An earlier start is required when the canals or rivers are busy, an early boater tends to get the better mooring. So to try to change our habits the alarm had been set for early o’clock, we’ve done earlier but that’s when temperatures are set to soar.

Mick got up to put the kettle on. He turned the kitchen tap to count to eleven/twelve (the correct amount of water to boil for two mugs of tea). A feeble noise could be heard. What was it? Was a small cruiser heading away from the moorings? I lifted the top step to where the water pump lives, it was quietly whirring rather than forcefully pumping.

The battery voltage was checked, 20. Not good it’s normally around 26.something. Lithium batteries can discharge more than lead acid batteries but this was the first time we’ve noticed them being low. After all the cruising we’ve been doing for them to be this low was a surprise. Yes Mick had run the dishwasher after we’d stopped last night, but we’ve done this before when we know the batteries are full after a days cruise.

It was still before 8am so the only way to run the engine was by moving. We had our tea and then pushed off hoping to be able to top up the batteries a touch before breakfast. Maybe the amount of bird poo on the roof had drained the voltage away!

We passed JD Narrowboats, plenty of shells sitting about waiting to be fitted out. Most would need grit blasting before a coat of paint could be applied as rust has set in from sitting about for a year or more.

Shardlow is so pretty. A wisteria arch at the bottom of a narrow garden, followed by a K6 surrounded by willow. The old warehouses glowing orange in the morning sunlight, hopefully one day they will be given a new lease of life. The clock warehouse sat peacefully, no doubt the pub being a pull on a summers evening.

Shardlow Lock sat empty, waiting for us, the lock cottage wearing a wisteria moustache. Up Oleanna came. This is the easiest of the broad locks at this end of the T&M, the others have big heavy gates to hold back the depth of water, hopefully we’d come across someone to share the others with.

Just past the line of permanent moorings there was a space. A couple busied themselves pushing out. Were they keen to find a partner for the big locks ahead, no they’d not spotted us, when they did they pulled back in to let us pass. We of course then just pulled in grounding where the bottom was too close to the top. A reverse and we found more depth and stopped for breakfast. Our batteries were already showing improvement after half a mile.

An hour later we pushed off again, a couple of boats having passed us so we knew we’d have a wait at Aston Lock. Here there was a pair of boats waiting to come down too.

I walked to lend a hand and have a chat whilst Mick secured Oleanna’s bow with a rope. As these deep locks empty they can push the bow right out and if you are only tied up on a centre line this can be a problem.

We were soon in the lock, followed by a small cruiser that was out for the day. They soon stopped where the towpath was wide enough to sit out with shade from some trees, a nice relaxed day planned before returning to their mooring.

At Weston Lock two boats had joined the uphill trend so there was a wait again. Here the gates can be a right pig, heavy and not want to come out of their recesses but fortunately by the time it was our turn another boat had appeared behind us and a crew member from the following boat came to help too. Many hands as they say.

We shared the lock with NB Purple Emperor the couple of board were heading to the Gloucester and Sharpness. He was wanting to go down the Severn to Bristol for a second time, but his wife wasn’t too keen! Should that be our next big adventure? Or the Wash? Or the Humber? Who knows, for now we were just enjoying being back on a canal.

Three canoes tucked in behind us after the lock, they then spent a lot of energy paddling to get past us. Maybe they don’t realise that boats slow down as they pass moored boats, then speed up once past. They overtook us then slowed down again, a touch slower than we’d normally cruise at. So we pootled along behind.

Yesterday we’d got ahead of schedule, today we thought we might keep that up, climbing the next two big locks before the canal becomes a narrow canal, having a locking partner now this maybe would be wise. But behind the canoes it was slow going. Then trees offering some shade, an almost view of the River Trent and a wide towpath suitable for our barbecue came into view. We pulled in and called it a day.

The batteries had recovered, but some investigation was required once everything had cooled down.

Tilly headed off to explore the trees and friendly cover for the afternoon, life returning to some sort of boat normal.

I spent much of the afternoon getting the blog up to date. Our adventures over the last week have taken quite a bit of writing about. Not just an hour whilst having breakfast! I really must stop taking SO many photos and edit them before I even take them!

Once the engine had cooled down Mick went into the engine bay to check the batteries to see if one of them was causing a problem. They all had the same voltage which was at 26.11, so no problem there. It must have been the running of the dishwasher once we’d moored up that did it. We’ll keep an eye on them over the next few days, hopefully there’s not a problem.

I made a start to an illustration which we’ll use as a card for people lodging in our house. I’m hoping to do a series of canal scenes to sell, but I’ve not had the time as yet to start on them.

All set up, it’s charcoal in the coal bag honest

This evening we dug out the barbecue for our celebratory meal, it was also our first of the year. The bag of charcoal we bought from Bollington Wharf isn’t even half used so should keep us going this summer.

A very pleasant meal with asparagus, veg kebabs, salmon with ginger and soya sauce, all followed by bananas with chocolate and of course a glass or two of wine. Tilly missed all of this as by 6.30pm she had totally worn herself out. They made me use all six hours finding and consuming friends, they made me!

3 locks, 4.09 miles, 1 early start, 20! 1 early but late breakfast, 2 locking partners, 4 legs outs, 1 early stop, 8 spears, 4 kebabs, 2 salmon steaks, 2 bananas, 8 cubes chocolate, 26.11, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval,1 evening of speedy circuits, phew!

https://goo.gl/maps/8cqBFefwFnRJA41Z7

Breach Update

With the weather having improved Mark has been back to the breach site with his drone. Quite a lot has happened there.

A second line of piling has been put in in front of the line we’d seen a couple of weeks ago.

I can’t see from Marks photos if the outer line of piling goes right across the drain below, it might do.

The cofferdam has some water in it. Not sure if this is intentional as I can’t see any pumps or pipes that would have been used to do this.

Below in the drain the water looks cloudy as if water is coming from within the cofferdam. Possibly water is coming round over the top of the drain as it did when the breach first happened. If it is hopefully this is intentional.

A large mound of what might just be earth is towards the south east end of the cofferdam, it’s surface higher than the water.

Thank you Mark once again for the photos.

The Goole Escape, Danny, Willie and Sedgewick. 31st May

Sainsburys to Shardlow Visitor Moorings, Trent and Mersey Canal

Having missed out on a cooked breakfast this weekend, so far, we paused this morning for one. Not quite the full works, but suitable for a Bank Holiday Monday.

Next job writing a shopping list and then ticking the items off in Sainsburys. We decided that both of us would go as we knew neither of us would remember everything that would be needed despite having done a list. This was the first time the two of us have done a big shop together for over a year. Hopefully we got everything we were wanting.

Next job, fill up with diesel. We pootled into Castle Marina following another narrowboat, luckily they pulled up at their mooring so we could wind and reverse onto the service pontoon.

97 litres of diesel to fill the tank at 84p. A bag of Excell just in case and some fire lighters to help light the barbecue we planned to have. We also made use of the elsan to empty your wee tank. The water tank could wait a little while longer for a top up.

Then we were back on our way, turning left out of the marina. There are quite a lot of familiar boats around Nottingham, Blip being one of them sat at the end of the permanent moorings. More boats were moored up along the three miles than we’ve seen before and at Beeston there was little room to be had under the willow trees.

I hopped off with the recycling, disposed of it, then closed the bottom gates after Oleanna at the lock. This lock is meant to be left with a paddle up at both ends to help keep the level right through Nottingham, yesterday we’d noticed that the level was down a touch, paddles at both ends of the lock closed.

Back onto the river passing the drunken pirate in his look out and numerous people licking chilled medication. Oh for an ice cream!

This river section has houses on stilts and some lovely looking boats. A new property was being created with two shipping containers high up away from any flooding possibilities. Still a long way to go for those river side views.

As we neared Cranfleet Lock we could see a wide beam waiting to go up. Would there be any volunteers on duty? Guaranteed to be. Well we were surprised at there being four chaps all ready to help. The wide beam went up, a small cruiser came down then it was our turn.

We waited for an oncoming narrowboat to join us and up we went. It’s only the second time I’ve been up in this lock, the first just after I’d lost my little finger. The boat we shared with was heading home after a weekend out in Newark. They had delayed their return journey this morning due to the stranded boat at Stoke Lock, arriving there to drop crew off to work the lock wouldn’t be a wise thing at the moment. The boat was now floating again.

At the end of Cranfleet Cut we had three ways we could go. The River Soar to Foxton and the Leicester Section, the Erewash Canal or continue on the Trent to Sawley. We already knew which way we’d be going so turned right, but not right right, we headed up the Trent.

Our journey southwards would be a touch shorter if we went by the Soar, by about 15 minutes a day, but we’ve been that way quite frequently in the last few years and not touched this end of the Trent and Mersey Canal possibly for five years.

Trent Lock was busy, no space to be had on the pontoon, another favourite of ours. We pushed on upstream our partner boat following to Sawley Lock. Here another set of volunteers took ropes and pressed buttons at one of the locks, the other currently out of action.

Through the flood lock and on towards the junction of the River Derwent, The River Trent and where the Trent and Mersey Canal starts, Derwent Mouth.

Myself and the chap from our accompanying boat lifted the paddles. With every click water flooding into the lock. With every click Oleanna was lifting up off the river. With the top gates open we’d made it. We’d escaped Goole! 138 miles, 19 locks behind us.

This evening we’d planned to have a celebratory barbecue and thought we’d stop just above Derwent Mouth Lock. Well that just wasn’t going to be as the towpath past the lock landing was filled with boats. Should we tuck on the end overlapping the generous lock landing? Mick thought we should, I thought not. We carried on a touch disgruntled that our wished for mooring was taken.

Coming into Shardlow we passed the house with the model railway, my camera at the ready should it be running today. Two boats were moored in the little arm and another two out front on the canal. One of these was very familiar, Tyseley the Mikron Theatre Company boat. She has recently had a repaint and new windows at Northwich dry dock on the Weaver where she was built. She looked very fine indeed just ready for the start of the Mikron tour. Sadly we don’t think we’ll be coinciding with there waterways tour this summer and just turning up on speck won’t be possible as you have to have booked a ticket due to covid restrictions and limited numbers.

The first mooring in Shardlow after the pubs was free, so we pulled in, our barbecue could wait for tomorrow. Tilly was given an hour and set free to see what/who she could find.

Our covers were being put up as a couple cycled past chatting away. The chap following suddenly hit a mooring ring, his bike flipping up into the air. He managed to cling onto his bike which went into the canal, but had quite bad scrapes to his hand, elbow and leg. His girlfriend wisely suggested they shouldn’t just carry on and wait a few minutes whilst we hunted round our first aid kits for antiseptic wipes. Hope he is alright and not too bruised.

Instead of our barbecue we managed to rustle up a tuna and pasta salad, a roast chicken our other option would have been a touch too much. Tomorrow we’ll start to slow down, just under four hours a day needed to reach our destination.

4 locks, 2 flood locks, 11.08 miles, 97.21 litres diesel, 1 bag coal, 1 box firelighters, 1 chicken, 2 salmon steaks, 0 room, 1 hour not fully taken, 1 roast chicken a touch too hot, 1 escape complete, 1 Dannie, 1 Willie, 1 Sedgwick the 3 who escaped, may many more escape Goole.

https://goo.gl/maps/pnemHgicLMemC2kc9

The Goole Escape, The Resistance. 30th May

Newark weir to Sainsburys, Nottingham

You may think our escape to be complete now that we are off tidal waters. Well for us it won’t be until we are back on the main canal network. Yes the weather looks good, in fact factor 30 good, but to be off the River Trent would be good, just in case!

We had our breakfast and were on our way again. The grey start to the day was soon burnt off by the sun.

Newark Marina has had an extension built, a new pond extends out towards the city, one side already with boats moored up. Averham Weir needed a touch more power to keep us away from it and only one cormorant dried it’s wings on a post, there’s normally one sat on every post.

The sun was fully out by the time we reached Farndon Marina, the camp site by the visitor moorings looked pretty full. Oh, hang on! Moorings, campsite, a cafe/club/bar place.

Could this be a possible venue/location for a 55.5 birthday do next year? On our travels I’ve been noting anywhere possible to have a weekend with friends and family to mark my half century, decade, year. There must be moorings, a campsite and preferably B&B and a bar all in close proximity. If anyone has any ideas on venues please let me know, you never know you may even get an invite!

The estate of Stoke Hall always looks so green rolling down to the river, the hall nestled a bit of a distance away. At Fiskerton there was just about enough space where we could have pulled in to have a pub lunch, but we’d only just got going so pressed on, still wanting to get some miles crossed off today.

Yesterday we’d thought about carrying on to Hazelford Lock where we’d have been happy letting Tilly out, but on seeing Heathers mooring we’d stopped, thank goodness as there almost certainly wouldn’t have been any room for us. Even the smaller cruisers were breasted up, one narrowboat totally surrounded by white.

We shared the lock with a strange looking little brown cruiser which only had it’s number for a name. We all clung onto the blue risers as the level rose.

Above the lock a half submerged old work boat was tied to the moorings, this was most probably the boat that got away from the moorings below the lock a while ago when the level was high. It headed off down river doing some damage to the pontoon at Farndon.

The long pontoons further upstream are now full of boats. Barge Tortus catching our eye along with another boat that has had a very large top box added!

Oh the Trent is lovely on a blue skied day. Well until the next lock! Gunthorpe Lock.

With Lock Keepers at every lock there was no need to drop me off with the key of power, instead I’d be passing a rope around a blue riser very very carefully. We ended up on THE riser. I couldn’t look it in the eye as only one paddle was lifted at the top end of the lock. Why did this lock of all the locks in the Trent have to take SOOOOooooo long to fill! LINK

Tilly waiting to wave at the BJ ladies who rescued her

The Lock Keeper had a chat with Mick asking if we were carrying on to Stoke Lock. We were. We were told of a sand bar below the lock which had caught itself a boat today. On approaching the lock we should continue straight on towards the weir until it was almost too late to turn in to the lock. This was all noted.

No space on the pontoon above, good job we’d had lunch on the move.

At a km away from Stoke Lock we radioed ahead. The keeper said we needed to be well left of the grounded narrowboat, the lock was ready, he was holding it for us.

Sure enough there where you’d normally expect to just turn in towards the lock a narrowboat sat. A lady walked along the gunnel and climbed onto the roof to sit in her canoe. They’d lost the paddle a week ago so it couldn’t be used to get them to dry land. They’d been stuck there for an hour.

Not really where you want to spend your bank holiday

Mick brought Oleanna round them as far to the left as he could. Even so we could hear Oleanna’s base plate scraping over the sandbar. We made it into the lock where the Lock Keeper asked us to stay back so as not to be level with another narrowboat who hadn’t got a rope looped round the risers at the bow, as yet.

All sorted we rose up the lock. The Lockie had managed to get an oar, the couple on the narrowboat on the sandbar would be able to now reach dry land and go home to Nottingham for the night. RCR would be on their way tomorrow to get the boat floated again. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, always try to reverse off, don’t put the power on full, as this just tends to make matters worse.

There was a space above the lock, lovely as Stoke Lock is we wanted to be further on.

At Holme Lock we had the huge chamber to ourselves. Thankfully more paddles were working than the last time we came uphill here so our ascent seemed really quick. Mick chatted to a volunteer about the hydro-electric power station that seemed to take forever to build. It is now in operation. When it started up the vibrations in the lock cottage were too much for the owners to cope with, the foundations shared between them and the station. To rectify this would cost way too much, so the power company bought the house, the manager now lives on site.

Above the lock there were few sailing boats about. The mooring at Southfork ranch looks like it needs a good weeding, at least it looked like someone was home today. The new building work that was going up when we last came past doesn’t seem to have moved on anymore, the protective netting having seen better days!

A few canoeists could be spotted between the glints from the river as we approached Trent Bridge. The moorings on the steps looked to be full, so there was only one thing for it, go up Meadow Lane Lock. Now where did we put those windlasses?

The last manual lock we did was the 3rd September and it was Bank Dole up from the River Aire onto the Aire and Calder. We knew at the time it would be a while before the windlasses were needed, but we really hadn’t thought it would be nearly nine months!

I hopped off the stern, windlass in hand as the gates of the lock opened. A boat was coming down, both crew onboard, they could continue on their way without stopping. There was however just enough time for the lady to tell me which paddles were not working, one at each end.

With several gongoozlers we managed to remember how to work a lock ourselves and gradually the level came up. Back onto a canal, a narrow canal. Well the Nottingham Canal is a broad canal but after the big rivers and the Aire and Calder it felt narrow to us. We almost had to hold our breath in as we went under the bridges.

The new rail bridge we’d seen going in a couple of years ago is now up and working. Just before the right hand bend a large scaffolding set of stairs leads up to street level replacing those that used to be used on the other side, these are now in a building site which is slightly encroaching the canal. Plenty of space to turn though.

A chap lay in his sleeping bag in the shade under the first bridge. New street furniture and planting lined the towpath.

As we reached the bars the noise level grew. Every single outdoor seat taken at the three bars, music and just a pure cacophony of humans enjoying the sunshine, company and booze! I’d been wondering about going out for a good steak and chips, but on seeing the masses here we decided to stay in tonight and have broccoli bacon pasta instead. Too many people make us, and I’m sure many others, nervous.

Castle Lock was open with both paddles left up. With a seated audience alongside I was glad we’d had a practice go at Meadow Lane before having to really do this locking thing in public.

New blocks of student accommodation stand on the banks of the canal. They sort of feel like they were there before, but we’re sure they weren’t. Hopfully they are not the reason for C&RT to have put up no mooring signs along part of the stretch which has numerous mooring rings, today quite a lot of local boats were moored there!

We pulled up near to Sainsburys for a big shop tomorrow. Music and smoke from barbecues filled the air, maybe we’d have been better off on the no-mooring mooring rings. Thankfully the world around us calmed down during the evening, only for the geese and coots to take over!

6 locks, 24.3 miles, 1 right, 9.75 digits, 0 clone, 1 sandbar, 1 stuck boat, 1 narrow canal, 2 many people, 9 months nearly, 2 windlasses, 0 calluses, 1 sunny sunny day, 2 pink boaters.

The Goole Escape, Station Platform. 29th May

Torksey to Newark Weir

As we were making ready to push off Torksey Lock emptied and out came a narrow boat followed by a couple of cruisers, was this the start of the cruising club descending?

Other cruisers that had pulled up last night had already headed off, one bound for Hull a much easier trip for them round Trent Falls with the tides due to their engine capacity, suspect they would be there at a different time too when the depth would be greater. All the same they’d have to keep to the narrow channel at the end of the Trent to avoid the Sand Island.

We pushed out a little before the flood and turned into the still out going tide to continue our journey southwards. It being Saturday morning we wanted to be settled before the weekly Geraghty Zoom which we did as we cruised along. There had been Christine’s birthday during the week when there was a family get together. Today was Duncan’s birthday so we sang to him. Anne was visiting Ruth, James and Penelope, so lovely to see family being able to get together again.

Windmills of various sorts, one more lot of cooling towers. This stretch of the river is really quite familiar and with there being a spring tide still we were given a push for quite a while against the fresh.

Compared to the River Ouse the Trent is that bit more open. There are flood banks, but mostly they tend to be set back and with fewer trees lining the banks there is plenty to look at. Sheep sat in the shade under trees and cows cooled their feet in the river whilst the geese showed off their new youngsters all in a line.

Nobody seemed to be following us, maybe the Lockies yesterday had over estimated the number of boats coming out for the weekend. But it just turned out that they weren’t so keen to be on their way.

After being in the north for so long with no body able to move we are not accustomed to moving boats. Today this was going to be different, very different. On coming cruisers speeding along had to suddenly slow when they saw us, they were almost certainly breaking the speed limit, their wash most definitely breaking on the banks. This was most probably the reason for the mud to be damp two foot higher than the level of the river.

Then boats from the cruising club caught us up. In batches of three of four they appeared behind then overtook us. Some not too bothered about the numerous sunken islands as there are along this stretch. Blimey it was busy!

We followed our navigation notes, lining up with pylons and the white dome of a distant windmill and used the bridge arch where the ENGLAND graffiti really should be refreshed.

All the time we were gradually catching up the narrowboat that had come past this morning. At around the 49km mark there is an old gravel jetty time to call Cromwell Lock and let them know we were just about there.

Three cruisers passed us shortly before the final bend, we and the narrowboat in front just trundled on knowing that the lock would be waiting for our arrival. The weir came into view, we turned right towards the big concrete structure that is Cromwell Lock. A couple of cruisers sat on the visitor moorings below the lock having their lunch.

We pulled into the lock behind NB The Earl, found suitable blue risers for our ropes and waited for the gates to close behind before the paddles were lifted to fill it up.

The Lockie a familiar face came down for a chat, take our name and number and to see if we’d be requiring the next lock.

When the top gates opened we had now left tidal waters. Oleanna beamed a smile back at us. The cruisers were heading onwards, so was The Earl, but we planned to stop for water and lunch if there was any space.

Well we timed that extreamly well. There were a couple of gaps we’d fit into, one just by the water point where the wall changes from low to high. I got the low end, Mick the high, a friendly chap came and helped us to moor up. The hose was set up to fill the tank, side hatch opened and we could enjoy lunch knowing we were at last off tidal waters which have been limiting our cruising times.

Cromwell is one of our favourite mooring spots, more so in less popular times. Cruisers came up the lock, passed by, circled round to moor on the high wall back towards the lock. With our tank and bellies full we pulled away, much to the delight of a lady from a cruiser who dashed to move her boat, now she could have a drink without having to clamber down a long ladder.

On the four mile trip to Nether Lock we were passed by a jetski and over taken by a cruiser, the later arriving at the lock seemingly unannounced to the lock keeper. We’d been asked to wait as the lock was full of boats descending, so we hung back under the East Coast Main Line bridge, trains rumbling overhead.

When the gates of the lock opened it released a swarm of ribs which all zoomed out in a hurry, each creating their own big wash which left us bobbing for some time.

That’s new an Archimedes screw above Nether Lock

We shared the lock up with the cruisier, it seemed they were out of practice with locks and spent a bit of time enquiring how to operate them when no lock keeper was on duty.

They took forever to untie, so we led the way out of the lock and into Newark. Our last visit to Newark was two years ago in February. The fishing pods on the first bend have gone. Kings Marina where we spent the winter of 2015/16 due to medical factors has now changed hands, a quick glance round showed some familiar boats.

The scrap yard by Aldi has vanished. Kiln pontoon was almost full, just a few git gaps suitable for a cruiser, but not us. The high and low wall opposite were filled with cruisers, as was the wall opposite the castle.

We’d radioed ahead to Town Lock where a boat was awaiting our arrival. A helpful gongoozler helped us flick our ropes over the bollards and then we gradually rose. Our exit was delayed as someone was hogging the Lockie asking how to operate the locks when not manned, they didn’t seem to know about the key of power (C&RT key).

A rather nice mooring, so long as no one walks on your roof.

Heather had suggested to us her favourite mooring in Newark, we’d spotted Bleasdale here back in October 2015. As with most of Newark moorings there is a high wall a similar height to the roof of a boat. We pulled in, got the tyre fenders out. Not a suitable mooring during floods as it is right by the weir, but today it was fine. A touch of shade from the trees.

Mick headed off for a Saturday newspaper and some milk from Asda, then we settled down for the remainder of the afternoon and evening. Another good days boating.

3 locks, 22.07 miles, 17 boats towards us, 14 overtakers, 1 jetski, 1 sunny day, 2 birthdays, 1 full water tank, 1 boat off tidal waters, 1 newspaper (sadly not free), 3 giggling ladies enjoying the evening sunshine, 1 final Look North.

The Goole Escape, Barn Refuge. 28th May

Torksey Low to Top to Low

A good sleep was had by all after all that fresh air and vitamin D yesterday. We decided that if we could get up the lock at Torksey today without having to come straight back down then we would so as to give Tilly some freedom. She’s been cooped up inside for ten days due to us being in the marina, then at Selby the road was too close to the boat for our peace of mind.

Mick called the lock at about 8:30 when we thought someone would be on duty. We were redirected to a mobile number where he got an answer phone, so he left a message.

A few minutes later as we relaxed with our cuppas in bed the phone rang. ‘Just emptying the lock, come in on the green’. Oh Blimey, like NOW! It was fine for us to take our time, if someone arrived on the top side of the lock before we got there they would turn the lock. With the amount of fresh on the river at the moment the lock could be used just about anytime within working hours. No need to wait for the tide to provide enough water to get over the cil.

We got dressed and were ascending the lock just after 9. One Lockie and two volunteers in civvies helped us up. Our return was discussed.

Tomorrow morning we’d be able to pen down before the tide started to come in, however Lincoln Cruising club were going on a Bank Holiday jolly to Newark, so there might be 14 or so cruisers all wanting to get down onto the river for the tide. We’ve been here before when above the lock has been rammed with boats from the cruising club waiting for the next mornings tide. We checked the lock closing time today and when the tide was due in the morning, 09:54. Tilly would make our decision for us.

The visitor moorings were quite busy but there was space for us without having to be on the bend. There was ample width for us to wind and then pull in to have breakfast.

The stern doors were opened along with the side hatch and Tilly set off to explore, which included checking out the cruiser behind us a couple of times until I reminded her of the rules! We however sat down and had breakfast.

Heather had a slightly convoluted journey back to Bleasdale, a bus from the retirement village to Gainsborough which passed behind The Folly and the interesting white house we’d passed yesterday at near dark. Then it was a couple of trains, a journey of a bit over two hours. Thank you Heather for your company over the last couple of days, it was lovely to share our wonderful cruise with you, good luck for your adventure.

Yesterday I’d had a call regarding my next show, just as we were approaching Howden Dyke Island, it hadn’t been a good time for an hour long conversation so I climbed the bank to see if my phone signal improved. EE not so good at Torksey but our emergency boat phone is on O2 and had full service, Lynda rang me back and we chatted away for an hour.

Dark Horse Theatre have been planning their next touring show for over a year now, it should have been out on the road this last February, but we all know what got in the way. So over the last year I’ve had various conversations with Amy their Artistic Lead about #unit 21. Next February they will mount scenes from the show to an invited audience, this then will hopefully lead to a tour in the future. My work (set and costume) would mostly need to be done for this, adjustments for the tour would follow. But the costumes would be required for a photo shoot in a few weeks.

Best get my designers hat back out of the cupboard.

Tilly came and went for quite a few hours. We pottered away the day, me mostly writing up our epic voyage and editing the photos!

We’d given Tilly a cut off point of 2:30pm, if she was home by then we’d go back down the lock this afternoon, if not it would wait for the morning. She came back in bang on time, so the pram hood was dropped, the lock keepers were radioed and we were on our way again. They were a touch surprised that we hadn’t even got as far as Saxilby, but that wouldn’t have been fair on Tilly.

Are there fewer tea pots than there used to be?

By the pontoon earth works are in progress. A sign at the top of the walkway off the pontoon boasts about Elms Moorings, a new shower block, pontoons and electric hookup. The earth works are however nothing to do with the sign, the flood banks are being improved with piling.