Basin Bridge to Manor Farm Winding Hole to Coopers Bridge 80
No rush to go anywhere today really, so the back doors were opened for Tilly to explore as we had breakfast and waited for the mist to be burnt off.
By 11am we were ready to move off. Our average speed today would be about half of that we’ve made so far this year, the Chesterfield Canal is shallow, reedy and at times weedy. Having said that, take it slowly and then there is more time to enjoy this lovely canal, try to go fast and you’ll get exasperated. We know of several boats that have given up part way and missed the beautiful top end of the canal.
Locks on the paddle gear
Having said that, this time we have no intention of going right to the end, but hopefully later in the year we’ll be back to take Oleanna to the navigable end for the first time. But where should we moor today?
Misterton Top Lock
I walked on ahead opening up the two Misterton Locks. Here you need a CRT Key of Power to undo the anti vandal locks on the paddles. Mick brought Oleanna into the bottom lock coasting through the bed of reeds that lay on the water. ‘Lovely Day’ was heard from numerous walkers, they were not wrong.
Keeping an eye on each other
At Misterton Top Lock a couple were pruning their hedge, ‘CRT are meant to do it’ Well it’s great that you are helping them. Up by the top gates was a swan, I think a cob. On past experience of swans on the Chesterfield I made sure I kept an eye on him, we had one fly at us, trying to attack our stern fender on NB Lillyanne, thankfully today I couldn’t see any nest that he was protecting. He kept a keen eye on me too then did a very balletic stretch with one leg and a wing, a pas de swan.
A moving boat, a hire boat returning to base
I carried on walking, two moorings marked on our maps, but could we find another just that bit further out into the countryside and before the first winding hole. I was tempted to carry on to a 2 day mooring further on, but that would have meant more hours cruising and Mick reminded me that we have half a tank of diesel for the Tidal Trent and to get back to Thorne and since we last filled up we’ve done 120 miles. Diesel is none existant on the Chesterfield.
Already quite pretty
I spotted a few places where the reeds might have been thin enough to pull in, but as we’d passed a hire boat returning to base just above the locks the water was cloudy so I couldn’t work out the depth. Only a couple of possibles. I looked over my shoulder, my brisk walking meant I was leaving Oleanna well behind. I walked up to the winding hole, then onto the next bridge, then returned. I’d wait for Oleanna to wind and then point out where it might be possible to pull in. But each of the places the bottom was too close to the top, we returned to the next bit of armco thankfully far enough away from the road and with plenty of friendly cover too keep Tilly amused for a while.
Winded and coming back
Off she went, tail swishing with excitement. I’d done my walking for the day so got on with a couple of jobs. One was to mend the turny bit on a kitchen blind. The glue holding the wand and the turning piece had given up, so hopefully that was a quick fix with some Max UHU.
Someone’s in there
The other job was to replace a press stud on the blinds we have at the bow door. These fabric blinds roll up and get poppered in place. A week ago one of the poppers came apart so we’ve been a one blind up, one blind down kind of boat for a while. Ages ago I bought myself the means to attach poppers with the aid of a hammer. The floor much better to get the rivet part flattened out inside the popper. I then looked to see if I could use the same poppers on the pram cover as one has been missing on the straps that hold the rear flap open for quite a while. Despite the poppers looking the same size, I couldn’t get one to pop onto the other half, just a fraction too small. Oh well I’ll see if I can find a different brand that might be just that bit bigger.
Poppers
I then got on with tracing out a profile of Oleanna from a photo. I want to do several different versions of her new paintwork before we commit ourselves to going for cream cabin sides. The first go was a bit wonky, so I ended up tracing the photo onto tracing paper and then straightening out the wonky lines. This will now get copied onto watercolour paper so I can paint the cabin sides and see what she’ll look like with the colours reversed.
Torksey Lock Bottom side to Stockwith Bridge 85, Chesterfield Canal
What is it with bubbling tidal rivers?! We’d not heard a jot of it yesterday afternoon and evening, but as soon as we’d just managed to nod off last night the river bubbled it’s way up the sides of Oleanna’s hull making for an unrestful nights sleep. Not so good when the alarm was going off at 05:30!
Getting ready to push off
As we got dressed outside light was starting to clear away the nights darkness, getting ready for the sun to rise. Extra layers, thermals, padded trousers, although Mick couldn’t find his. Vest, long sleeve top, jumper, fleece and coat on top before a life jacket. This morning it was going to be cold!
The frozen covers rolled up, Nebolink turned on. The boat from further down the pontoon pushed off bang on 06:00, he said to Mick that he was headed for Gainsborough Pontoon. It took us another ten minutes before we untied our ropes and pushed off up to the junction where we turned northwards.
Cottam Power Station
Cottam Power Station pastel colours in the dim light. Mist rising from the river. Where was the castle? That’s the viaduct, but which part of it to aim for? There is an island and a peir to watch out for. I described where we needed to be as best I could with the outline of trees just sitting above the fog.
Visibility was such that we could only just make out both banks, were we in the middle? Time to concentrate, rely on Memory Map and Waterway Routes to show us our location and which way we were facing. Mick had the track we’d made last Tuesday showing on his tablet, maybe if we stuck to that line we’d be fine. The tide all the time pulling us along towards the North Sea.
Oleanna seemed to freeze more as we cruised along
First Mick spotted the wake in the water from NB Airbourne, they couldn’t be that far ahead of us. We slowed our pace as best we could and there about 100ft ahead was the boat. We let them get further ahead, better to have space between us today seeing as how we couldn’t see very well.
Here comes the sun!
The sun started to rise to our right. Vapour trails which had been pink as we set off turned yellow above our heads. The mist glowed, the best light diffuser you can get. We just needed the sun to be up and start burning it’s way through the fog. Should we have set off? With our gps and nav lights we felt confident that we shouldn’t bump into anything we shouldn’t.
Mistical
What a stunning sun rise. My photographs snatched between moments of concentration. Our charts show places where you should line up between white poles so as to avoid banks of silt. The river was quite low, would we be able to stick to the red line? One recently painted post came into view, we just needed to spot the other one. We knew that trees had been cleared to make this easier, but not when there was fog, we only spotted it when the other post had long since vanished behind us. We got away with it.
Cwor!!!
Blimey it was cold despite having layers upon layers. Fingers frozen, needed to be used to turn pages and keep Memory Map alive. I soon turned off the sleep mode on my phone, the screen alive constantly.
There they are
There was the boat in front, he’d pulled away from us a bit more. A clearing of the fog, great. Then we were plunged back into the next cloud of freezingness. Today is the first time we’ve not managed to see the Landmark Trust property up on the hill, we could just about work out where it might be and wondered what the current guests would make of their view over breakfast today!
West Burton Power Station
West Burton Power Station sat in the cloud ahead like the giants palace in Jack and the Beanstalk. Mick’s phone rang, it was John the Lockie from West Stockwith Lock, checking to see we were on our way, he’d got up early to come and meet us. A reassuring phone call to have, knowing there’d be someone at the lock to get us off the river.
As we came to the tight turns south of Gainsborough the mist started to clear a touch, John had said that it was clear at West Stockwith, phew we’d be able to see our way into the lock. Past the flour mill and we could see the boat ahead clearly, the morning world now revealing itself to us.
Gainsborough Bridge with plenty of room today
What a difference to last Tuesday. The tide we’d been pushed along by then was obviously much higher, the tide today lower and that bit slower. The arches on Gainsborough Bridge felt to be a third bigger than last week, how had anyone had a problem going through?
NB Airbourne pulled in towards the pontoon, we slowed Oleanna’s engine so as not to add to the difficulty of mooring up on a tidal river. The chap seemed to be alright, the boat staying put as he dealt with ropes.
A phone call to John at the lock. There was 4ft of water over the cill, we should be fine to get in. Mick cranked the revs up a notch.
Gainsborough was very very quiet today. No crowds on the bank. No beeping of horns. No drones above following us. However one large banner still hangs from a balcony facing downstream. The flotilla would today be arriving in Leicester making a noise getting peoples attention again.
West Stockwith lock in front of the white house
Now the mist had all burnt off as we headed up the last straight before the bend where the lock is. John called he was ready for us. Had we watched the videos of how to turn into the lock? We’ve been in twice here, once at slack water, the other time turning to stem the outgoing tide and then make our way back towards the lock.
John and a trainee lockie guiding us in
I moved to the bow before any manoeuvres happened, Tilly had already assumed the brace position on the bed tucked up amongst our pillows. Mick turned Oleanna then brought her back towards the lock, John stood signalling to keep going straight towards him. Mick the pushed the tiller over to kick the bow round, maybe just a little bit early as the starboard side touched the lock mouth before the bow had got in the lock. Ropes passed down to us, then we rose up into the daylight, quite a warm morning now!
Two bums to the beam
We pulled over onto the visitors mooring in the basin. Time to warm up and have breakfast, we’d finish off the bacon from last week. Then it was chores time, Tilly’s pooh and the wee tank sorted.
Breakfast!
Not far now to our chosen mooring, we winded and then pootled to the first length of armco along the Chesterfield Canal. Time for a rest for us and some much needed shore leave for Tilly.
A big muddy ditch once the tides out
Todays walk took me back upstream along the river bank, the tide still working it’s way out to sea, the mud banks looking very, well, muddy!
The Station
I then crossed fields which are used as a flood water reservoir, the roads and footpaths closed off when it’s full, today a bright green grassy crop was doing well. I got a green light to cross the railway, Walkeringham old Station House along side. The station opened in 1867 and closed to passengers in 1959.
I passed a long line of houses that were built for workers at West Burton Power Station, crossed the main road at Walkeringham Cross, not that there is much of a cross ontop of the stone steps now.
An intriguing property
I passed South Cottage, that sits at an angle to the main road, tiles and brick work on it’s façade, surely there must be information about it somewhere. The only thing I can find is a suggestion of a Sunday School on an old Ordnance Survey map.
The Staff
Across fields to where big mounds sit fenced off from the world, part of WW2 petrol tanks. A sign close to the road suggesting the work force is maybe a touch young.
For Sale
Up near the canal a house for sale. Lovely gardens. Then back along the canal to Oleanna, walking past the first two locks of the Chesterfield Canal and an awful lot of reeds in the water, that’ll be interesting tomorrow!
The Chesterfield Canal
Eight years ago today, we finished packing a van with a third of our possessions, popped Tilly in her escape pod and drove to Sheffield to move onboard Oleanna, our new home. Such an exciting day.
The Fund Britain’s Waterways Campaign Cruise hit Leicester and threatened to return Richard III to Yorkshire. They are still making quite a noise, but we think they sounded way better with Oleanna’s horns added into the mix. If you haven’t signed it yet please sign the petition.
1 lock, 15 miles, 1 wind, 1 extremely foggy morning to be following another boat, 1 stunning sunrise, 1 kingfisher, 2 lock keepers, 1 empty wee tank, 1 clean pooh box, 1 cooked breakfast reward, 5.71 miles walked, 86 minutes briskly, 1 big Mrs Tilly stamp of approval, 64th sock yarn chosen, 1 quiet afternoon and evening.
Originally we’d been booked to pen down back onto the tidal Trent at 11:45 this morning, but yesterday Mick had stopped off to chat to the Lock Keeper. They didn’t understand why we were booked so late and suggested we should join the widebeam and head off at 10:00, less chance of meeting the incoming tide that way. So we were up, breakfasted and covers rolled up ready for the off by 9:45.
Glad we weren’t a cruiser!
The light at the lock turned green, the widebeam undid all their ropes and headed for the lock, we followed them slowly. The Lockie gave advice to stick to the channel as best we both could as there was only 18 inches of fresh today and we’d be helped by the out going tide. In the lock we did as usual, bow and stern line, well you never know just when the wind will hit a lock wall and push your boat over to the other side of the lock, as it did to our locking buddies who only had a stern line round a riser.
What a pretty day
There was no way for us to be first out of the lock, so we waited and then followed slowly. Should we overtake or sit tight behind? Buddies on the Trent really should always be quite close should they be needed.
More banks visible today
Our buddies kept mainly to the channel, a little too close to the bank at times, they managed to do their own bit of pruning, hope their pram cover is okay. We opted to stay behind them, at a steady pace, we’d use less diesel, but it did feel slow compared to our normal speed on the Trent.
Egret
After a few minutes we were able to join the Geraghty zoom, only long enough to show Mick’s siblings the river and say good morning before we decided we’d need to concentrate a touch more than normal.
Can you spot the bird?
Blue skies. A breeze to keep us from getting warm and at times the water got quite choppy. An Egret, a bird who was invisible except for its bright orange legs, swallows or sand martins dashed in and out of the sandy banks, far too quick for a photo.
A speedboat was moored on the waterski club pontoon, then another appeared up ahead through Fledborough Viaduct going at quick a lick. At least this meant we knew which span to head for, confirmed when we eventually saw the now rusted away graffiti.
The river level was low, possibly the lowest we’ve experienced so keeping to the red line was more important to do today. As we passed Dunham Pontoon I wondered how different the water level looked compared to last Tuesday (left photo) when the flotilla woofers had paused for a comfort break.
Under the bridges and on past the sunken island and round the bend by Cottam Power Station. Next landmark would be the EA building just before Torksey Junction. The widebeam pulled in and popped themselves near the end of the pontoon, their plan now was to head to the pub for Sunday lunch, hopefully there would be some left at 1:30pm. We pulled in and left a boats length between us and them and plenty of space before the only other boat moored up.
Torksey Viaduct now a footpath
I planned my afternoon walk. Whilst on the river today we’d been hunting out KM markers to help update Waterway Routes, those in brackets had not been spotted when Paul has cruised this way. With only a small amount of greenery on the trees we were having more luck spotting them, one well and truly surrounded by sideways trees. We’d found all of them but one, 71. If I crossed Torksey Viaduct I’d be able to walk the banks of the river and see if it was visible from land, or as we suspected long gone! My walk would also have another advantage, I’d get to be closer to Cottam cooling towers, an opportunity not to be missed.
Mooos
I set off, however my plan was to be thwarted! I crossed the river and climbed down the steps on the other side to find through the kissing gate a gang of very inquisitive ginger cows. Hmmm! They came for a good nosy at me. Then a chap appeared behind me. He wasn’t too keen in trying to push through them, I gave it a go, he’d call for back up if needed.
NO way am I giving you a snog!
CUSHH! I waggled my arms, made myself as big as possible, isn’t that what you are meant to do? CUSHH! No they hardly moved and what movement they did was towards me. I retreated behind the kissing gate, one of them now demanding a snog before it would let me through. NO chance!
A change of route was called for, head northwards, but the paths didn’t seem to join up for me to come back southwards. A different route all together was needed. Back across the river to Brampton where there were a few lovely looking houses. Across Lincoln golf club where two chaps were having difficulty finding their balls in the trees. Back to the river via Torksey. A shame my Sunday selfie couldn’t be closer to the cooling towers, but that’s life.
Sunday selfie
During the afternoon one boat came down Torksey Lock and one went up, so we could have got over the cill after all. Oh well we’re booked to go up West Stockwith in the morning with a push off time of 6am! So we stayed put below the lock.
Bloomin blossom
The Fund Britain’s Waterways cruise reached Barrow upon Soar today after enjoying a Sunday lunch with the Soar Boat Club. If you haven’t sign it yet, please sign the petition
1 lock, 16.7 miles, 2 winds, 1 right, 1 very slow tidal cruise, 1 tree trimmed, 1 Chance encounter, 15 ginger bullies, 4.25 miles walked, 70 minutes briskly, 1 big cauliflower cheese, 1 very bored cat.
After breakfast we both headed to see if there was anything to buy with yellow labels. Mick headed to Waitrose, a pint of milk and a Saturday newspaper, plus a look around to see what might have yellow stickers on that could go in the freezer for another day.
Sad Gits bread
I headed to the other side of the river to M&S, here I was greeted with quite a few yellow stickers. It seems the morning is best at M&S, evening best at Waitrose. I scanned loaves of bread, spicy Spanish rice. Not many things either took my fancy or I could eat. However a box of Frites and a gf Tiger loaf of bread jumped in my basket. Once back at Oleanna the former was split into two and the loaf sliced up and all popped into the freezer.
A blue world down on the river today
We pushed off heading down stream. Mick radioed ahead incase there was a Lock Keeper on duty at Nether Lock, again Cromwell Lock replied that there was no-one there today. The key of power would be needed. Since coming through Nether Lock the last time the buttons seem to have been made more sensible. The lock resets itself to being full, in the past I’ve had to press the OPEN button as if the lock was empty, waiting for the flashing to stop before doing it again despite the sluices already being open. Today the gates just opened and I could call Mick to bring Oleanna straight in.
At the bottom end things also seemed to be quicker, the periods between button presses much shorter than I remembered, however it took forever for the lock to realise it was now empty, stop it’s flashing light and let me open the gates.
Down on the river it was breezy, white horses, lumpy water. Thank goodness we’ve opted to keep the stove ticking over inside.
Us and our neighbours
Approaching Cromwell pontoon we could see a widebeam was moored up. Would there be room for us on the outside? Or would we opt to wind and reverse into the upstream inside? The widebeam was right in the middle of the outside, two spare mooring cleats in front, one behind, enough room for us if they nudged up. We winded and headed for the inside, at least we’d have a view from our bedroom window. Later on we found out that when they’d arrived it had been so windy they were relieved to just get moored up to the pontoon.
Lunch then a walk up the river bank, back to North Muskham. About a 10/15 minute walk you come across a tea room at a farm, Lil Maggies and the Secret Barn, laid out in (surprise surprise) a barn with a tent and caravans about. It was too late for me to sample their vitals, but maybe when we come back this way later we’ll see what’s on offer.
St Wilfred’s of North Muskham, not to be confused with St Wilfred’s of South Muskham
I walked up to St Wilfred’s Church, the very well worn door obliged in being unlocked. Inside was far smaller than I’d expected, chairs rather than pews. Parts of the church date back to 1190 and it contains what are probably the earliest octagonal piers in the county. The chancel and north aisle were rebuilt in 1530, funded by J Barton of Holme, the family coat of arms appears around the church. The Tudor oak rude screen is very impressive for such a little church. They have developed a very canny way of avoiding molten wax from dripping on peoples heads.
I looked for a slightly different route back to the boat avoiding the A1. This took me through the village past a totem pole and around a large lake surrounded by a housing estate and then back onto the river bank. A rather blustery walk.
North Muskham Totem pole
The pontoons here have electric posts. Mick went to see if he could get one of them to work. They used to work with the old CRT pump out cards that you could buy on line or at Locks. These are supposedly being phased out at pump outs and chip and pin readers installed. There was a time when you could trade your old cards in, we never got round to doing this so had a couple on board. The second card Mick tried worked, it had one unit left, the post sprang into life. The unit lasted two wash cycles, a second tank of hot water and some tumble drying before it stopped working.
This evening we’ve enjoyed half of our yellow stickered ‘sad gits’ frites with some salmon, very nice it was. We’ve also raised a glass or two to being boat owners for 11 years, having picked NB Lillyanne up from her previous owners in 2014.
The Fund Britain’s Waterways Campaign Cruise reached The Soar Boat Club at Normanton on Soar today. If you haven’t already done so please sign the petition, the link is at the top right hand side of this page.
1 lock, 5 miles, 2 yellow labels, 1 pint, 1 newspaper, 0 shore leave again for Tilly, 5.02 miles walked, 73 minutes briskly, 11 years of floating our own boat.
With a few days before the next suitable tide for us to return downstream from Cromwell we have some spare time around Newark. Ten years ago we spent the winter months here so got to know it pretty well.
Town Lock newly painted
This morning there was a prescription to collect from Boots, grub screws to be hunted out as we’ve lost one from the handle of the front door. I’d come across mention of an artisan gluten free bakers, that had to be worth a visit and maybe even a suspension of my current avoidance of baked goods.
We set off individually, I headed to the bins by the flood lock trying to clock up brisk walking minutes and then into town crossing over Town Lock and up to near the castle where there is this house for sale.
Grade 2 with period charm!
Round the shops and the Friday market. No bakers in Chain Lane sadly, just cuddly toy pastries, pies and cakes in one window.
The market wasn’t half the size we remembered it to be and just where was that really good tool and hardware stall, nowhere to be seen. Maybe this was the wrong day for them. Some clothes, plants, a glutenfilled bakers and what seemed to be a cauliflower stall, the white heads piled up and very few other veg visible.
Guaranteed to be gluten free
Into Boyes, would they have grub screws, nope! A walk down the other end of town where Wilkos used to be, some new development going up there. With none of the smaller items on my list found I then walked up Barnby Gate to find Hills the art shop.
The market and Parish Church
But where was it? It’s always further than I think, but I was certain the shop front I stood in front of used to be the side with all the racks of paper and card. Next door thankfully showed signs of artist equipment. I went in.
I was after some heavy weight watercolour paper in an A3 pad and some mount board. I chatted to the assistant. They have had to let out part of the shop to keep going, their main business picture framing, the sale of the odd tube of white paint wouldn’t keep them going. We discussed watercolour paper pads, only one quite costly option, then mount board which was £10 a sheet! Flipping heck it’s been a while since I bought some. When the assistant returned with two very large sheets of mount I was told that they were £10 for A0, they could cut them in half, but half a sheet would still be £10. I chose to take all the sheet, but if they could cut them in half that would be far easier to store on Oleanna.
Cauliflowers and plants
Before I left with my big package under my arm I made sure I thanked them for still existing, finding a good art shop is getting harder and harder and certainly one with stock that you can look at and feel near impossible. I may even have said we’d come to Newark specifically for me to visit them, only half a lie.
Some pretty colours
Back at Oleanna we had lunch, Mick had succeeded in buying a pork pie. I wrote some more blog, quite a bit to catch up on and getting on for 700 photos from two days of the Fund Britain’s Waterways Cruise to edit.
Squeezed into the drawing board slot
The Brompton then accompanied us back into town, our chosen supermarket was to be Morrisons, here we hoped to find everything we’d want under one roof at a reasonable price. After an hour we headed back to Oleanna the Brompton earning it’s keep once again as a sherpa.
Mick also spent some of today trying to get tidal locks booked. The West Stockwith phone number was on answerphone and suggested to call the main CRT number, which he did. They said you should be able to book on the number he’d called, but try Keadby.
Loaded up
Times and dates were discussed with Mark at Keadby. Our original plan had been to head to Torksey, wait for the level to be right to go up the lock for Tilly to have some shore leave for a day, before making our way onto West Stockwith, then should the tides be right we’d carry on to Keadby the following day. However we’re now into neep tides and the likelihood of being able to get over the cill at Torksey was slim. Our message would be passed on to West Stockwith.
The Sonning no longer moored below the castle, now sold and possibly in Hull
Later the Lockie from West Stockwith called, he’d had a missed call. Times, dates and tides were discussed. We changed our plans. Up to Torksey, no point in waiting to see if there’d be enough water to go top side. Instead we’d head onwards to West Stockwith the following day and have a couple of days on the Chesterfield canal before carrying on to Yorkshire. We were booked in at all relevant locks, three more tidal days. However Mark at Keadby had mentioned that Vazon Sliding Bridge was currently out of action! This would mean we’d only be able to get to Keadby and not onwards to Thorne. We left our bookings as they were, there was no official stoppage notice from CRT. Should we need to find a different route in a weeks time then we’d look into going round Trent Falls/End as we have somewhere to be. Hopefully by then the bridge will be sorted and our original plan will still work.
The Palace Theatre panto cast
The Campaign Cruise made it to Nottingham County Hall steps yesterday, today they all cruised through Nottingham, some carrying on to the Soar, other stopping at Trent Lock where the Erewash, Soar and Trent all meet at one big cross roads.
Various photos and bits of footage have been gathering, so I thought I’d share them with you. Thank you to people who have taken photos of us on Oleanna, a rare thing as I’m usually the one behind the camera.
A lie in, Tilly wasn’t impressed by the morning view, ah but I remember what lies at the top of those huge steps! Once we were up and dressed shore leave was granted for two hours. On previous visits to Hazelford Lock Tilly has been a little reluctant to go up the big steps to see what laid above, but once she’d got up there she was kept busy. Today she charged up to the top, claimed some wooden railings for herself and was gone out of view for quite some time. Well I remember outsides just like you do, but from different heights. This one has a lot of friendly cover and could keep me going for days!
Hazelford Lock cottage
A shame that at 10am when Tilly came in we decided to go out, the VHF radio needed to be on higher ground for us to hear any activity from the Campaign Cruisers, they now seem to be known at Waterways Warriors! We walked up to be by the lock, the radio crackled after a while a few times. Then there was Alan from NB Aladin radioing someone.
Mick replied, saying that so far there was no sign of a Lock Keeper at Hazelford, but we were here with our key and ready to pen them all up. Alan replied and relayed the message to the following boats. They would be about 40 minutes, we were early.
Radio in hand listening to channel 6
Alan radioed again whilst passing Fiskerton, this is where we’d radio a Lockie from, hoping they’d have the lock ready for us. The flotilla had stretched out somewhat and he’d underestimated their cruising time. We decided to get the lock ready for them as using the boaters pedestal you can’t just lift the bottom paddles and it be done in a jiffy. No, you have to wait for that flippin flashing light to stop before lifting the paddles a couple more inches with another button press and it always seems to take forever for the level to be acknowledged before the gates will open. I checked above the lock before we started to empty it, no sign of anyone approaching the top side.
First one in
Then eventually NB Aladin appeared round the bend, he slowed on his approach, he’d touched the bottom whilst coming past Oleanna. The others followed with quite big gaps between them and pulled up to line up with the blue risers in the lock. The natural inclination is to stay as far back as possible in these big locks, but if we were to get everyone in one lock they would have to nudge up a bit.
Sneaking in at the back
Four abreast with quite a gap at the rear of the final three narrowboats, Mick managed to get Cruiser Amourouse tucked in at the back with plenty of space for us to close the gates behind them.
Eight in the lock
Our space on the flotilla now taken by NB Kallisto who will be with them until Nottingham. We penned them up and then wished them all a final farewell. Our plans take us back northwards this summer, so we’ve come on a bit of a detour to take part in getting things rolling on the cruise. We’ve really enjoyed our time with them, but now it’s time for us to turn round and head back the way we’ve come. Hopefully in the future our bows will cross with them all at some point, somewhere.
Banners
Above the lock a narrowboat appeared, it winded and then held it’s position. It looked very much like they would be joining the flotilla too. How great would it be if as the flotilla passes boaters join in for a mile or two to show their support for the campaign. Of course at the moment it’s easy to join them with big stretches of river and huge locks, it’ll be harder once they get on the canal in Nottingham as only two, not eight boats will fit the locks.
Goodbye, have a good time
Back at Oleanna we decided to give Tilly some more shore leave and have lunch before departing. A phone call was made to Cromwell to check on tide times to Torksey over the next few days. We need a bit of time in Newark to restock then we can be on the move again. We booked in for our second tidal lock. Mick then called Torksey to see if we’d be able to get up the lock the day we arrive and when would be best for us to carry on to West Stockwith, the chap couldn’t help much about times, best to talk to the Lockie at West Stockwith.
Tilly came back for Dreamies and a toilet break only to find the back doors now firmly shut, time to head down stream. I was not impressed!
Back down stream, passing the power station (nowhere near as impressive at the one’s we’d passed on the tidal river, I wonder how long the cooling towers will stay? Past Leicester Trader, the Parish Church spire came into view.
Hot buttons
Mick radioed ahead to see if Town Lock had a Lockie, he got an answer but it was from Cromwell, the Lockie in Town had left an hour ago so it was on self service. The Key of Power would get some use, here you can whack the paddles up to fill the lock should you so wish, all whilst the lady keeps on repeating herself and you burn your fingers on the buttons whilst opening and closing gates.
Newark Castle a touch quieter than yesterday
There was space at the end of the pontoon a few more boats having arrived since yesterday. First thing after apologising to Tilly again that there’d be no more shore leave today was to fill the water tank and water the strawberries.
Time to go for a walk. I headed back to above Town Lock crossed the bridge where the flood gates are, further into town, once round the market square. The wonderful building opposite the church, with the tiled shop front is up for sale. I’ve always wanted to know more about this house. It’s Grade 2 listed and has three bedrooms! Far bigger than I’d imagined with a walled garden too!! The mirror and furniture in the drawing room are well worth a look.
I love this building, £289,950
I then carried on down past the Palace Theatre and on to Newark Northgate station, a quick check for any yellow stickers in the M&S foodhall before crossing the river to do the same in Waitrose, but nothing jumped out as a bargain so I left with two bananas and a pint of milk.
1 lock, 8.5 miles, 8 in a lock, 3 hours shore leave, 1 happy cat, 1 disappointed cat, 1 lock booked, 1 full water tank, 4.15 miles refresher walk around Newark, 50 minutes briskly, walk3 jackets baked in the stove with chicken coleslaw for tea.
More of a lie in this morning, although I was awake to see the the colourful sunrise across the river, so glad we’d not ended up breasted up yesterday without the view.
Under the railway
09:30 was push off time for all boats. NB Rum a Gin led the way, Hazel had an appointment with a film crew at Nether Lock at 10:30, she’d already been on a local radio station. Radio checks done, the boats gradually moved off upstream.
Nether Lock
News came through that the camera crew had gone to Town Lock so they were having to relocate. The lock was sat ready and waiting for us, photographers at the ready and several Lock Keepers. Would we all fit in the lock together? The Lockie preferred to pen up four of us at a time, he was still in training so wanted to avoid any safety issues that eight boats in a lock might incur.
Tug Ruffian waiting for us all
Up we rose slowly, the camera crew had now arrived. Tug Ruffian sat close to the top of the lock waiting to escort the flotilla into Newark, but we’d have to wait for the other boats to be penned up. A cruiser was waiting around the corner held back by a red light, the Lockies knew they were there. So they got to descended between the flotillas lockings.
You’re going to make horrid noises again aren’t you!
Hazel was interviewed on the bank whilst we waited for the other boats to arrive and then the TV presenter climbed on board to travel in to Newark with them. We followed behind Tug Ruffian. People stood on the bridge over the entrance to King’s Marina where we’d over wintered ten years ago. Blasts of horns announced our arrival long before anyone could see us.
Back in line astern
At Kiln Pontoon a familiar looking narrowboat ( recently bought in Goole) got ready to tag along with us to muster outside the castle. The plan last night had been to breast up to attempt to block the river. However today we were not as organised as we’d been yesterday.
Coming through Trent Bridge
No-one had mentioned this to Ruffian, so they pulled in and asked for a rope from us. NB Purple Emperor having pulled up in front against the wall. We were all in the wrong order to be able to breast up in length order as had been the plan. So we ended up with two lots of boats, 10 in all a few short of blocking the navigation.
Blasting out Newark
It took a while for those unused to the current on a river to get tied up. Once bows were under control and the camera crew were on the bank, Hazel called the flotilla to Sound our horns! A wall of sound stormed around the foot of the castle as people watch on from the banks and bridge. Blimey it was noisy!
Jo on NB That’s It
More interviews were done on the bank with people from the IWA and CRT explaining about the need for continued funding for Britains Waterways.
Going up
Now the flotilla split, some headed back to kiln pontoon, shopping required. Others headed to Town Lock, we managed to join them and rose up. Some pulled in on the wall of Newark Basin, NB That’s It carried on behind Tug Ruffian, Brian then cruised round into Newark Marina, I think they’d over shot where they’d planned to moor up for a quick dash up to York.
More breasted up boats
We followed Ruffian to their mooring, just behind Leicester Trader. Les helped us moor up along side, time for lunch. Our radio chirped back into life a bit after 2pm, boats were heading our way and wanting to breast up. This also took some doing, but eventually all were secure and ready to clamber off to have a look around the last Trent Barge still in her original form.
Les with his boat, or is it a museum?
Les Reid and Friends have endeavoured to restore the boat back to her original state. As there is no museum to put her in they’ve put the museum inside. Numerous photographs cover the walls, ropes with knots, a sea toilet, a cabin all sorts can be found in the hold. The museum is an archive dedicated to the River Trent. We watched a couple of films and had a good look around. Many many thanks to Les for opening her up for us today.
Time to move on. Farndon Marina had offered the flotilla moorings for the night. NB Kallisto, the new boat from Goole, pulled up on the CRT moorings and others breasted up on the marina pontoons. This is where we waved them goodbye, well for today and carried on upstream to Hazelford Lock for some shore leave for Tilly away from the crowds.
A short while on, our radio chirped up, it was Alan from NB Aladin asking if he could breast up to us as we were a similar length. This obviously wasn’t to be as we were already at least a mile upstream.
The sun shone, the birds tweeted as we rounded the bend with what feels like park land, the sheep grazing down to the waters edge, we spotted the first swan sat on a nest. It had been great fun being with everyone, but it was rather nice to be back on our own again.
All alone at Hazelford Lock
By the time we reached Hazelford Lock and pulled in it was getting on for being too late for Tilly to have shore leave. So instead I made use of the time before dark and went for a walk.
What a magical archway of blossom
First across a field joining a track leading back to a road. The blackthorn blossom was heavy on bushes. The road didn’t have a footpath, what to do? Was it a busy road? Should I alter my planned route? I decided the road wasn’t too busy and looked reasonably straight so continued as planned, swapping sides of the road to keep in view and stopping when traffic came towards me.
Then down a road towards Hazelford Residential Home where long term moorings stretch along the river bank towards the lock. Here I followed the Trent Pathway, ogling at Tortus, the boat I’d love to have when I grow up!
Standing between a Trent Clapper Gate
Through a couple of Trent clapper gates. These are designed to automatically close behind you, the way they are hinged and their shape encourages gravity to aid them to close. If you go through and let one side hit the post the other side will open up and close again, clapping shut behind you.
A hopeful Heron
On the weir a heron stood on a bottom step. Still in amongst all the frothing water. No fish in sight, but one might come sooner or later. Back at Oleanna I rustled up a chicken curry old style, with bananas, sultanas, cashews and some yoghurt to help use up some of the roast chicken and dived into the shower.
Two busy days on the campaign cruise, now time to be quiet and on our own … until tomorrow morning.
2 locks,13.5 miles, 8 boats now 10 boats, 1 film crew, 2nd BBC local news, 1 loud arrival, 1 storm of sound, 1 Trent boat, 1 informative Les, 1 boat out on our own, 2 late for shore leave, 3.25 miles walked, 50 brisk minutes, 1 quiet evening.
The alarm went off before the dawn had even started to show us her colour. A cuppa made and consumed whilst we rolled back the covers and did our final checks. Woofers were being walked, life jackets added as the sun came up in stunning oranges.
A touch more colour
The light at the road swing bridge ahead of us turned to green, time for the first six boats to push off and get ready to go through. One boat seemed very quiet, NB Aladin, I pointed this out to one of the Strawberry Island crew, a loud knock on their roof brought Alan to the stern, they were up, but a message late last night had made them think we wouldn’t be pushing off for another half hour, however the Lock Keeper thought differently.
Oleanna ready to go
It would take a little while for the crew of NB Aladin to be fully ready, so we ended up taking their place, joining with the second locking boats, NB That’s It and NB September Sapphire.
First three
First three boats went into the lock, second three came through the road bridge behind them, the bridge closed to let the morning traffic through. Then the second three nudged back so the top lock gates could be closed. I lost count of how many Lock Keepers there were silhouetted on the bottom gates.
Lock Keepers
We all waited, the tide was still to turn. We all waited some more. We’d pushed off at 06:28 and by the time the tide was coming in, the first flood gone past and the level deemed suitable for the first locking to exit the lock onto the river it was 07:35. NB Rum A Gin exited first keeping to the right, followed by NB Tonka, the third boat NB Purple Emperor. They in turn, turned with the tide and kept their engines to just about tick over, just enough to keep steerage so that the rest of us would be able to catch them up.
NB That’s It first
The bottom lock gates were closed, the lock refilled, then we entered the lock and were soon descending to the river.
NB September Sapphire next
First out NB That’s It, then NB September Sapphire, then us, the sand bar below the lock far less of a worry now. We needed to catch up with the first locking boats and hope that the last two ( NB Aladin and Cruiser Amourouse ) had enough umph to catch up with us all before reaching West Stockwith where more boats were set to join us.
The sunrise had promised us a wonderful bright day, the Forecast had promised us not much wind, yet the weather was making it’s mind up. The river was misty as we turned out onto it. Once under Keadby Bridge the sky was turning black. Extra extra layers of clothing were required as we plunged into a bank of fog, nav lights a definite requirement.
Oh Blimey would this fog be with us all the way to West Stockwith and through Gainsborough?! We hoped not as photographers and TV crew were going to watch us as we passed under Gainsborough Bridge. Thankfully it passed after about twenty or so minutes everyone nithered to the bone!
Boats ahead!
By 08:33 we’d caught up with the first locking of boats. A glance over our shoulders every now and then to check if anyone else was insight. We’d heard on the radio that NB Aladin and Cruiser Amourouse had left the lock. Mick on Amourouse had slowed for sometime and not answered his radio. Was there a problem? It turned out that Mick had cleaned his filters yesterday and forgotten to turn the water back on to cool his engine, therefore he was overheating as soon as he put power on to leave the lock. A problem soon fixed when he realised.
Boats behind
Then from behind we could see them both catching us up. As they got closer we could do-ci-do to get into the correct order. Except the boats joining us from West Stockwith had been told that the cruiser was Tail End Charlie, so we had to swap with Mick again.
The line of boats was in order all at a good distance from each other as we were approached by two boats from West Stockwith pushing the tide to reach our stern.
Crowds stood on the bank as we passed the lock, 4 drones were spotted above, one having just filmed our bow as we passed. Oleanna’s horns were tried out fully for the first time!
Once we’d passed the lock another two boats joined on behind, then possibly another two. Were we twelve, thirteen or sixteen boats now?
A little bit close
Getting a little close at times in line, I was reminded of the best tip given out at a Tideway Cruise briefing by St Pancras, keep checking behind you. On the Thames there are so many boats all moving at different speeds and directions you really need to have eyes in the back of your head.
Rounding the final bend towards Gainsborough Bridge we all got into line as best we could. Plenty of people up on the banks to wave and the boats cruised by with the tide beeping their horns. NB Rum A Gin led the way, camera crews on the bank, more drones, Nick Roberts who’d joined from the Chesterfield Canal was tail end charlie with a camera crew on board.
No time to stop, the tide rushing us all towards the bridge. A lapse in concentration, too busy waving, one boat narrowly missed a bridge peir, the following one gave it a bump, Mick quickly adjusted our position as the currents tried to push us sideways towards the peir too, we got through without touching.
Now the crowds disappeared, but the tide still had it’s power. The hope of stretching the gaps between boats before the next tight bend didn’t happen, you had to keep your wits about you. But then as the excitement of the crowds at Gainsborough waned the flotilla managed to jostle itself some space between boats. Time for breakfast.
Well deserved after our early start
I ducked below to rustle up some bacon for butties and a warming cuppa each, maybe today would have been a good day to wear our padded winter trousers and a few extra layers!
The boat with Nick and the camera crew sped up as we approached Torksey passing several of us and then turned in towards the lock, leaving the majority of us to continue at around midday.
Blue skies, vapour trails, the grassy banks of the river. We followed our red line on our charts. Past the Landmark Trust house. Pylons stretching across the sky.
Woofer comfort break
At Dunham boats pulled in for a woofer comfort break, Tilly just tucked herself behind our pillows. Does Tom really have to move the outside SO fastly!?!
Lining up with pylons and white markers on the banks, the river gradually got more meanderous. NB Purple Emperor came past, ‘I’ve got a head of stem up, might as well keep going. The Lockie knows we’re coming’. Our speed was more than those in front of us, so we passed when a suitable time came. Only one downstream boat was passed, it’s existence radioed back for others to be aware of.
Cromwell Weir ahead
With a couple of kilometres to go Mick radioed Cromwell Lock, the lock was ready and waiting for us, nice to have the conformation. Round the final bend, the weir in front of us, a green light, round to the right and into the long lock.
Heading into the lock to get off the tide
The Lockie decided to pen up the first five of us, then drop the lock for the remaining three. Four abreast in the lock, ropes holding us all together. The Lockie asked me to tie my rope off as we were next to the wall. This of course now meant that NB Tonka’s rope was below ours and when the time came to untie it took a bit of undoing as everything had tightened ascending the lock. At times like this somewhere else to tie off to would be good, two new T studs will be added to the bow before Oleanna’s repaint. It would have saved me walking onto the bow to release ropes as others were starting to move they’re boats forward!
Plenty of room for four across
A quick chat, if the pontoon was free it would be best for those with dogs to moor there, we’d be happy with a low section of wall. Others tucked themselves in around the pontoon which was empty before we arrived. It was a while before the second penning of boats arrived, a bit of sorting out to do for ease of getting off boats, then we could all relax.
Out of Cromwell Lock
Hazel arrived at a picnic table just above Oleanna’s mooring with a box of bottles. Time for survivors drinks. Gosh what a selection! Whisky, Rum, Gin and thankfully wine.
Pouring out the survivors drinks
Everyone was wind blown, tired and now getting a little bit sozzled through lack of food all day and it was only 4:30! After a glass of wine I decided that today would be the first day when I wouldn’t achieve my 40 minutes brisk walking, I also wouldn’t get anywhere near to 10,000 steps breaking a streek of 72 days. Well it had to happen sooner or later and today was a suitable day to let it slip.
Oh dear!
We retired, the stove lit to try to warm us up and some left over bolognaise heated up with a good serving of pasta, with another glass of wine. Then we were early to bed to rest up before another day of beeping our horns tomorrow.
2 locks, 44.6 miles, 1 right, 1 straight on, 8 boats into 14, 2 horns getting a good blasting, 1 bump, 2 near misses, 1 fog patch, 2 cats, 5 woofers, 15 crew all survived, 7 drones, 2 bacon butties, 2 nithered boaters, 1 glass and sozzled, 0.49 miles walked, 0 brisk minutes, 9 hours on the go, 1 long fulfilling day.
As we laid in bed with our cuppas we realised that the VHF radio had been left on overnight. It chirped into life with someone asking if anyone was up yet. This was on the ship to ship channel 6 and most likely to be one of the crew from the Strawberry Island boats who would be heading to Keadby today. We wanted to arrive before them and had worked out that they had moored this side of Thorne for the night, we’d best not be tardy in getting going.
Trapped
I walked up to Medge Hall Bridge just as a Post van crossed it stopping in front of the level crossing barriers to empty the post box. Before inserting my key of power into the control box for the bridge I checked if they were waiting to cross the railway or would be back across the bridge, they were waiting to carry on to deliver some post and the signaller hadn’t come out from their box to open the gates so I turned my key and closed barriers. The Postie was now stuck between the railway and canal.
Another gorgeous day
Mick brought Oleanna through, the bridge was swung back, barrier open and after a train had come through the level crossing was opened and on the Postie could go. A roughish walk on to Godnow Bridge. Here the level crossing keeper has to press buttons in their hut for the canal control panel to work, they then came for a good natter. ‘Not seen a boat for ages!‘ That would be different today as behind us were at least seven boats all heading to Keadby.
Keadby Power Station in view
Too far to walk to the next bridge, I hopped back onboard and got my knitting out, pair 64 coming along nicely. The wind wasn’t as strong today and the sun was out, a few anglers sat with their poles in the water soaking up the sunshine.
Vazon Sliding Bridge open
Vazon Swing Bridge is manual, I hopped off and did the honours, or tried to. The bridge swung only a few inches before it ground to a halt. We’d obviously timed our arrival well with Vazon Sliding Bridge as the sirens started warning that it would be moving. I tried closing the bridge, gave it another heave and thankfully it got moving. By the time it was closed again the sliding bridge was fully open and waiting for us, obviously no trains due soon. I quickly hopped back on board and through we went thanking the bridge keeper.
Patches of rust
Just a couple of boats on the moorings ahead we pulled in towards the rear, furthest away from the lock, plenty of space for the Campaign Cruise boats to pull up in front. Time to give the well deck and bow a much needed sweep and wash. This took some doing, the patches of rust on locker lids are an embarrassment. I know she’s getting repainted next year, but I may have to do a DIY job so things don’t get any worse before.
We had a half hour warning of the arrival of the Strawberry Island boats, then watched to see if we could see them pulling in on the other side of the sliding bridge. One bow appeared, a second, then over the radio someone said they’d been asked to all pull in in between the two bridges before the railway bridge would be swung.
NB That’s It leading the flotilla
The sirens could be heard then the bridge slid to the side. NB That’s It was first through followed by everyone else. Six narrowboats and a cruiser. We were now eight boats.
Banners
Banners and bunting were handed over to us, magnets found for attaching them along with a long length of string which was useful for a banner on the cratch board. Towpath chats meant it was hard for Tilly to come home, but we gave her a corridor of safety from too many people and woofers.
A very cheery welcoming lot
Everyone got their chairs out, took over an area next to the car park. Claudia from NB Tonka had baked a cherry cake and another couple arrived by car from Strawberry Island. Lots of chats and cups of tea and beer. Numbers were handed out, this was the order we planned to go through Gainsborough Bridge in. Mick then suggested that maybe we should lock out in number order also, the faster boats bringing up the stern. We were to be 8 with Mick on Cruiser Amerouse just in front of us.
The entrance is due to be dredged tomorrow once we’ve gone through
There were reports that there might be an aegir on the next flood up the Trent. People tried to work out when would be best to go and view it from the lock, various different times were come up with. We walked up to have a look anyway, handy to see what the sand bar at the lock entrance looked like. If you were in the first locking in the morning you’d be wanting to keep to the right!
I still had more minutes walking to do, so walked through Keadby, spotting the fish and chips shop, another takeaway and two shops before returning. Mick and I then headed back to look at the river. Distinct signs that the tide had already turned and was coming in. Looking up towards the bascule bridge we could just make out a dark line of water ad ripples behind it. That must have been the aegir, everyone had missed it.
We think those ripples half way to the bridge were the aegir
Final preparations for the morning involved engine checks, weed hatch checked and everything apart from the bucket with the anchor chain and anchor came inside to sit in the shower. Ooh the well deck looked nice and clean and tidy!
Keadby Lock with it’s flood gates closed as well as the lock gates
Fed and watered it was time for an early night as tomorrow the Lock Keeper wanted us ready to go through the road swing bridge at 06:15. The tide wasn’t due until 07:00, but they wanted us ready in case the flood came early. The first three boats would enter the lock, the following three would pass through the road swing bridge to wait above the lock so that the road bridge only needed to be opened twice. We’d then be let through the swing bridge with Amerouse to be the last locking down of the flotilla.
Dropping in to say hello to us all
0 locks, 6 miles, 4 moveable bridges, 3.91 miles walked, 48 minutes briskly, 1 as clean as she’s going to be Oleanna, 5 hours shore leave, only 2 used, 2 cats nicely sharing the towpath, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval until they all got there! 2 cats, 4 woofers, 15 crew, 2 banners, 2 lots of bunting, 1 cherry tray bake, 1 very early start tomorrow.
The wind sort of seemed to have calmed down this morning, well that was until we were wanting to push off. It at least had changed direction and was now wanting to push us across the canal. This would help as we left, but not help at the following bridges.
I considered walking all the way today, to save pulling in, but that would also have meant Oleanna going at a slower speed than maybe it would be necessary if the wind continued. Also the first few stretches were shown as purple dashed path, not the best to walk with briskness, so I stayed onboard.
A quick wash and lick
The sun was out and despite the wind the world looked wonderful. Tilly readied herself to cross the border, leaving Yorkshire behind. A quick cat lick of my tail would impress any welcoming committee.
Push the button
Not far to the first bridge, Moores Swing Bridge, it took a few attempts to get close enough to the bank to hop off to press the button. Further to Mauds Swing Bridge where you still have to manually close the barriers either side and then push the bridge to open it. A runner came along just as I was about to open the bridge to road traffic again, she didn’t want to have to wait too long otherwise her timings would be out. She was fine to carry on, just had to duck round the barriers.
Pootling
Now a long straight of Orange towpath on Waterway Routes, I could easily walk this, so I did. The breeze made for interesting water, choppy catching the sunshine, blue sky overhead and wind turbines turning helping to generate around 80% of the renewable energy used by the country today. All good, just hope it calms down for Tuesdays cruise on the River Trent.
We’d had our eyes set on a mooring we used a few years ago between Medge Hall and Godnow Bridges where the railway curves away from the canal for a short distance. But as I walked along the bank looked perfect for Tilly. Sideways trees, a few trees, plenty of friendly cover and most importantly no road. I called Mick we discussed it, he could see how the bank was to pull in, I couldn’t, we carried on.
Now was it that line of trees or would it be the next where Yorkshire ends and Lincolnshire starts? I tried consulting the OS map on my phone, only to receive a message from Mick saying we’d just crossed the border.
How’s about here?
Then a possible place to stop just by a very slight bend in the canal, ideal for Tilly, but would she think so too? We pulled in not too close to the bank, the bottom being close to the top, but close enough. Care was needed stepping on and off as long grass disguised holes behind the edging as Mick found out, thankfully with both feet at once, straight down! Only harm done was two soggy feet.
They could have tied it up closer
Well where is the welcoming committee? I’d got all spruced up too!! Some shore exploration was done, the bow access to the outside preferred to the stern due to the wind. I really don’t like it blowing up my bum! But Tom and She could have tied it up better!
Our shopping yesterday had failed in purchasing a pint of cows milk, used only for tea nowadays. Was there still a shop at Keadby to purchase one? Or would a walk into Crowle be a better bet. I looked at the map, a good 4.5 miles round trip for a pint of milk. Well it would mean I made up for yesterday and I’ve tried to get a longer walk in most weekends, so off I set.
I love this signal box
Down the towpath to Medge Hall Swing Bridge, my favourite along here with it’s signal box and post box. I should have hung onto those socks to post here today, oh well! There was a clunk as I approached the level crossing, the signaller had released the lock so I could cross, he also stuck his head out to let me know it was safe to cross.
Along a dirt track, across vast fields with pylons high above. A slight fizz as I touched a metal gate to get round it, these fields were electric! In fact these fields look like they will become a solar farm as there are planning permission notices on every field.
Sunday Selfie, on my own today
On reaching the edge of Crowle I checked my map, which was the nearest shop. Tesco Express. A pint was purchased then popped in my fleece pocket to try to keep it out of the sun as I walked back the way I’d come. The signaller clunked the gates so I could cross the tracks again, then it was back along the towpath to Oleanna for a good sit down.
The sunsetting in Yorkshire
To celebrate crossing our first border of the year we enjoyed a roast chicken with a glass or two of wine as the sunset back in Yorkshire.
