Last night we watched the bats swooping for insects around our mooring. Apart from the occasional train we had a peaceful night. Last time we moored here I had a broken ankle, so Mick single handed the flight with Tilly and myself trying to watch films below. On that occasion we paused on this mooring for a whole day to let storm Doris go over, we wouldn’t be staying as long this time.
The thick behind us
Before we were ready to push off this morning a pair came up the flight. We weren’t in a hurry to set off and kept an eye out behind in case a boat was making it’s way down that we could share the second half of the locks with. But there was no sign.
Pulling back to approach the lock
At 10am we were ready. A volunteer had arrived too, he went down to the next lock to set it ready for us and check nobody was coming up. We were then joined by another two volunteers. One chap carried on down the flight to set ahead with the other two helping to close gates and work paddles.
Heading upwards
We now started to meet boats coming up, another pair and one on it’s own. This meant we lost some volunteers, but by now we’d also picked up another two! Five volunteers in all.
We knew that they wouldn’t all stay with us to the bottom lock, but the chap who’d started helping us first kept setting the lock ahead for us. With the pounds between locks getting longer and longer this was very handy indeed. Another chap with a bike carried on down, leaving us with the last couple still to do. Thank you to them all for their help.
Hatton Bottom Lock
We came out of the bottom lock at around 11.30 and pootled our way round Budbrooke Junction. The sun was out, not as warm as yesterday but we wanted to make use of the sunlight. We pulled in behind another boat a short distance before Wedgenock Lane Bridge, further along we’d be over shadowed by flats and trees.
The back doors of NB Hadar open
A quick check on the lane alongside the moorings and both of us agreed that Tilly’s shore leave would have to wait for another day. The lane leads to the cemetery, it isn’t busy, but vehicles tend not to go along it slowly, the worst kind for a cat escaping danger.
Look out for raspberries on the off side later in the year
The afternoon passed with Mick trying to sort out the best route back to Scarborough to collect our postal votes, neither of us are convinced that if they were posted on to us that we would receive them in time to make our votes count. I knitted another couple of pairs of baby socks and Tilly complained about being shut in doors.
The Cape of Good Hope
This evening we headed along the towpath and crossed the lock to have a meal at The Cape Of Good Hope. We’ve only eaten out a couple of times since we last ate here last September. We’d booked an early table so as to avoid the crowds coming in for the pub quiz.
Burgers
A burger each, mine with a gluten free bun, half the size of Mick’s costing an extra £1.50! But worth it. These were followed by a chocolate fondant and banoffee cheesecake. All very nice apart from Mick’s arriving on a roofing slate from which cherry juice dropped onto his clean pair of jeans! Mental note, always ask for food to be served on standard crockery.
Puddings
We’d just finished our meal as the quiz teams arrived. We’re still not keen on sharing air space with lots of people.
Plenty more of these to come
11 locks, 1.87 miles, 5 volunteers, 1 easy descent, 23hours 28 minutes, 1 slow afternoon, 4 baby socks, 1 annoying howling second mate, 2 burgers, 1 glass wine, 1 pint, 2 puddings, Happy (what would have been his) 97th Birthday to my Dad.
Needing to catch up and the sun being out meant we were happy to push off this morning. Blue skies lift the heart and thankfully there were blue skies back in Newark too making life that bit easier.
Radcliffe Viaduct
Three sunny miles cruising up to Holme Lock. Mick tried radioing ahead in case there was a Lock Keeper on duty, but officially they start back next week. No reply came so I was to work the buttons.
Holme Lock is huge and always takes an age to empty and even longer to fill. Add to that the button controls and their flashing lights! Well we were there for sometime before I could even open the gates. With Oleanna in the lock I started to press the open button to bring her up, water gushing in, yet the level taking forever to fill.
It takes forever!
All of a sudden the towpath opposite there was a todo! A family had been walking their dog on a lead when another dog appeared and attacked it, it kept coming back for more no matter what the people did. The lady said things to me which I really couldn’t hear and I was trying to concentrate on Oleanna. I think she thought I was a Lock Keeper and would know which boat the dog eventually ran off to. Unfortunately I couldn’t help.
Now on our way into Nottingham, the reach was quiet, no sailing boats out today and despite the cricket season having started there was no-one playing at Trent Bridge.
Hang on! Were there people in the garden of Southfork? This is the first time we’ve ever seen anyone near this house! New builds are still going up along the river, including a new development overlooking Meadow Lane Lock.
Meadow Lane Lock
A widebeam was coming down in the lock, the lady saying they were going up the river, so I signalled to Mick that they would be turning upstream. Well that’s not what she meant at all, they were heading downstream to Stoke. Fortunately Mick had moved so they could pick up crew anyway.
We pulled onto the water point where I jumped ship and headed off to Hobbycraft to buy myself a sketchbook and some tracing paper so that I can be ready to start Panto when the next version of the script arrives.
The writing’s on the door
Mick topped up the water, emptied the wee tank and rinsed off the roof before I got back.
Along the next stretch I stood in the bow with a tape measure. We’d offered to measure the height of the new rail bridge for David to see if he’d be able to get under it. When on the River Wey a few years ago we managed to work out our air draught to the top of the horns. The new rail bridge was 88cm above them. The tape came out again once round the 90degree bend as some of the bridges seemed low too. In fact one of them only measured 75cm above our horns.
Approaching the Sainsburys moorings we were surprised at the number of boats moored up near the student accommodation. We pulled in to the last gap we could see, just as well as round the corner it was nose to tail boats! Yes we moored right in front of a no mooring sign, yes we had lunch, yes we went shopping and no we cannot work out why there is no mooring there!
Nest making, we also saw a pair necking today
Mick called round to check on diesel prices. Castle marina £1.75. Mercia £1.78! Then Shobnall, if we wanted over 50 litres it would be £1.20. Being twelve hours cruise away we should be fine until then and at that price it will almost certainly save us £50! We did however pull into Castle Marina for some coal £13.50 for 25kg of Excell. They had some Marine 16 too but at over £30 Mick decided to leave it and see how much it might be at Shobnall.
Beeston towpath full
Back onto the Nottingham and Beeston Cut we pootled our way westwards catching up with an extreamly slow boat who thankfully let us pass. Starting to get cold we wanted to stop so tried pulling into a gap. The wind did it’s best to push Oleanna away from the bank and even with both of us clinging on we couldn’t get her into the side, we’d try further along. Well there were no gaps further along. Nottingham seems to have had an increase in local continuous cruisers, we reckon there’s about five times the amount of boats than there used to be.
Beeston Lock where windlasses are welded onto the paddles
Only one thing for it we’d have to carry on along the river and hope for space on Cranfleet cut or at Trent Lock. It was cold and threatening to rain, but we had no choice.
We did our best to keep towards the western bank, after hearing the story of NB Legend getting stuck on an old submerged wall last year we really wanted to avoid any possibility of re-enacting the incident.
Soon Cranfleet lock was in view and we tried to remember if we knew which paddle to lift first. No recollection at all. Having four gate paddles it’s confusing, thank goodness you can hang back in the lock. It turned out that I guessed correctly choosing the paddle on the same side as Oleanna, but in the middle first followed by the outer one.
Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station just across the way
At the junction we popped out far enough to see if there was space on the pontoon at Trent Lock, there was, but on the inside so no view. However there was a space on the wall at the junction so we pulled in at 7:30, stoked up the stove and got warm again.
5 locks, 15.2 miles, 2 rights, 1 junction, 1 beautiful day, 5 times as many boats, 3 bags coal, 0 diesel today, 8ft 8inches we think, 1 inch too low, 2 boxes wine, 1 shopping trolley back to the boat, 0 shore leave, 1 tidier boat, 1 more good day for David.
Waking up in the morning can take some courage. Having the strength to get out of bed to attend a meeting about your mental health is extremely hard, opting to stay hidden under the duvet a much easier option. Add into the mix not having slept properly for weeks along with not eating much for days. We all knew though that the meeting had the potential to be a step forward.
Morning view
The taxi arrived bang on time and on our journey in to Newark I recounted our journey from Keadby to Cromwell. David has been around boats for much of his life and yesterday he’d been imagining where we’d been on the river, which bend, what landmark we’d passed. All this to help keep his mind busy.
A dated building close to Aldi was where we were to meet two chaps who’d come from the Crisis team. David wanted us there with him, to be an extra voice in the room. If things seemed to be going round in circles then hopefully we’d be able to help. Unfortunately the room could only hold three people, fine for the two chaps and David, but that wasn’t going to happen. We split into two, Mick staying with one of the chaps to have a conversation about our concerns, then David, myself and the other fella headed to a more private room.
Kirkgate, Newark
We talked through David’s problems, what support he could access. The chaps had read through his notes thoroughly before coming this morning, he was already known to them. Hopefully he was reassured that he could access their help at anytime. There are certain things that David needs to do for himself, then other support channels will be open to him.
The room was too hot and stuffy, thank goodness the Covid guidelines had dictated only three of us could be in there at any time. But the heat was too much, fresh air was needed. Outside we now could chat to the other chap, his area of support different. The general thought was that if David could get back to Newark on his boat then he’d have so much more access to things that could help, they’d all be within walking distance of his boat, but the move had to come from David.
Now David was exhausted there was no point in continuing with the meeting. Before we left I made sure that they understood that living on a boat can be very isolating, please could someone call him regularly, just for a chat as well as to check on him.
Shame we missed the market
In the taxi on the way back we talked things over that had been said, related them to other people we knew. For me it had been good to hear what the chaps had to say, and now be able to help David remember as I used to when my Dad had hospital appointments.
After a rest David joined us for a sandwich, at last we’d seen him eat something. Could we help him to get his boat started? He was afraid that over the last few weeks his batteries had dropped so much charge that they may never recover. He’d been surviving on what solar power he was getting. Certain things on the boat having stopped working.
With us around he summoned up the strength to pull out his generator. This was started to kick start his engine, but would it work? The generator worked and after a while David tried to start his engines, his boat has two. With lots of dials in the cockpit he could see what charge was going into the batteries, Mick and he consulted over such things. After about fifteen minutes both engines were running, his boat still had life. This alone was a huge achievement and one that brought a smile to everyone’s faces.
Looking ahead
David now asked if he could move the boat with us up into Newark, he had purpose and drive. After a discussion it was decided that we’d move one boat at a time and that we should strike whilst the iron was hot. We would move David first, all three of us onboard, I would work Nether Lock leaving Mick and David in the cockpit.
Sorting the mooring ropes
A bit of rope adjustment was needed before we could set off as both boats were tied together as the mooring cleats on the pontoon were none existent for the centre lines. With this done and the Key of Power in my pocket, all three of us onboard the engines pushed us round into the current to head towards Newark.
East Coast Main Line
Mick and I have never really been on a cruiser before, so being inside in the cockpit felt a bit strange, no wind burn for us today standing outside, but what a treat. All the gauges were checked by David, even the depth sounder was turned on! This was handy when we reached a section of the river where the depth below the keel reduced from 2.5m to 0.5m, no wonder our progress had slowed, the engines were adjusted accordingly.
Mick was given a go at the wheel. The difference between a tiller and wheel instantly showed itself as we started heading towards a bank! Just a different mind set, steer as you would in a car not a narrowboat.
Waiting below Nether Lock
Being able to climb outside and have a wider gunnel to stand on before going ashore was nice. They then took the boat back to hover whilst I emptied Nether Lock.
The newish lock controls here were really frustrating. They gradually allow you to lift the sluices, pressing the Open button when it is constant, but when it flashes nothing will happen. So you press it, wait for it to go constant, press it again. The sluices fully up the water drained out. Below the lock the water stopped being busy, obviously the water was now level, but the light kept flashing and flashing and flashing and fla….. you get the idea!
Blooin thing!
It was decided to close the whole thing down and try again. I still had to wait an absolute age for the sensor to realise that the lock was now empty and that I’d be able to open the gates. In came the boat, Mick using a rope to hold them in to the side and I gradually lifted the sluices when all was calm below. The top gates behaved as you’d expect, thankfully.
Breath in
Back on board we now had to squeeze through a gap between the bank and a skip boat which had been left that bit too close to the bend. David just managed to get through, we wondered if Oleanna would have difficulty being longer.
In Newark we pulled in onto the pontoon. Mooring cruisers is slightly different than for a narrowboat so we followed the skippers lead. Time for David to have a rest.
Pretty colours
We popped into town to pick up a repeat prescription and check in a couple of shops for a new sketch book for Panto. Sadly Hills didn’t have the one I like with a hard cover and suitable paper should I want to use paint, but not so expensive that you wouldn’t want to scrawl notes in it.
A taxi from Castle Station and we were soon on our way back to North Muskham to move Oleanna.
Short short pontoons at the pub
Untying took a bit of thinking about. The centre line wasn’t really doing too much, maybe taking a bit of strain away from the bow line. But as soon as the bow line was undone the stern would be pushed round by the current meaning I’d need to be onboard, Mick would need to whisk Oleanna out from the moorings as quickly as possible before the bow had chance to make contact with the cruiser on the other side of us.
Thank you!
It all went to plan and we waved goodbye to North Muskham. Thank you for helping our friend.
Haven’t we been here before?
Deja vu cruising, just slightly chillier than being on the cruiser. We’d made sure we wrapped up well, winter cruising clothes and wind burnt faces. 3 egrets took off in front of us, don’t think we’ve ever seen three together before.
It all looks familiar
Mick pulled in below Nether Lock to drop me off at a ladder, no just stepping off as I’d done earlier. The large overhang causing concern for our cabin sides, but we managed to keep Oleanna away from harm.
Prepared for the wait at the bottom gates I’d taken gloves with me this time, nothing to do but kick one’s heels for ten minutes before the light turned solid and I could open the gates.
Filling
Up above Mick managed to squeeze Oleanna past the skip boat and pulled in to wait for me to climb back down a ladder. Caution should be taken with some of these ladders on Nether Lock as there is quite often not much room behind the runs for your toes!
David joined us for some food, a plate of chicken pasta, possibly the most he’s eaten in days. Conversations about boating, toilets of course! We got to see a bit of the David we’d met last year today. He’d been strong and brave and achieved much, he was rightly proud of himself. The day however had been exhausting for him.
1 lock twice, 2 boats, 3.4 miles, twice, 3 taxis, 2 chaps, 3 in a room, 1 sandwich, 1 plate of pasta, 1st repeat prescription pick up, 0 sketch books, 2 engines working, 1 day of achievements, 1 email from my cousin in Ukraine, 1 Harry, 1 lobster.
Here are a few links to places where you can find help with mental health
Mick got into the bios of the lap top, set various things in motion which were going to take just about all day. We left it to do it’s thing. Thankfully Tilly seemed to be more her normal self and full rations were reinstated.
Yum!
A Sunday morning cooked breakfast was enjoyed before we got going. Time to do the remaining swing bridges.
Sunnier day
Godnow Swing Bridge is interconnected with the railway level crossing, a little building sits between the canal and railway to house the level crossing keeper. There used to be a huge control panel to work the bridge, but this has now been replaced with one of the slim C&RT two button panels.
Once the key is turned the crossing keeper has to close the rail gates to road traffic before you can close the bridge to road traffic. The old manual barriers have been replaced with the drop down kind. A lot better than it used to be as it had it’s moments. We managed to hold one car up.
Power everywhere
Onwards gradually the sky being filled with more and more power generating. The gas power station and wind turbines making the most of the flat landscape.
Vazon Swing Bridge with the slider behind
Vazon Swing Bridge is the most simple to operate on the Stainforth and Keadby, turn the key, lift the latch and push. Once closed we then had a wait before we could proceed further.
Choo choo
We’d actually timed our arrival pretty well. A goods train coming over the Vazon Sliding Bridge in front of us almost immediately. Then the bridge keeper put the bridge into operation for us. Sirens, flashing lights go on for what feels like forever. Then the whole bridge starts to slide back diagonally across the cut to open our route. No dawdling to be done here, I’m sure there was a big gap between trains, otherwise we’d not have been allowed through, but you still feel the pressure and scoot through.
The Keadby Lockie was chatting to a chap on a cruiser when we pulled up, he was most probably called Mark. The flood in the morning would be at 7:10 and Kirsty would be on duty to pen us down. We would be joined by another boat later today who would be joining us for the trip, we could be Trent buddies.
The big crane boat waiting to head to Thorne on Monday
We filled with water and started to make ready for our tidal journey. The well deck was cleared and washed down, the chain bucket brought out from a locker. One end attached to the anchor the other to the T stud on the bow. Mick checked the weed hatch and gave the engine a check through too. Only Tilly’s escape pod to put together in the morning.
Tomorrow the plan had been to make use of the big Spring Tide and make it all the way to Cromwell Lock. A long day at the tiller. But looking at Windy the wind was set to get quite high in the early afternoon the further south we got. Maybe we’d split the journey at Torksey and continue on Tuesday. A phone call had been made to the Cromwell Lock Keeper to book us in for Tuesday, but asking if we made it there on Monday could we pen up then instead. This was fine so long as we arrived before 4pm. All sorted.
A shower full, quite miss the Christmas tree being in there
Then things changed, with just one phone call. Our friend David, whom we escaped Goole with last year has been having a hard time with his mental health. He’d reached out to us just before we moved back onto Oleanna and we’ve talked a couple of times since. He was in a really bad way, could we get to him today, he couldn’t be on his own anymore.
David was near Newark, the way we were heading, but 45 miles away. We certainly couldn’t get there by boat today and no trains were running. What to do? We talked and talked and in the end promised that we would fight against the wind tomorrow to get to Cromwell to be with him.
I then tried ringing an NHS Mental Health helpline, but without knowing who David’s doctor was this was hard. His phone would also soon have run out of battery with little chance of charging it up as his boat batteries were dead. The lady tried to help, suggesting getting him to A&E. I considered dialing 999 but that didn’t feel right. I conferred with Heather from NB Bleasdale who also knows of David’s situation, she also agreed that 999 was not the thing to do.
This has been written with David permission, he wants to try help raise awareness of his situation. For obvious reasons my blog posts may be a touch patchy for a little while.
0 locks, 2 swing bridges, 1 sliding bridge, 1 car held up, 0 trains held up, 5 hrs 35 mins, 1 shower full, 7am start, 1 call for help, 1 promise made that I hope we can keep.
Thorne Services to the big bend between Moores and Maud’s Bridges
Before breakfast we pushed back off the service pontoon to free up space should anyone be passing and want to fill with water. This took quite a bit of doing to keep facing eastwards as there wasn’t much room to manoeuvre the bow round as the wind was doing it’s best to blow the stern that way. But nudging back and forth Mick got Oleanna turned. We then headed backwards to moor up behind a line of wide beams and Dutch barges, tied to railings, not the best place but at least we’d freed up the water point.
First new green Biffa Recycling bin spotted!
Just as we’d finished the boat that had been moored next to us pulled out and headed towards the lock. Oh well we’d stay put.
Breakfast then a trip into town to post the socks and then stock up on supplies for the next week. Everything was stowed away and we were about to untangle our ropes from the undergrowth when the heavens opened again with wintery showers. An early lunch was called for.
Grrrr!
Princess Royal Swing Bridge lived up to its reputation today! I turned the key, opened the panel, no click from the barriers. I walked over to the other side the annoying barrier closed but not the other one, it was locked in place. Keys out try again. Nothing.
Mick tied Oleanna up and came to have a go too. Still nothing, that click on turning the key just was not happening. We tried wiggling the gates, turning the key, pressing buttons that are just lights, anything and everything. Then in unison Mick pushed the troublesome gate back as I turned the key as far as it would go, Bingo! The click! The gates hadn’t registered as being closed by the looks of it, so therefore you couldn’t open them!
Job done and we were on our way again passing the four abreast boats on the other side of the road bridge.
Back where we started Blue Water Marina
We pulled in at Blue Water Marina for a top up of diesel. At the moment they don’t sell to passing boaters, but as we’d moored there over winter Sarah was happy to give us a top up of 37 litres, we wanted a full tank before heading out onto the tidal Trent, however we didn’t really want to spend the £1.50 a litre, but needs must.
Five weeks ago we’d pulled out from Blue Water to move Oleanna to the other side of Thorne Lock before the stoppage started, today we were back where we’d started having just come through the lock yesterday which will at last close on Monday. Today we wanted to get a bit further east towards Keadby.
The bridges between Thorne and Keadby are all that little bit different from each other. Today we passed under Wykewell Lift Bridge (fully automated with the key of power and button pressing) then Moores Swing Bridge (key of power, button pressing, flashing lights, manual barriers). I managed to hold up 8 cars in all.
The railway hugs the canal for much of the 10 miles to Keadby, not a busy line, but quite a lot of freight heading to and from Drax Power Station. We’d identified a couple of bends in the canal that head away from the line so we planned to stop on one of them.
The land around here is so flat which increases the amount of sky. Ahead of us white clouds and blue sky. Behind heavy dark almost black clouds, winter precipitation hanging waiting to fall.
We just got moored up before the next wave of winter weather crossed overhead. The fire was stoked up, Tilly allowed out and a chicken tray bake popped in the oven.
Two skies in one
No knitting this evening, just a request from my cousin for my sock pattern. This is more of an equation than a pattern so I’m not sure she’ll understand it, but I tried my best. Then sewing up a hole in the pocket of Mick’s waterproof padded trousers. We’ll be needing layers when we go out onto the Trent, I may even dig out the balaclavas I made three years ago for a trip in the opposite direction.
You may have noticed (unless the problem has been solved when you read this) that there is no blog roll on the right hand side.
This evening Mick came to the blog to have a catch up on fellow bloggers posts only to find the blog was missing, a ‘critical’ error had occured! Oh blimey, what had Tilly been upto whilst we were out earlier?
That sinking feeling
WordPress sent an email to our IT department (Mick) regarding the critical error.
Since WordPress 5.2 there is a built-in feature that detects when a plugin or theme causes a fatal error on your site, and notifies you with this automated email.
In this case, WordPress caught an error with one of your plugins, RSS Feed Checker.
Critical had turned into Fatal in one email!
Not being able to access the ‘dashboard’ to look into the problem Mick was given the option of going into a special ‘recovery mode’. He did this and was able to remove the blog roll plugin. The blog is now visible again. More investigation is required tomorrow.
This fly is far more interesting than the wet outside
They sad it was a Sausage Day, but it turned into a bit of a Frankfurter! She said I had nine hours. Then it rained! Tom said I could still go out. Until he closed the back doors and said he and She were going out instead!
A loaf of bread was required along with a stretch of our legs. So we headed into town to Sainsburys.
Ready and waiting for next Monday
Below Thorne Lock two C&RT boats are sitting waiting for next week, they have small diggers on them, the sort that are used for dredging only a bit cleaner! These will be joined at some point by a big crane boat which was being used at Newark Town Lock until recently.
Thorne Boating Services
With our shopping done we headed to Thorne Boat Services to see if they had any Marine 16, an additive Mick likes to put in the diesel tank to stop diesel bug. We looked round the chandlery, but they had none. Today their diesel was £1.45 a litre.
Closed to pedestrians
To cross over the canal we headed for the troublesome footbridge just as someone was opening it to get their boat through. Good job it wasn’t a windy day as when the chap had taken his boat through he stepped off without a rope. Pedestrians including ourselves were on hand to open the barriers, if we hadn’t been we suspect his boat would have drifted away just that bit too much to be able to jump back on. One of those instances where you just have to wait till it drifts back towards a bank.
Dolly Earl always has washing hanging out
We tried the Chandlery at Staniland Marina too, but the doors were firmly locked. Maybe we’ll try again tomorrow.
Mick called the chap who has our cratch cover, it is ready and he’ll bring it with him one day this week when he’s back in Thorne to do other work, he’s not sure when yet.
Bramwith Junction to Pollington Lock, Aire and Calder
A very chilly start
Time to put a plan together. Sitting around waiting for my glasses to arrive doesn’t get the water tank filled or other boat jobs done. So after breakfast and updating the blog we had a boat conference. These are actually quite rare, most discussions of our plans are held as we stand on the back of Oleanna, but today we needed to concentrate.
Our original plan had been to make use of the weeks whilst Thorne Lock was shut. The London Leckenby’s have a few days in York so we’d planned to join them, maybe even a boat trip into our home city as Jac and Josh have never done this and the tour guides on Oleanna know exactly where to stop to see our family home from the river. Various boat jobs to get done and do. Friends to catch up with around the area etc. Also being in the area for a change over of lodgers at the house would be handy. It all had fitted together quite nicely. Then after Easter we would head southwards on the Trent, the quick way south.
The Don Doors again!
But since the dates for the stoppage at Thorne Lock have changed we’ve been in a quandary. Spending time in York is very appealing especially since Andrew and I haven’t been in the city together for at least 6 years and that was for a funeral. Catching up with friends is something we’d wanted to do summer before last, but floods and the pandemic put paid to that as we were rafted up with other boats at Naburn for several days.
Should we stay and do all those things?
Should we leave before the lock closes in a couple of weeks?
We’ve spent a lot of time mulling this over and every day for the last week we’ve discussed it further, but still not come up with a plan. Today we needed a plan.
Our discussion actually was relatively short.
Swing
If the London Leckenby’s hadn’t been coming up to York then we doubt we’d have been considering heading that way at this time of year. We’ve upgraded to a Gold Licence this year and if we stayed on this side of Thorne Lock and then exited via the Pennines it would mean us loosing about a months worth of Goldness. Decision made, we will be heading south on the Trent as soon as the tides look suitable.
A list of things we need to do was drawn up. Approximate dates worked out and ,most importantly a phone call made to Keadby Lock to book our passage. Sadly there was only an answerphone to talk to, but we knew someone would call us back.
With water needed we pushed off along the New Junction Canal again. If my glasses arrive in the next few days we’ll aim to be near a station to get back to Doncaster to collect them.
Lift bridge ahead
We made our way back swinging and lifting bridges. Before Sykehouse Lock three narrowboats that passed us yesterday were moored up, they looked like they were settled for a few days of company, jobs and possibly even a barbeque.
As we came through the last narrowing where a swing bridge used to be the light at the lock changed to red, shortly followed by green. There were plenty of people around. The volunteer who must live there in the tower, another C&RT chap by the bridge and a couple of boaters, so there was plenty of help to move the bridge out of our way and then back once we were below it.
Water water everywhere!
At the end of the New Junction we turned left and headed towards Pollington Lock.
A couple of bank slippages are marked with yellow buoys. These were there when we walked the stretch shortly after the breach happened Christmas 2020. Short red posts and some spray paint mark the worst bits.
Blackthorn blossom
The visitor moorings below Pollington Lock were empty so we pulled up to the space closest to the water point and got the tap going. We very quickly remembered that the pressure is appalling at this tap, no sitting and waiting for the tank to fill, best to get on with other things and forget about it. Thankfully we can check our water gauge every now and then to know when the tank was full, the pressure so low that there’d be no boom from our tank and no major gushing of water coming out of the over flow, just a gentle trickle. It took longer than two hours to fill us up!
Handy picnic bench!
Tilly checked out the picnic table, but wasn’t overly impressed with the mooring. She’s managed to get on the other side of the ditch here before which makes for an interesting rescue. Mick however looked at the picnic table and realised what we’d be doing tomorrow!
1 lock, 7.32 miles, 3 swing bridges, 3 held up, 3 lift bridges, 6 held up, 2 outsides, 6%, 6th pair knitted, 2 plus hours to fill, 2 pairs of odd socks, 1 conference, 1 plan at last, 1 call booked, 1 useful picnic table and tap.
What a grey day! Even Tilly wasn’t impressed, preferring to spend much of the day asleep inside. With rain forecast for 1pm we had a choice of moving off this morning or staying put. The next proper mooring can be quite popular, this time of year especially so as there is parking, water and bins. An hours cruise to find out and if full it would be another hour back again, bringing us into the window of rain opportunity!
Grey
We decided to stay put, we like this mooring even on a grey day. A walk around the junction was on the cards and there was enough time before we’d get wet.
As we walked down to Bramwith Lock we could hear an engine, then see a flag between the trees, coming along the New Junction. It was Pax a kind of cross between a Dutch barge and a trawler that had been in Goole. They turned towards the lock where some friends had already opened the gates for them.
A narrowboat arrived below the lock, pulling into the lock landing, as we walked past we had a chat with the chap. This was to be his first solo lock, the boat new to him, maybe only by a few days. We wished him luck and carried on to where a footpath heads off to the Don Doors.
The side you don’t get to see from the canal
Water was spilling over the edge of the aqueduct, more so than yesterday when we’d crossed it. I was amazed at how little space there is below the trough to the river flowing beneath. The sides of the trough have plenty of extra support to help it withstand sideways pressure when the river is in flood.
We climbed over the top to the other side, sadly no view along the New Junction as the guillotine gates were in the way. But it being so grey the pictures wouldn’t have been too appealing anyway.
Looking up the New Junction
Was that a Chiff Chaff? It was! A sign of spring.
I so love Blackthorn blossom
We crossed back over the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation. The first Blackthorn blossom opening up hunting for the missing sunshine. Bees buzzed round. Was that a Woodpecker we could hear? Spring with all it’s new life.
A small boat in an expanse of water
The single hander came round from Bramwith Lock heading towards Long Sandall. He’d been helped up the lock so still had his first solo lock to come. We wished him well, his next obstacle being Barnby Dun Lift Bridge.
Pootling along
A looooonggg LOUD horn could be heard. Was that someone annoyed to be held up at the lift bridge?
Then another blast. Within a few minutes we could see where it had come from, Exol Pride! I so hope the single hander had been warned about the big blue boat, suspect the Looooonggg blast had been suggesting he got out of their way!
There she goes
We stood and watched as Exol came past, a slight change of engine note before the junction, was that for us or just an adjustment before crossing under the Don Doors? The canal took a good half hour before it returned to calm.
A little after 1pm it started to rain. With whistling wind accompanying it we were glad we’d decided not to move today. Instead I sat in front of the stove and knitted, nearly a whole sock today, just short by an inch or so. Mick pottered on the computer whilst Tilly inspected the insides of her eye lids.
Oleanna
Today we added another option to our escape routes southwards.
Out of Keadby to Cromwell
Head across the Pennines, most probably by the Huddersfield Canals.
Head down the Ouse to Trent Falls and onto the Trent that way.
Cancel a trip to York by boat to meet with family and get through Thorne Lock before it shuts. Have a day trip by train instead.
The jury is still out.
It’s time to add a recipe to the Baking section. Tonight we enjoyed the last slices of my Bakewell Tart.
Click on the photo to get to the recipe
0 locks, 0 miles, 1 walk, 3 waterways crossed, 1 solo boater, 1 Pax, 1 big blue boat, 4 signs of spring, 1 reluctant cat, 1 inch short of a sock.
Five years ago today, really quite early, in fact a touch too early, Oleanna was craned into the canal at Finesse and Jonathan Wilson’s boatyard. I say too early as she was the first boat to be moved that day and sadly we missed her being craned in by about twenty minutes! Here are a few photos from the day and a Link to the blog post. At the time I had a broken ankle and couldn’t get on board Oleanna, so a fork lift and a pallet were brought to assist.
Today in 2022 would not be quite so exciting. Today we would head southwards along the New Junction Canal, how far dependant on a new pair of glasses for me.
Yum!
First though was breakfast whilst Tilly had a couple of hours exploring, Exol Pride had moved off, most probably at first light so the way ahead was clear for us. Pushing off at almost midday we pootled past a couple of chaps in high vis who had been looking at a generator that is chained to the Went Aqueduct.
Went Aqueduct
The lift and swing bridges today gave me a few vehicles to hold up including a bin wagon, a car on a trailer. Not the most we’ve stopped along this stretch before but better than a couple of weeks ago.
Open for us
The light at Sykehouse Lock was amber, but as we came through the first bridge it changed to green, someone on duty. Approaching the bottom gates were open, the swing bridge still across the chamber, but this was moved before we got there. Once in the lock we were ushered above the swing bridge so that it could be brought back into position. The Lock Keeper shouted down to us to keep towards the bridge, the currents created by the paddles towards the top gates can have you going all over the shop.
Looking back through the swing bridge
Two C&RT chaps were sorting things on a small digger boat, maybe this would be heading towards Thorne Lock to assist with the works there next month?
On one of the longer stretches between bridges I gave the Opticians a call. My new glasses had been ordered in Scarborough and last Tuesday they rang me to check where I’d like them sending to, they suggested that they should arrive in a day or two, but I’d not heard a thing.
Close but not too close to the bridge
The line just rang and rang as it had done yesterday. No automated lady giving me options, it just rang. Mick suggested we both try calling at the same time, a possible faulty circuit meaning my call would never be heard at the other end. My phone rang, but a lady answered Micks call, an old 1970’s Post Office trick had worked.
Unfortunately my new glasses had not arrived with them, so I tried the Scarborough store, the lady there said she would look into it and to leave it with her.
At the last swing bridge I thought I was about to hold up a couple of C&RT vans, but they pulled in as the barriers lowered. Good job they arrived when they did. One chap was saying that the barrier on their side hadn’t been working earlier on. They removed the cover and peeked inside, Mick brought Oleanna through, then I pressed the close button. The bridge swung shut, returned to be level with the road, the sirens sounded, the chaps stood back from the barrier.
Leaving them to sort the problem
On my side the barrier rose upwards, on their side the barrier tried, rising only a couple of feet before dropping back down. The chaps encouraged it to lift and also had to give it an encouraging final umph back into it’s upright position. If they hadn’t been there to see to it, I’d have had to call them out.
Don Doors
Under the Don Doors and over the River Don we arrived at Bramwith Junction. This would do us for the day. The wind making it hard to moor again. Mick had to cling onto the centre line whilst I wrapped chains round the steel and tied our ropes. My right hand grip really does not like clinging on to ropes in the cold, hopefully as the temperatures rise this will ease.
Those dry mole hills are great for digging in!
The afternoon was spent knitting, towpath exploring and a touch of planning. On the Trent-link group suitable tides have been worked out for those considering heading round Trent Falls. Mick had identified one of them as a possible for us, so at least his calculations are correct.
The fourth pair of socks was completed, then the next two had yarns auditioned and the fifth pair was cast on and knitted up to the gusset before bedtime. Ooo errr!
1 lock, 5.4 miles, 3 swing bridges, 3 lift bridges, 13 held up, 1 dodgy barrier, 3 C&RT chaps, 0 glasses, 1 boat not in a hurry, 1 possible tide, 4 grey paws, 2 glasses of wine to toast Oleanna.
Opposite Spicers to between M62 Bridge and New Bridge.
Interior view
The sun shone through the boat curtains enticing us out early. After a cuppa in bed we donned our layers and pushed off, winding and headed out through Goole Caisson and onto the straight.
Blue sky cruising, wonderful. Tilly sat in the windows sunbathing all the way, slowly watching the outside move.
Distorting the reflection
We’d just beaten a canoeist to the undisturbed water, leaving it all rippled for him to follow us. Wonderful reflections today.
The new green mesh fence continues along the north side of the canal for quite a distance, presumably to keep people off the railway line. No good for cats. The new or refreshed piles of stones for the animal escapes glowed in the sunshine. Last year there was an increase in the number of dead deer floating in the canal, hopefully these will help them escape now.
Approaching Rawcliffe
At Rawcliffe, the Croda works were giving off fumes and as we worked our way along they increased in pungency. No idea why someone would choose to sit and fish right alongside the works with that smell all day long, it made me want to hold my breath!
Blue blue skies and the M62!
Another mile on we dipped out of the sunlight under the M62. Now to choose where to moor, I’d already checked the fishing facebook group and todays match was happening further up at Pollington, so we had a very long expanse to choose from.
To maximise the solar we chose to moor on the north bank with the hatch to the towpath, our chimney not able to cast a shadow on the panels this way round. The other reason being for ease of access for Tilly to come and go, using the hatch to return.
Watching us go by
By now a breeze had picked up, so it took a while to hammer spikes in and tie off temporarily before replacing with chains. The commercial gravel barges are not running at the moment whilst investigations are on going due to the number of fish deaths in Knottingley, so they wouldn’t be bothering us. Exol Pride was moored facing towards Hull in the docks, so we doubted they would be coming past for a day or two, but chains were preferable to spikes in the softish ground.
Tail held high
As soon as we were settled I entered Oleanna to the VERY excited sounds of Tilly. After four months of being in the house with bully neighbours she now could have her towpath freedom back. Have to say she’s a far more relaxed cat on the boat, some sudden noises are interesting, but not as life threatening as they seem in the house!
A good nosy along the towpath, but with a lack of trees or deep friendly cover she decided it would be better back inside.
An afternoon pedicure
Out of the seven hours shore leave granted today I think I took an hour, the rest will be kept in reserve for another day.
Normal service has resumed
Time for breakfast. Turkey sausages, hash brown, tomatoes, mushrooms and poached eggs on toast. Yummeroonie!!
Exterior view
After all the tidying, cleaning and packing of the last week we deserved a quiet day. Several boats came past on a jaunt out from Goole or Rawcliffe and not a sole walked past us all day. Plenty of sky surrounded us and it was just wonderful to be back onboard.
However we have a mystery which hopefully someone can assist with. Last night on heading to bed I noticed a green dribble from the porthole in the bathroom. Condensation? Well it dribbles like condensation, but then dries out to green crystally stuff. We wiped it up and then this morning it was happening at both bathroom portholes! The starboard side not so much. Has this happened because the boat got so damp a few weeks ago? Where is the green coming from? It’s definitely coming from behind the plastic porthole liner and not running off the window frame. Anyone any suggestions please.
Ahhhh
This evening we’ve enjoyed our usual Sunday roast, a chicken with tarragon butter under it’s skin. Only one thing would have made today better and that would have been to turn the volume down from the motorway a touch. Still a wonderful day to be back afloat.
0 locks, 3.73 miles, 2 winds, 1 blue sky day, 1 out of 7 taken, 1 changed cat, 1 happy relaxed cat, 2 poached eggs, 4 turkey sausages, 2 green dribbley portholes, 1 roast chicken, 1 slow day, 3rd sock finished, 4th toe done, 1 Gold licence in the window at last.
