Category Archives: Canal and River Trust

Deja Frank. 30th July

Soggy Southbound. 21st July

Keadby Visitor Moorings to West Stockwith Basin Bridge

Not the best nights sleep sadly. I was aware of all sorts, but had finally managed to drift off by the time the put put of NB Delhi and Python came past heading for the bridge, it was still cool enough for them to go through at around 6am. In fact it was still 15C mid morning as NB Puddle Duck appeared and pulled in on the off side.

Over the last few days we’ve had a chat with the Lock Keeper at Keadby. Mark moving our booking every day to the next one and saying he’d inform West Stockwith of the change due to being held up at Vazon. Today we confirmed our booking for today and then called West Stockwith to confirm with them too.

The cruisers all moved up to the bollards so they could sit out together, we nudged up to the waterpoint to top up our tank. Items were moved into the shower to have a clear well deck, then an early lunch, just as well as the Lock Keeper called saying he thought the tide would be early. There was a boat just about to come up the lock, so could we be ready for when he opened the road bridge for them.

Final checks, life jackets, charts, etc. We were ready for when the bridge opened and swapped places with the boat. The tide was on it’s way in already, the bottom gates of the lock opened at 13:55. Originally we’d been told we’d be sharing the lock with a widebeam, but they’d not shown up, maybe stuck behind a stoppage on the Aire and Calder. So we were on our own, no buddy boat out on the river until the cruisers caught us up.

With low amounts of fresh coming down the river we had to be very cautious about following the red line. A week or so ago a boat heading for Keadby Lock hadn’t crossed over the river towards the east bank and had found themselves stuck on a sand bank until the next incoming tide lifted them off.

This is the third time we’ve done the tidal Trent this year and most sights are now very familiar.

The few bridges, the old windmills now converted into houses.

The cheeky pigeons. Owston Ferry’s two pubs.

With each turn of the river the skies gradually worked themselves from being quite blue, sun cream required when we set off, to being very grey almost black. Thankfully the river seemed to be doing a good job at turning us away from the really dark clouds. I kept quiet about it, hoping it would stay dry until we were moored up for the day. Mick however had to open his big mouth! ‘It’s going to rain!’ So it did!

We were making good progress and as we rounded the bend at Gunthorpe Mick radioed ahead to West Stockwith. I think we were going to be earlier than they’d expected, so they’d get the lock ready for us. Would we like a bow line to help us into the lock? Mick was fairly sure we’d be okay without, not really understanding what help it would be. As the radio was put down we both reached for our waterproofs as the rain started to persist. I could stand with my back to it, Mick couldn’t!

When to move through the boat to the bow? I opted to wait for us to have entered the lock. The rain was now going sideways as the white house appeared beyond the lock. When was Mick going to turn us to face the flow? We’ve not approached West Stockwith from downstream before, it makes for a tighter turn in.

He started to turn as we got close to the lock. The lock is on a bend in the river so getting turned needed to happen before the bank got too close. Would he need a nudge from the bow thruster, he’d changed the fuse this morning. Round we came. Now when to start the turn into the lock. We drifted backwards. The turn in needing revs to get the stern round enough so as not to catch the upstream side of the lock mouth, not too much to end up hitting the downstream side with the bow.

One man and his boat. He brought her round without touching any side, getting a big thumbs up from the Lockie. It was now safe to go through the boat to grab a rope before they started to bring us up.

The rain was now torrential! Water running in rivers down inside waterproof sleeves. Trousers proving just how many litres of water they could soak up. Crutch straps from life jackets doing a good job of directing water to help soak into your underwear. Oleanna rose up, we thanked the lock keepers, but didn’t hang around for a chat. Instead we headed straight through the bridge and pulled in on the first bit of armco.

But where was the nappy pin? Not been used since early April at this mooring. I managed to find a chain in amongst items in the shower and succeeded in not drenching our bed as I went past it twice. The towpath was it’s own canal, three inches deep, squelchy shoes would now fill up.

Tied up we both stripped down to our t-shirt and pants, wet items hung to drip dry under the pram hood. A warm shower each and dry clothes all welcome as the sun came back out and Tilly busied herself down the bank.

I could make us some dhal, or we could head to the White Hart for some food. The later option won. I checked the blog post from nearly two years ago when we’d last eaten here. We’d had to wait quite a while to be served, but the food had been worth the wait. Today they had a table of 25 in for a 40th, we’d have to wait. Thankfully it was worth it again. We both opted for the same as we’d had last time, Fish and chips and the steak and ale pie which is most definitely home made. Very nice indeed. We opted to return back to Oleanna for our second glass of wine, well we had to celebrate finally starting to make our way southwards.

2 locks, 13.9 miles, 1 wind, 1 full water tank, 2 hours to Stockwith, 4 cruisers 30 minutes behind, 1 lovely cruise, last 20 minutes not so, 2 sodden to their pants boaters, 1 hour shore leave made the most of, 18 minutes brisk walk to the pub and back, 1 fish and chips, 1 pie and chips, 1 boat finally headed south.

https://what3words.com/upcoming.producers.quilt

Waiting Day (1). 18th July

Vazon Swing Bridge

We both woke early, would the temperature have dipped sufficiently for Vazon Drawbridge/Sliding/Railway Bridge to move out of our way? Mick put some clothes on and walked over to the signal box, a different signaller from yesterday. Here he met up with a chap from NB Early Rise, who is waiting on the other side of the bridge. A phone call had already been made to York, the temperature not low enough even at the coolest part of the day. Chats were had, then Mick returned and joined me back in bed for some more shut eye, after all it was only 5am.

Over breakfast we considered our options. Should we wait here by the swing bridge, close to the trains kerchunk kerchunking over the sliding bridge through day and night? Or should we try to find a different mooring? One where Tilly could go out further away from the bridge. We decided to have a pootle to see if we could find anywhere. But first Mick walked up to the signal box and made sure they had our phone number for when the temperature dips enough and the bridge opens.

There had been hi-vis people at the bridge this morning along with Northern Power Grid. The domestic electrics were off in the signal box and had been mended. The hi-vis people were from Network Rail and they had been busy painting parts of the bridge white, this will help reflect some of the heat away from the structure. Now as we untied I spotted several blue t-shirts, CRT t-shirts. Hands were shook between orange and blue, might they be about to do a test opening? No chance, the temperature way above the 15C.

We winded and headed back towards Thorne, maybe, just maybe there might be enough depth for Oleanna back close to Pilfrey Bridge, not too far away, but just far enough. There was a lack of blanket weed making the canal obvious to those with four legs and feet, no rocks in view. But sadly no matter how much we tried the bow or stern didn’t get to within jumping off closeness of the bank. We opted to return from where we’d come. When the back doors opened up again, Tilly was most peeved that all we’d done was shake the outside up a bit!

Mick headed for a walk and a possible earwig at what was being said at the bridge between orange and blue people. Other than stopping to tie a shoe lace he didn’t find an excuse to loiter within ear shot for long and ended up going to say hello to NB Early Rise instead.

Once the meeting had finished the blue bods walked back towards Keadby Lock and stopped for a chat. There was quite a high up person in amongst them. CRT are putting a lot of pressure on Network Rail to get the bridge working for boaters more reliably. They are hoping that the safe working temperature might be raised, even by just one or two degrees. Sections of the bridge had now been painted white and a big light installed so should passage be needed when it’s dark there is now light.

Network Rail are working towards publishing a weekly weather report for the bridge, noting windows where the temperature will be at a suitable level for it to operate. Apparently the chap who oversees Vazon for the railway, is in charge of around 9000 bridges, and Vazon takes up half his time!

So we just have to sit and wait, ready to snatch the first opportunity to go through.

My migraine improved enough to go for a steady walk. I’d spotted a couple of paths when we were here last, checked them out on Google maps and set off to cross the railway, then the first ditch and to walk round and back through a wood.

To cross Vazon, as a pedestrian, requires you to press a plunger and wait for a red light and siren to stop, meaning that the gate is now unlocked. If the siren and light stay on, there is a train coming, which there was on my way out. Once it’s clear you zigzag your way across the tracks which go diagonally across the sliding bridge. It’s well worth looking at by foot even if you have to cross at speed rather than loiter on your way across.

The first track I aimed for had a very protective Cob and his swan family, so I looped back round and walked through the wood to a track and up to the main road. The tide was on it’s way out but still pretty high, would any boats be making their way down stream right now?

**Pouring water on the road bridge to cool it down**

At Keadby Swing Bridge, the road bridge just by the lock, two Council employees climbed out of the van and walked to the bridge. Here they started up a generator and started to pump water onto the bridge, most probably where it pivots. There was evidence of them having done this earlier in the day. It turns out that at least one boat had been headed for Keadby today, they’d been told to moor up in Gainsborough overnight as there was a problem with this bridge too! Here’s hoping it’s sorted by the morning for them.

After all the excitement at the bridges, even if we didn’t manage to get going, it was time for an easier afternoon. Blimey it was hot and sticky inside, more so outside.

Mick pottered on with a few jobs, adding new hooks to fenders, wrapping wire round the yellow water connector whilst Tilly and I watched Denmark (2019) and knitted. Denmark is a bittersweet comedy about a down-on-his-luck Welshman who travels to Europe with a crazy goal, to get himself arrested and sent to a Danish prison where the beds are warm and the water is hot. It’s a gentle British film, with cool outdoor scenes which were welcome today.

Our only neighbour here had been absent during the day. He’d left his woofer shut up inside his make shift boat. We’d been getting quite concerned as the howls were becoming progressively more pathetic. Mick had wondered over to see what he might be able to see, which wasn’t much from a safe distance, we’ve been aware of this chap for a while. Then thankfully the owner returned, beer in hand and quite merry. The door to his boat was flung open and his large dog surged for the bank, all four legs crossed. After dancing a jig or two he packed up all he wanted, bundled his dog back onboard and frantically untied and set off into the sunset. So apart from the trains we should have a quiet evening now.

0 locks, 1.3 miles, 2 winds, 4 blue, 3 hi-vis, 1 sticky day, 0.5 sock, 1 film, 1 mended dishwasher, 2 fenders, 2 broken bridges, 2 more hi-vis, 1 jig, 1 woofer on our radar, 1 boat setting off into the sunset, 1 good place to smoke!

Chinese Whispers. 10th July

Doncaster Visitor Moorings to Huddles Ground Winding Hole, well a bit further on.

Today we’d be looking to find some shade. But first I wanted to see if I could find some clothes to fit me. Would Doncaster cater for my new size? I’m getting a little bit bored of hoiking up jeans and shorts and soon I’ll be getting my next bit of design fee for panto.

M&S. Doncaster ladies must be shorter than those in Leeds, which was a good thing. I tried on several pairs of trousers without having the legs trailing on the floor. Depending on their style, I’d dropped one or two sizes. However either the cut wasn’t me (wide when you’ve lost weight isn’t an option), the fabric was odd or the colour choice was dark or a snotty green. Strangely enough I left without a new pair of trousers, but a new t-shirt did make it into my shopping.

Primark. No jeans I’d consider buying, no shorts either as they seemed to be last years jeans with the legs cut off. I trawled through t-shirts a couple would mean I can get rid of one’s with holes. I also picked up a new belt which might actually do something to keep my existing clothes around my waist.

Then, ohhhhh dear! I had to walk past the deli!! A serious treat purchase was required after yesterdays successful meeting. I limited myself to two cheeses and quickly left the shop.

Just as we were about to empty the yellow water tank, three boats came past, two headed for Strawberry Island the other in desperate need of water. Yesterday the moorings had filled up, but as Mick was outside he offered for them to breast up to us, then they could have our space. We’ve come across NB Watershed a few times, but not met the owners before, Linda and Graham. We had chance for a little chat before the two hot dark blue boats were parted. It sounds like we are both hoping to head the same way, so our paths are likely to cross again whilst waiting for the planets to align.

Down stream, the sun shining brightly overhead, sun cream non-negotiable today. We’d timed our arrival at Long Sandall Lock with the workers on their lunchbreak again, they worked the lock for us from the tower.

Next the EA workers were also heading for lunch. Today the big work pontoon had moved to the river side of the cut, presumably delivering more giant piling sheets.

There was space to pull in just before Barnby Dun Lift bridge so we took shelter inside with the curtains closed for lunch, trying to keep the temperature inside as low as possible.

Twenty one held up at the bridge, a pause to use the elsan, then onwards to Bramwith Junction where we turned right.

At the lock a small boat was heading up, it was the people we’d met at Viking Marina who had had engine trouble. Sadly things still aren’t fully right for them, so they were abandoning their six month trip, the River Trent not a safe place to be with a temperamental engine. They were disappointed to say the least.

Next our turn. As Oleanna came into the lock I sent a message to our friend David who moors along this stretch, was he about? I lifted paddles and emptied the lock. In fact might that be David along the way? I closed up behind us and as I walked down the towpath I could see that Mick was hovering. It was David and his new, now 18 weeks old dog Flynn, a fox red labrador retriever. Sadly it was really hard to hear him across the way and the walk around the lock too far for either of us on a hot day when we’d all rather be in the shade. Mick asked how he was, ‘really well’ came the answer. If we end up coming back this way whilst waiting for things to align we’ll be in touch and hopefully have a proper catch up, not across the canal and get to meet his woofer.

**It’s amazing the photos you get when you can’t see the screen!**

Through the swing bridge we were now on the hunt for some shade. Our thought was maybe we’d strike lucky in Thorne, but possibly sooner. Shortly after the big winding hole Mick spotted a patch of shade. Maybe this might stay shady for much of the day, which would be good for tomorrows higher temperatures. We pulled in, enough depth and plenty of trees for Tilly. Two hours!

**Touch and go on some colours so there may end up being 15 colours**

I did a little bit of work, a long email had arrived from John which needs attention. The Lighting Designer had already made comments which made it obvious that not being in the room for our meeting meant he was suffering from the internet version of Chinese whispers. I opted to sort that tomorrow, I deserved a day off, well nearly. Instead I pulled out the yarn for my 101st pair of Dementia socks. Lots and lots of colours and possibly a new stitch to learn. It’ll be nice having something to do whilst watching tv again.

***How long is this outside staying tied up for?***

Tilly reappeared at bang on 18:11, bang on two hours of shore leave. Opening the rear doors for her was nice as it brought in a draft. She was allowed another twenty minutes before the doors were finally closed and dingding served. Our dingding this evening was mackerel salad, Tilly fancied giving it a try, but when she was told it would inhibit her tree climbing skills she opted out. It did smell nice though!

2 locks, 8.9 miles, 1 wind, 3 tshirts, 1 belt, 0 trousers, 2 types cheese, 1 right, 1 distant hello, 1 new woofer, 1 shady spot, 1 hour direct sunshine, 1 happy cat, 29C possibly higher, 1 long email of questions, 1 LD needing photos, 13 soon to be 14 colours,101st pair cast on.

https://what3words.com/pokes.headset.taxed

Windy Passage. 4th July

Selby Basin to Stubbs Bridge, Aire and Calder Navigation

A boat headed to the water point first thing, once it was done and it had reversed to behind us, we set about winding, and then heading back to a mooring ourselves. Time for breakfast, then we’d be ready for the off. Today we were lucky as it was a training day at the lock so there were five CRT staff about, so plenty to help us through the swing bridge.

Two chaps came to help us. We’d not seen them before, apparently, they do a refresher course on the tidal locks every couple of years and today was that day. One chap pressed the buttons on the panel for the bridge, the other stood by the little hut on the off side, where presumably they can operate it by hand if needs be. The bridge seemed to behave well and as soon as we were through a couple of narrowboats came into the basin with passages booked up to York today. There’d be six boats heading out onto the river.

So far this year I’ve only walked the Selby Canal, so today I opted to stay on the boat and not get my brisk walking minutes in. After my panto meeting I need to get back to walking every day, I’m quite missing it.

If I had walked I think I’d have beaten Oleanna to the other end. We’ve been on the Selby when it’s been covered in duck weed, but today it was blanket weed which needed avoiding as much as possible, it’s horrible when it’s round your prop. Certainly no 7mph along here, very slow going!

I sounded our horns as we came through West Haddlesey Flood lock where we turned onto the River Aire. Here it was windy, very windy and with all the twists and turns you didn’t know which side of your hat to keep hold of.

**The boat that had been on the bank is now sunk!**

At one steep bend a wide beam came past, he shouted to us that he’d had difficulty at Beal Lock with the gates. This is where we’d had difficulty a few weeks ago and had had to use the boat to help open a gate to get the lock equalised. But as we approached it was obvious that CRT were there checking things over. They opened the gates for us.

This was the same two chaps who’d helped us through the bridge, we wondered what time we’d be meeting them at Bank Dole Lock later? They’d been called out but hadn’t found anything wrong with the lock as yet. They worked us through and opened the top gates, one of them only partially opening, maybe that had been the problem?

There were two boats on the pontoon above, we tucked ourselves in at the far end and had a lunch break before carrying onwards, todays aim to get off the river and catch up with where we should have cruised to yesterday.

It was now very VERY windy out there. I left my hat inside as I’d not want to loose it when I needed both hands to work Bank Dole Lock. The chamber was full, a couple were magnet fishing above. Mick and I emptied the lock and opened the gates. Oleanna was just coming in as a cruiser arrived above. There was plenty of time to chat to the crew who had borrowed their son’s boat for the day and they’d already been through this lock, only one top paddle working. We swapped over with them and headed back to the main Aire and Calder Navigation.

Gosh that wind was strong! We just wanted to get that bit further, to Stubbs Bridge where we seem to moor nowadays. Oleanna was held into the side by the wind as we tied to our chains and retired inside. Tilly was given an hour or so, we thought she’d not like it out there, but she was kept occupied sitting in the shelter of the boat and then pouncing into the grass.

I put together the first draft of a props list for panto. I’m really hoping we don’t need quite so much fake food, but we’ll see what John thinks when he’s seen the list.

The evening was a very VERY blustery one. With one side of the pram cover missing things had a tendancy to be moving around out the back. Our bedroom porthole needed closing and a bung bunging in it to stop it from rattling all night long. Here’s hoping we manage to get some sleep.

1 flood lock, 2 locks, 1 left, 1 right, 13.3 miles, 1 wind, 2 much wind, 2 helpful CRT staff, 1 pouncing cat, 1 props list, 1 very blustery night.

To Joint Or Not To Joint. 2nd July

Selby Basin

A couple of sips of tea in bed then we were up. The wind had lulled, we were quick to get ourselves winded so that the port side could be by the bank ready for Sean to arrive to fit our new side to the pram cover. All went well and we were soon tied up back to the bank and having breakfast.

The Sainsburys delivery chap called checking he was heading in the right direction having pulled up at the end of the road. Mick had already spotted him with his trolley of five full trays of groceries. This all needed to be stowed away. What should be frozen and what shouldn’t? I’d ordered lots of things that could be barbequed, but will the weather be suitable now? Should I joint the chicken or save it for a roast at the weekend?

Mick had left a message for Sean yesterday, he left another this morning. This week he was taking as holiday, so we didn’t want to pressure him just because we were in a handy place. Sadly no answer came. What to do?

With the swing bridge being temperamental at the moment we’d be needing assistance from C&RT. It would be opened this morning, should we reverse through to the other side, but to wind we’d either have to wait for the bridge to be opened again or reverse all the way to West Haddlesey. We opted to stay put for the day and hope Sean would be with us sometime.

I got my model back out and successfully worked my way through all the remaining painting notes except for the blue lining of the portals. Popped things in the model box, ahh one more note to give the barrow a slightly darker brown. The finished model is within a gnats hair of being finished. Hooray!!!

Mick came back from a walk, Sean had called and apologised. He could be with us tomorrow afternoon. Not ideal we kind of need to start moving to get to a station for my next panto meeting. As much as it would be nice to have all sides on our pram cover again, we opted to catch up with Sean next week somewhere. We’ll be on our way again in the morning.

**Floor sprayed, edging and black done**

0 locks, 0.1 miles, 1 wind, 1 model almost finished, 1 darker brown, 2 boats through the bridge, 6 bags shopping, 2 joint or not 2 joint? 2 boxes gf couscous, 4 burger buns? 0 Sean, 0 side, 0 shore leave for Tilly.

The River Alone. 2nd July

Naburn Visitor Moorings to Selby Basin, Selby Canal

Rain overnight had woken us, the windows needed closing to stop the rain from coming in. Then the geese decided the weed on Oleanna’s waterline was tasty at first light! So not the best nights sleep.

No shore leave this morning, we had the tide to catch. As we waited we did chores, Tilly’s pooh box got a refresh, yellow water emptied, then we moved up to the water point and topped up on fresh water. Nigel arrived and suggested we should be ready a little earlier, 1pm in the lock.

I remade the archway for panto and we had an early lunch, all as the heavens opened up again. Would we be getting wet on our way back to Selby today?

As the rain cleared we got ourselves ready for the off. Kenny walked by so we had chance for a chat and a thank you, we’ll maybe see him next year and finally be able to try some of his chickens eggs.

At bang on 1pm we were entering the lock, we’d be on our own on the river today. Nigel said to give him a call when we were on the straight before the bend, before the two Selby bridges, we said we’d radio him from there. After ten minutes the bottom gates opened and let us loose out onto the tidal Ouse again.

**Lock empty and gates opening ahead of us**

It started to rain.

But thankfully it didn’t last long and by a couple of hours or so into our cruise we took our coats off as we were starting to overheat.

Heading down stream you punch the tide all the way to Cawood Bridge. On our last trip this way, we encountered a river of wood heading towards us from around the 3km marker all the way to Cawood. Today there seemed to be hardly anything in the river to start with, maybe the last spring tides had take it all out to the Humber.

Sheep had been shorn. Egrets outnumbered Herons again. A couple of oystercatchers.

The floating landing at the ski club was actually afloat today, on our way up it had been sat on the mud. Would we be followed by speed boats? Well we think we counted five boats high up on the bank, but thankfully none looked like they were about to be backed into the river.

As Cawood came closer so did the floating logs, quite big rafts of them headed towards us. Mick did his best to swerve to miss them and then get lined up to go through the bridge. The bridge keeper waved and chatted to someone on the phone or radio.

It was soon very obvious that we’d picked up some wood on our bow. Once round the tight bend, the tide starting to go slack Mick tried his best to stop Oleanna and reverse to leave the branch behind. But it was caught good and proper, doing an impression of a dolphin at our bow, rising and falling.

I took a boat hook through the boat, giving Tilly something to think about. It took a bit of doing to free at least three big chunks of wood and a long spindly branch from our bow, all pushed well away so we could continue.

**Our rugged trip computer, speed rising**

The tide had now turned, our speed increased, the rafts of wood now heading in the same direction as us.

Last nights weather forecast had been for 9mph winds but as we turned onto the long straight with the wind over tide it was obviously far stronger! We clung onto our hats. I checked Windy, 17mph and gusts of up to 35mph! Round the bend onto the straight Mick radioed to Nigel, the lock would be ready for us.

My phone binged, a message from the production manager for panto with a quick question. She’d have to wait as we sped under and through the Selby swing bridges. The sand bank just below Selby Lock gave us an idea of where we were heading for, the blocks of flats a landmark of where to turn to face the tide. Mick turned the bow thruster on, should it be needed, then swang the tiller round. Oleanna skidding down the river at 90 degrees to the current. Was there enough room to get round, a touch of reverse and round again. We now slowly headed backwards towards the lock where the gates stood open and Freya and Nigel waited for us.

Oleanna seemed to want to go into the lock backwards, but that certainly wasn’t the plan, that landmark sand bank was getting closer all the time. Nigel gave subtle hand signals to keep going backwards. Then once our bow was in the right position he gave Mick the nod to bring her round and into the lock.

Third time this year in at Selby without touching the sides, well done Mick. A centre line passed round a riser and we were on the way up off the tidal river.

What did we want to do now? Sean from SPL was due in the morning to fit our pram cover side, so we needed to be somewhere he’d be able to get his van close. We’d also need to wind to have the port side to the bank. Above the lock there were a couple of boats moored in the corner, add into the mix the strong wind, it was decided that we’d just moor up and hope for less wind in the morning. Tilly was disappointed with the lack of shore leave. Nigel and Freya would be about tomorrow morning to get us through the road swing bridge once we’d had our cover fitted.

I worked my way through a few more panto model notes, soon this model will be finished, soon! Then we decided to treat ourselves to an India takeaway from Jinnah. Mick ordered on line then headed off to collect it. Well we’d had a couple of numbers come up in the premium bonds this morning, enough for a nice takeaway.

There was enough food with just our starters, an onion bahji and liver tikka. So we decided to do a Harnser and save enough for a second meal in a day or twos time. Very nice it was and we’ll get to enjoy it all again. Our next problem, what to watch this evening as there’s no more Traitors?

2 locks, 14.1 miles, 1 full water tank, 1 clean pooh box, 1 clean pooh bucket, 1 empty wee tank, 1 new improved arch, 15 big roses, 23 small, 20% fullness, 1 bored cat, 3 swing bridges, 1 windy passage, 2 popadoms, 2 onion bhajis, 2 mains, 1 salad, 1 side, 2 much food, 2 glasses wine, 1st episode of GOLD.

https://what3words.com/shadows.clockwork.fight

Where we travelled during June. It didn’t feel like we’d gone very far, but we still managed quite a few miles.

Saying Goodbyes. 1st July

New Walk to Naburn Visitor Mooring

Last night shortly before we headed for bed we could hear music heading our way. Was this Orchid returning? He’d been down earlier yesterday but then had headed back up stream. No this was the other boat, the large cruiser, lights flashing, music expanding and contracting the cabin sides, but no flames from the fire pit on it’s bow tonight. They headed down stream winded, then came back a couple of times. Maybe they think blasting out their music is alright whilst on the move!

This morning the temperature had dropped, our duvet that’s been tucked up at the bottom of the bed for days, had found it’s way back up the bed to cover us. Would today be a long trousers kind of day?

After breakfast I headed off for a walk. See if I could see which poor souls had had to cope with blaring music but also to say my Goodbyes to my home city.

Down to Millennium Bridge, across the river, through Rowntrees Park. The park was York’s first Municipal park gifted to the city in 1921. I find it interesting that Rowntrees park is so close to the old Terry’s factory, Rowntrees being on the other side of the city. I think I’ve only ever been in the park a couple of times so it was nice to see the cafe, the almost empty lake and sculptures.

Onto Bishopthorpe Road, more commonly known now as Bishy Road. The junk shops have gone, now cafes, restaurants and some nice looking shops attract many people. I stopped to buy some eggs then carried on along Nunnery Lane, passing what used to be the Bar Convent School and over the traffic lights down to the station. Here the road bridge (that as a child I never realised was a bridge over where the railway had once punctured it’s way through the city walls) has now gone, concrete shores up the bar walls bank and road works fill the approach to the station. In the coming months I may get to see the station on the way back to Scarborough, but I’m unlikely to see the bar walls.

Down to the river bank, across Scarborough Railway Bridge, photos of the moorings obligatory for us both when on the train. Today only three boats were making use of the rings, one cruiser, a little black cruiser that has a seriously noisy outboard and the large cruiser that had come to visit us last night on it’s alternative mooring by the water point.

Along Lendal, saying goodbye to my Dad’s old office, along Coney Street, then down the side of the Grand Opera House. Posters advertising the autumn tours, Man for All Seasons, and Inspector Morse. Not sure how I feel about Inspector Morse being produced on stage? Maybe I should go to see it.

An early lunch. The levels were now down almost to where they’d been a week or so ago. The large cruiser returned, soon followed by Orchid. Time to make a move, sorry Tilly no shore leave for a while. Under Millennium Bridge, one last look back towards York, our plans don’t have us returning this year. But plans this year need to be kept fluid as much as the network allows.

I dropped below, working my way through panto, taking notes of what needs finishing off and anything that needs altering. Yesterday I’d changed my mind regarding some sliders, they were far too bold to be used for several scenes. I’d started on a differet version and had got so far with it, this seems to be a good solution. Only one bit of model I wasn’t happy with, so that would need remaking, I’d gone a bit overboard with my floristry.

**You can even purchase from your boat!**

Three boats were moored on Naburn cut. We pulled in behind the cruiser that had arrived the other day. It looked like it’s lines had had it on a bit of a tilt when the levels had come up. It took us a while to moor up a stiff breeze trying to push us to the other side of the cut. Then shore leave was granted.

What another outside with no view and little friendly cover! This was soon got over and Tilly disappeared until 5:55, 5 minutes to go before dingding time. Thankfully the internet seems to be better than it was a few days ago.

Mick checked in with Nigel who was penning a cruiser up at the lock. 1:30 tomorrow, he’d be penning us down here in Naburn and then penning us up at Selby. Selby Road Bridge was again playing up, a heat related problem, but if Nigel was around they’d be able to get us through.

An afternoon of working through notes and crossing them off the list. Then some time adding items to a supermarket delivery to arrive in Selby. Then after food it was time for the finale of Traitors NZ 2. Oooh blimey! I don’t want to say anymore incase others are still watching it, but it went the way we thought it would with a couple of twists on the way.

0 locks, 4.9 miles, 1 wind, 1 stubborn rope, 2 noisy boats, 0 queue at the ice cream boat today, 1 fond farewell to York, 3.28 miles walked, 59 minutes briskly, 1 calf hopefully mended, A4 sheet of notes, 1 arch rebuilt, 3 more roses, 2 outsides, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.

Eggless. 19th June

Selby Basin to Naburn Visitor Moorings

Around 10am a black van came past, headed down towards the lock, came back and pulled into the passing place close to us. Sean from SPL Covers was on his way to Barnsley and had stopped off to measure up for a new side panel for our pram hood. A template was made and the canvas samples looked at, the closest chosen. Hopefully we’ll have a new side within a couple of weeks. Much easier than me making a template from brown paper and sticking it in the post to Gary. Sean also showed us how they do the front panel of pram covers so that you can open your rear hatch fully. When Oleanna is repainted we’re thinking of gettng smart new covers too, if budget allows and being able to open the hatch more would be a bonus, something to think about.

As I added a colour to my panto portals Mick pulled us forward to the water point to top up the water tank, next yellow water was dealt with. It was nearing midday and a breasted up pair had arrived ready to head to York. The ladies onboard the pair had hired someone to accompany them up to York to give them some confidence on their first tidal water. He certainly was knowledgable of moving a pair.

We shared the first locking down with NB Poppy, another couple doing their first tidal water, they’d hired a pilot to assist them too. We felt slightly left out it just being the two of us, Hey what about me! I’m an invaluble help. From your nest on the bed!

Freya passed our centre line round a bollard to see us down, ‘whilst I’m in training it all has to be just so’ she said. The lock dropped, the gates opened and we waited for the go ahead from Freya, a gap in any passing debrise found. We opted to lead the way and out we came, dipping to the side as the flow caught us, then we straightened up and were zooming along with the flow again as if we’d not had a night in the basin.

Behind us NB Poppy turned out onto the river, the lock gates closed ready to be reset for the breasted up pair.

Under the bridges and round the bend, the exciting bit of the trip over quite quickly. When we came to a longish straight I headed below to put lunch together for us, hoping I’d be back up top by the time we reached the first tight bend in the river.

On previous journeys there have been numerous Kingfishers, today not one to be seen, but how many Egrets? Or was it just the one flying off ahead and reappearing round the next bend.

Sheep and cows on the banks moo’d and baaa’d back at me when I said hello.

***More tidal water! This is getting boring now!***

Soon the push of the tide wained, it really didn’t feel like there was much push anymore, had we outrun the tide? Possible as we’d been let out as soon as we could bump our way over the silt build up outside the lock. It was quite odd compared to yesterday rushing along with little effort on Oleanna’s part.

The bridge keeper at Cawood waved from his sunny seat outside his hut. As NB Poppy came into view the keeper popped into the hut, possibly to let Naburn know we’d just passed.

**So low, the speed boats would have a job being launched today**

Just where had all the wood gone? When we returned from our last visit to York the next stretch of the river was filled with trees, today there was the odd one, but nowhere near as much as there’d been then. Was it all behind us coming in on the tide? Or had the last lot of Spring tides swept it all out to sea?

At the 3km marker Mick radioed ahead to Naburn. A very garbled message came back, hmm what had Kenny just said? Well at least he knew we were nearly there.

**Naburn Weir and a narrowboat coming towards us**

As we rounded the last bend a narrowboat came into view heading towards us, maybe Kenny’d been telling us they were on the way. At the lock we were asked to pull as far ahead as possible, NB Poppy would come in behind us. He asked the crew behind us how far behind the breasted up pair were, ‘they’ll be miles behind’. Kenny opted to penn us up,we’d expected to wait for the others. Once we’d risen a foot a horn could be heard down on the river. Kenny got on the radio and was surprised to get a reply from them, they’d have to wait now.

I chatted with Kenny about our reason for returning to York so soon. I also asked him if he had any eggs for sale, Kenny keeps hens, the cockeril will wake you in the morning. Sadly he’d sold the last of his eggs this morning, but there may be more tomorrow.

Once up we pulled over to the visitor mooring bagging the shadiest patch, oh that was nice and cool. What3words noted, then the doors could be opened for Tilly whilst Mick hung up the washing we’d done whilst on the river. Time to catch up with news on Frank and be his PA for a while. Mick had a towpath haircut. A chicken was jointed, most of it popped in the freezer, one lot made into chicken taglitelli which normally has peas in it, but today it was brocolli, not quite the same, tasty all the same.

2 locks, 14.1 miles, 1 load washing, 3 narrowboats, 1 butty, 2 pilots, 1 cat, 1 full water tank, 1 empty wee tank, 9 egrets, 3 herons, 0 kingfishers, 2 hours shore leave, 4 messages, 1 crackly phone, 5 potential meals from 1 chicken, 1 plan formulated for our return.

https://what3words.com/export.inversion.solid

7mph In Tick Over! 18th June

Goole Visitor Moorings to Selby Basin

**Waiting for permission to enter the docks**

After breakfast the final checks were done, the well deck emptied of everything other than the anchor, chain and rope all attached to each other and the T stud at the bow. Mick had done engine checks yesterday and checked the weed hatch. Boating Association charts, VHF radio, life jackets. At 9:30 Mick radiod ABP at Ocean Lock. We’d been told to do this to check when we’d be allowed into the docks, it’s also to check you have a VHF radio as that is a requirement by them. There would be a twenty minute wait whilst boats moved about then they would give us the go ahead.

Sure enough after a bit of conversation on the radio we were hailed and told to proceed towards Ocean Lock. We were now entering the world of the big ships, stilettoed diggers, 50 shades of sand. Chaps waved at us from high up as we made our way. The lock gates were in their recess, we were safe to proceed entering the lock, we turned the slight right, a chap told us to stay at the back of the lock, but it didn’t matter where. We had the vast lock to ourselves. Strangely it didn’t feel quite as huge as it had done in 2021 when we shared it with WB Lullabelle and Cruiser Sea Maiden.

The huge gates closed behind us then the level started to drop. All that water for one little narrowboat! As the lock levelled out Mick rang Selby and left a message to say we were about to leave Goole. The Gates are in their recess, you can leave the lock now. For your Information there are no ships on the river. We did as instructed, the tide already visibly coming in at quite a lick. We thanked ABP and headed out to catch the tide. Well it caught us really, Oleanna dipping to one side as Mick turned us to follow the flow, keeping to the west bank for a while before moving over to the east, red line followed.

Mick had managed to down load our track from 2021 when we’d followed David on Sea Maiden, but the charts were also kept an eye on.

Mick’s plan had been to take a touch longer than the half hour marks on Waterway Routes, our journey of 16 miles would ideally take us 4 hours, so 4mph, this would mean us arriving at Selby around high water so we’d not have to turn to face the tide to enter the lock. Back in 2021 the Ouse was filling with flood water and our progress was far slower, infact Nigel the Lockie at Selby had wondered if he’d have to wait for us until 9pm to penn us up off the river.

Memory Map gives you your speed, 7mph, best knock the revs down! We needed to be doing only 4mph. Down to tick over to maintain steering, we were doing way above 4mph. Oh well we’d be early, the amount of fresh on the river affecting the push of the tide and our progress.

Under Hook/Skelton Railway Bridge, we’d not need them to swing for us, but we did need to up the revs to stop being pushed towards the peirs. Blimey it was going at quite a lick through there!

On up towards Howdendyke, here at the wharfs they don’t have stilettoed diggers. No ships in, infact we didn’t see any boats out on the river today.

**There’s a lot of water, but it’s not all that deep!**

At the last wharf you do a 90 degree turn to port and head for the south eastern side of Howden Dyke Island, the M62 loooooooong bridge now visible along with Drax Power Station. When crossing the Ouse on the M62 at low tide you can see why boats need to take this route as there is so much silt to the north westerly side it just about dries out.

Crossing from one side of the river to the other to pass under the bridge, it really is vast soaring through the sky. The traffic west bound however was moving very slowly as after lots of work has been carried out on the bridge recently two expansion joints have failed on the west bound carriageway. There’s likely to be more road works now.

Stay to the north to pass under the northern most span at Boothferry Bridge, ‘We’re nearly at Grandma’s’ it being a landmark for the Geraghty family on trips to visit family from the south. We wouldn’t need the bridge to swing for us, you have to book this one five days in advance as it takes quite a bit to get it to swing.

**Seriously confused water on the bridges**

A few bends kept us busy, trying to stay in tick over as much as possible, we were still rocketing our way. We both wondered if we should have kept to our original plan of heading to Naburn today, no need to turn and stem the tide with the current zipping along.

Barmby Barrage came past, our trip up onto the River Derwent and Pocklington Canal thwarted by lack of rain this year. Next year, if it ever rains again. A call to Selby Lock, were they there? Yes. We’d be early, possibly by an hour. Should we turn and stem the tide for a while, or carry on towards them. The choice was ours, they’d be there for us no matter. We thought about it, we’d carry on.

Heading northwest we had wind over tide, the river became choppy. Waves with brown horses (too much silt for them ever to be white on the Ouse) crashed around us, we were surprised at how big they were.

The spire of St Marys at Hemingborough stood tall caught in the sunlight.

At No Man’s Friend bend, a steep one, the river was more confused than at others we’d zoomed through. It was evident we needed more revs, Mick cranked up the engine, then some more, more, the willow branches stroking the cabin side but thankfully no more. Preemptive revs were used round the next steep bend and our line was better.

Approaching Selby Bypass Swing Bridge, Mick radio’d ahead to the lock. Nigel responded, as the tide was still running we’d be needing to turn to face it to enter the lock. Once round a slight kink in the river we wanted to turn, but up ahead there was a branch, quite a chunky one sticking out of the water, drifting in the same direction as us, just at the wrong time!

The lock still not visible, but we wanted to get turned with plenty of space before the lock, so should it take sometime to get round we wouldn’t be being pushed towards the next two bridges. Reverse, let the branch carry on upstream without us. It kept on going and Mick made the turn. Now to drift backwards towards the lock, where was it? The roof of the block of flats just beyond came into view just as the current was doing it’s best to push us in towards the bank and trees. Quite a bit of tooing and froing was needed to get us to stay away from the banks, little progress being made towards the lock.

With a better line and in tick over against the current we started to move towards the lock. Nigel on the radio, were we okay? Yep just taking our time. Gradually we crept backwards, lock in view, gates open waiting for us.

Now it was all about picking the right moment to turn in towards the lock. The current wants to take you one way, a patch of still water infront of the lock, the sand bank we’d seen a few weeks ago on the downstream side of the lock. Mick bided his time, then ‘I’m going to go for it’.

**The flats, a topless man, that’s the lock**

Revs tiller, she started to turn. The bow in the calm water, the stern now turning to get the full force of the tide. More revs, in she went. Phew! So glad it wasn’t me at the helm.

Nigel stood back and watched on as Freya took our centre line, passed it round a bollard and back to us. She then closed the lock doors and set the lock filling. Freya is being trained to be the Lock Keeper at Selby, she just needs to get her VHF licence and be certified. One big fella to one very slight lady. We got news that the swing bridge on the canal is back working, but the one out on the river is still broken.

Oleanna was winded and we pulled into a space in the basin, ready to face the tide again tomorrow and ready for a fitting too. The sun shone down all afternoon, time to trace out the design on panto portals and cloths. Then by late afternoon Oleanna nestled down into the shade the flats next to us provided, the world starting to cool down.

2 locks, 17.5 miles, 2 winds, 1 hour too early, 7mph, 1.4 when turned to face the tide, 1 hello from a willow, 2 more avoided, under 4 swing bridges, 3 hours in the sunshine, 0 shore leave, 1 surprisingly poor internet, 2 identical words in what3words.

https://what3words.com/skimmers.straddled.straddled

Narrowboat Oleanna

Travels of Narrowboat Oleanna