Category Archives: Narrowboat Maintenance

Sunny….. Scarbados! 23rd April

New Walk, York

No real need for an alarm on this mooring as the rowers started to pass not long after 7am. I was up, breakfasted and out of the door heading towards the station a little after 9am.

The sun was out, I crossed Skeldergate Bridge. Should I follow the river on Skeldergate? Walk through Bishophill? Go along Nunnery Lane? In the end I opted to walk along the Bar Walls round to the station, what a lovely morning away from the traffic.

From my vantage point above Queen Street I could look down on the works that have been taking place to remove a road bridge around the outside of the walls. This used to raise traffic above the rail tracks that punched their way through the walls to the old station. The old station was a terminus, no through rail links and soon railway traffic had outgrown the site, it had become a bottleneck so a new station was needed.

Permission from Parliament was granted in 1866 for a new station on the other side of the walls, the first train pulled out of the station at 05:30 on the 25th June 1877, bound for Scarborough. The station took three years to construct and was the largest in Britain, confirming the city’s status as heart of the network.

A group of people stood on the walls, phones out looking down the bank. Was this a location from a film or TV program? What was catching their eye? Well it turned out to be a Vixen and her three cubs frolicking in the long grass on the inner side of the walls.

I hopped on the next train to Scarborough, quite warm from my walk and the sunshine, thankfully I knew things would be different in Scarborough today. As the train approached Seamer the sky had already turned misty and dark. Stepping off the train I was immediately glad of my extra layers, the sea fret was in, no view across the valley and only 10 C! I had time to take a selfie with a sea view so walked up to the Esplanade.

**Great view of the South Bay and Castle!**

An appointment with my new dentist had called me to Scarborough. A nice lady, not the same chair side manner as Colin in Birmingham had, but maybe that was reflected in his prices, also Scarborough is well known to have a serious lack of dentists, hence having to wait about five weeks for my first appointment. All good, thankfully and another appointment for a clean in a few weeks time.

I picked up something for lunch and then headed to the house, time to check the place over after our last lodgers had vacated and do a couple of jobs. They scored 9 on our lodger scale, loosing a point due to a bin not having been emptied, leaving a light and the second fridge on which was very empty. But other than that all was good.

The garden is in need of some tlc, sadly the gardener we’d lined up never reappeared! But it does mean the bluebells are having a good time undisturbed. Thank you to our lodgers for keeping the strawberry plants watered too, someone else will benefit from then in a few weeks time.

Polling papers for the new Scarborough Town Council had arrived. We should have applied for postal votes, but have now run out of time. Mick will be around for the election, but I needed to get a proxy application in quickly before time ran out at 5pm today.

***It’s quite good, apart from all the people!***

Meanwhile back in York. Mick headed to Barnitts the stove rope I’d bought was a little chunky for the lower door, so he swapped it for the next size down. A top up shop at Morrisons was done. He also walked up to Castle Mills Lock on the River Foss. Sadly there was a sign on the lock saying it would be closing on Sunday for the rest of the summer for works on the lock. We’d hoped to head up the Foss and see how far we could get before having to most probably reverse back. You have to give at least 2 days notice for the lock, it’s operated by the local IWA. Yes we might just be able to squeeze it in before Sunday, but there are other things, more important things to do before then. We’ll just have to return another year.

I took advantage of there being running water and had a shower at the house, a good collection of shampoos and bits and bobs left by lodgers. Thankfully there was a comb so I could wash my hair, all saving water on Oleanna. I rapidly picked up the fruit and veg that had been left along with the big tin of Danish Oil (ours not the lodgers) and then high tailed it back to the station, just a few minutes spare to catch the next train back to York.

0 locks, 0 miles, 1 closed lock ahead, 0 enough time, 2 trains, 4 foxes, 1 sunny city, 1 fretted town, 1 stove in working order, 1 cat snatching moments on the bank, 1 near clean bill of teeth, 1 quick shower, 3 bulbs garlic, 2 lemons, 4 onions, 1 lime, 5 apples, 7.55 miles walked, 99 minutes briskly, 1 speeding boat, 2 pizzas.

Still There. 22nd April

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Naburn Lock to New Walk, River Ouse

Anyone who has ever visited York by boat will be aware of how bad the boaters facilities are in the city. So before we left Naburn we wanted to have a full water tank. After breakfast we got ready to reverse to the water point, but we’d just been beaten to it by the boat behind us. We pulled back anyway, they weren’t using the water point and our two hoses would reach our bow. They pulled off soon after we arrived so we tucked up closer to the tap.

Mick rang York Marina in Naburn this morning to see if they could accommodate us for a few days, this would make plan 6C work for us. However unless we were willing to sign up for a full year they weren’t interested, our three days not enough. Time to work out plan 7A. I walked over the lock island to check on the pontoon there, 48 hours and empty today, but would it be when we want it to be?!

Tank full and a booking to return to Selby made we were ready for the off, and thankfully the sun was shining.

The river is far more interesting lots of moored boats to look at. A pontoon we’d not seen before which is reserved for York Marina despite being quite a distance away. The River Bus has various stops along the way to pick up campers and take them into York.

Then the slightly more shanty town moorings, steep walkways to interesting boats, some of which archaeologists would have a field day on their roofs. A small cruiser with sails was slowly making it’s way upstream, we passed as did a day boat.

Archbishops Palace. The opposite bank was what at the age of six, was a long walk from our house, but a good landmark for turning around plus the dogs used to like swimming there.

The A64 bypass bridge. Fulford Hall on the bend. Is that where the bench seat was that my Dad Fatso used to walk Bramble his dog to? The undergrowth and possibly a fence blocking the view. Would that be the case a little further on?

**There she is! The pan tiles belong to next door.**

The willow trees are starting to get thick with leaves would there still be that gap in them that lines up with the grid on our map? It’s been five years since these sight lines were checked and the river then was that bit higher. We slowed as we approached the grid line. The big house just visible, then the roof of the house behind. Then the trees parted for a very good view of my family home, the house that Fatso built, the house where I was born. We know the new owner has done some building work and replaced the wood cladding to the front of the house, this used to be dark marrying in with the trees surrounding it. The new cladding thankfully isn’t as bright as it was in photos we’ve seen, it has silvered, a different wood from that it was clad with in the early 60s. But she is still there, the glimpse from the river the same.

**Might have to visit if they still go to near Millennium Bridge**

Now past the York Motor Club Moorings, would they be able to accommodate us? We suspected not. The University Rowing Club Moorings, I’ve still not quite finished off a pair of socks that need to be delivered here, the hope of being able to moor alongside obviously not possible, so a visit by land will need to be arranged. The Chilled Medication boats were followed by Millennium Bridge.

We now started to look for somewhere to moor up, a little bit further would suit our needs best, but with some solar a bonus. Chain swags line the river wall, would we be able to moor to those. We slowed and had a go as day boats came past, a trip boat winding up stream of us, at least they know their horn signals. Thin rope was used to tie through the eyes that hold the chain, an old soft shackle from our centre line was used too. There’s a ledge just catching Oleanna’s base plate, so we deployed the Shroppie Tyre fenders. Brilliant, we are moored somewhere Tilly can have some shore leave too. Maybe York will be York to her and not Yurk!!!

**This used to be Thomas C Godfrey’s a Blackwell’s Bookshop**

After lunch I set off with the intention of finding some Almond flour, finer than ground almonds and a touch harder to find. This gave me a reason to have a good walk around the city, spotting favourite old places including the old bookshop I used to sell maps in, currently selling things made by local artists.

I went here there and nearly everywhere. The obligatory visit to Barnitts. Today I wanted new rope for the stove door and some glue. Barnitts never disappoints, there is always a selection. Just how many shoe laces and flasks could anyone want!

I was also on the hunt for views of York to paint. I’d like to do a painting for my brothers holiday let in York. Not of the usual views. I love the Snickleways, maybe Lady Peckett’s Yard? We’ll see what else I find in the next few days.

Back at the boat our quiet evening was disturbed by the rowers from the University, they seem to start and end their training where we are moored. The boats are not too bad despite their wake, but their coach is very VERY LOUD!!!

In flotilla news all boats are back on the move continuing towards London. However tonight we’ve seen that there is a stoppage at Denham Deep Lock on the Grand Union Canal and the lock gates are padlocked shut! This stoppage stands between lots of boats and Cavalcade! Here’s hoping its not a lengthy fix. Petition link.

0 locks, 5.1 miles, 1 full water tank, 1 roof line, 1 new mooring to try out, 500grams almond flour, 2m stove rope, 1 bottle glue, 5.2 miles, 47 minutes briskly, 7 possible paintings, 1 man shouting 2 loudly!

https://what3words.com/valve.trap.line

We Have No Bananas. 19th April

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Burn Bridge to Selby Swing Bridge

Our plan to see if we could get in along the full length of moorings at Burn Bridge was thwarted this morning by there being an angler who’d set up camp half way along from us to the bridge. Instead Mick went along with our boat hook, dipping for depth. Shallow, shallow, until he prodded at about the point where the old moorings had extended to. We reckoned there was under 2ft of depth by the bank all the way along the moorings. An email to C&RT with photos will be sent as it’s all very good to make the moorings safe, but only if it’s worth mooring there!

Mick pushed off and I walked the towpath in to Selby, by the end of the day I’d walked the full length of the canal. Oleanna’s speed was greater than mine today as there were a few sculptures to stop and look at on the way. Little if any information can be found about them which is a shame.

In towards Selby we passed Selby Boat Centre, this is where we purchased chain for our anchor and a new set of ropes from a boater who let us moor alongside, way back in 2014 on Nb Lillyanne.

Two boats had passed us this morning, the first was moored close to the Fire Station. We tried pulling in behind them, the chap coming to lend us a hand and have a good natter. Then we tried in front, just before a bend. Then on a bit further round the bend. I remembered we’d had the same problem last time we were here, but had eventually succeeded opposite the Council Tip. We kind of managed to get in behind a widebeam, this would do us.

**One of the canal culverts leading to a drain alongside the fields**

No shore leave for Tilly as the road is close and had a queue for the tip today.

After lunch we walked over the railway to the supermarkets. Meal plans for the week hadn’t included anything extra nice for it being Easter, so at least a chicken was sought. First call was Aldi, who are reportedly trialling a Gluten Free range of products, however Selby doesn’t seem to be a store that stocks them.

Next was Tescos. Big signs where the bananas should be. What is it with Tescos and Bananas, the lack of them seems to be a regular thing in their stores, yet Aldi was full of them. No Saturday newspaper of our liking! Then there was a serious lack of suitable roasting meat of all varieties, unless you were going to have 24 for roast pork!

**We decided not to choose this option for our Easter Sunday meal**

Third supermarket was Morrisons. Newspaper, bananas, and some choice of meat. We got a pork joint that should last us a few meals but not the rest of the month. To finish off my walking for the day I briskly walked down to the lock. The tide was heading out to sea, but not at the great speed I’ve seen here before. Minutes ticked off I returned to Oleanna to make a fish crumble for our dinner.

In flotilla news , the boats continue heading southwards. 2 new cables were fitted to one boat this morning by RCR. Hopefully that will be the end of problems for them all. Petition Link here.

0 locks, 2.2 miles, 2 shallow for all, 1 angler, 2 sculptures, 1 woofers wee, 1 more enquiry, 3 supermarkets, 1 joint pork, 1st of the year I think, 0 Easter eggs bought, 5.42 miles walked, 42 minutes briskly, 0 shore leave.

https://what3words.com/gathering.twee.drip

A Hoolie Of A Day. 16th April

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Whitley Lock Moorings

The height of wind today was meant to be around 4pm with gusts of around 40mph. We woke to waves on the canal and wished we’d moored facing the other way round as the waves were enjoying giving Oleanna’s stern a good slap. Last night we’d already decided not to head anywhere today, we’ve not got that far to go for our next deadline so waiting a day isn’t a problem.

Tilly had a go at liking the outside, but soon gave up and sat in front of the stove, Mick had to light it for her, although we felt the benefit of it too.

As the wind was due to get worse I decided to go for my walk early in the day, so as to avoid the worst affects of the fresh air. I looked at various routes. One to look at where the cooling towers of Eggborough Power Station had once stood. Another to West Haddlesey to look at the lock off the River Aire onto the Selby Canal from the opposite bank of the river. But these were all a bit too long. Another into Whitley village to see what it was like, but to not back track on myself would have meant too many miles again.

Instead I opted to walk across the field behind the mooring, up to High Eggborough, a handy post box here. Then along a footpath through a pig farm. Lots of ladies snuffling the ground or sheltering in their arks.

The path came out at Great Heck. I’ve heard lots of good reports about The Bay Horse Inn here, real ale and good food, although only the usual gluten free options of steak or gammon, so I won’t be rushing here for a pub meal.

Back to the canal and then I retraced my steps onto the towpath. By now the wind was really quite strong. I opted to walk to the side of the footpath just in case I got blown over, then I might not land in the water. Two fishermen sat huddled up, one without any shelter, the other had at least found some bushes to hide behind. Blimey that wind was bitter!

After lunch Mick and I set to with a job a we’ve been putting off for ages. A new wheel under our corner cupboard. The original ones have a rubber wheel with a plastic centre. One of these had cracked and the plastic centre on one side had given up on holding up all our crockery sometime last year. This meant the cupboard was now grating along the floor as we move it in and out. Last year we found some castors that we thought we’d be able to use, the right diameter and we’d be able to remove the wheel to replace the broken one on the cupboard without having to remove the whole cupboard to get to the underside of it.

The cupboard was emptied of everything, then it was chocked up with some handy kindling to make removal of the old wheel easier. A new wheel was removed from it’s fixing and tried in the old one. Ahh the diameter was the same, but the thickness of the wheel was just that bit more and it would have to be forced into the fixing, but then it wouldn’t be able to turn freely!

The new wheels are all rubber, with a harder plastic centre to them. Could I shave off the centres to make them fit better? This meant digging out my work boxes from under the dinette to find a scalpel. I sliced off bits to reduce the width, then tried it again. Yep it fitted, phew! We now just needed to lift the cupboard a fraction to get the bolt through the middle. The cupboard was blocking the route to the back, so Mick walked round the outside of the boat, only to find we’d not unbolted the hatch, so there wasno access that way. In the end I laid on the floor with Mick’s feet positioned where there was any space, the lift was quick, bolt through, nut tightened, job done and now a small visible gap under the edge of the cupboard. I’ll have to try to tidy the floor up at some point now and disguise the scrapes.

The pull out drawer that has been disconnected for some time was screwed back onto the pull out cupboard, so finally the pan drawer pulls out again with it, also creating a good hidey-hole for Tilly, who’s been bemused at it not having a top to it.

It was still early and as I’d dug my work boxes out from under the dinette I got on with painting up three versions of a new colour scheme for Oleanna.

Top one is how she is now. Then two versions with cream cabin sides, one with blue stern and bow, the other all cream. I’d had reservations about having an all cream boat, but as soon as I started putting lines on the cabin sides it started to feel good, quite French really.

We looked at the schemes. Both agreeing on the one we preferred, but it raised other questions. Should the cabin ends be the same as the cabin sides? Should the well deck and stern be dark so as not to show up the mud so much? If we’re painting the mushroom vents, should we consider having coloured window frames? Should they be blue? Thank goodness we’ve got a year to think about it all!

As the stove had been lit most of the day, we utilised it’s heat and had jacket potatoes with the last of the roast chicken made into a coleslaw, very yummy.

Sock pair 63 had it’s ends woven in and pair 65 was cast on. I still need to finish off another pair, which is a slightly more complicated job, but that pair will hopefully be handed over from boat to boat in the next week.

The Campaign flotilla has split again. The lead boats were at The Globe near Leighton Buzzard this evening, the others I believe were at Fenny Stratford. Petition Link

0 locks, 0 miles, 1 dormant cat, 3.85 miles walked, 64 minutes briskly, 4pm, 6pm, 9pm it started to calm down, 56889656454567 white horses, 1 wheel fixed, 2 new colour schemes, 2 many new questions!

Crime Scene. 11th April

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Near Godnow Swing Bridge to Staniland Marina

Shore leave was granted whilst we had breakfast. Just outside our hatch and along this stretch of bank were these plants, a little like asparagus. My plant app suggested that they are Common Horsetail.

A boat that had been moored on the off side yesterday came past, a cruiser with an outboard motor. Would we catch them up to play leap frog at the swing bridges? In the distance was Medge Hall Swing Bridge I could just about make out that the cruiser worked it’s way through and then vanished round a rare bend. We pushed off to follow and I walked the bank to get the bridge ready for us.

I caught a lift to Mauds Swing Bridge where we caught the boat ahead up. I hopped off to walk to the next bridge and offered to work the road barrier on my side for the chap, but he wanted the practice so I walked on.

Another sunny day, no need for coats or thermals by midday. I pushed the buttons at Moores Swing Bridge after waiting for the cruiser to catch us up, then walked on again. He arrived at Wykewell Lift Bridge first, but was mooring miles away from the bridge, which can be quite a busy one, so I offered to press the buttons again, holding up 5 as the two boats came through.

**There are a few of these along the railway, does anyone know what they are?**

Mick suggested I got back onboard and not to walk to Princess Royals Bridge, it would have helped me clock up a few more brisk minutes, but I hopped back on board, knowing I’d be needed at the bridge.

The cruiser chap pulled in on the wrong side to operate it, we pointed out where the bridge landing was, he moved up as I hopped off to get the process of elimination going on getting the bridge to work for us.

I turned the key, an audible click! Blimey someone had actually closed the bridge fully. Three barriers clicked into their closed position, the nearest was reluctant, but after some wiggling from cruiser chap and myself it eventually made a noise. Sat watching were three men and a lady in a wheel chair. I asked if this was their usual Friday afternoon entertainment, it seemed it was. I pressed the open bridge button, the siren started woopee! It then takes what feels like a few minutes for anything obvious to happen, Cruiser chap was about to wiggle gates again, I persuaded him to just be patient and actually it would be good to go and get his boat.

He was after services, I pointed out where they were, it looked quite busy at the finger pontoons. He said he’d carry on to Bramwith for the next services and off he went ahead of Oleanna. Mick pulled us in against a narrowboat at Thorne Marine. Mooring up a little tricksy around the shorter boat. He’d estimated we’d need about 80 litres of diesel, the pump clicked off at 79.5, but then a top up from there added 14 more litres.

With the temperatures due to fall in a few days we wanted some more coal. They sold Newheat so we got a couple of bags to keep us going, maybe until the autumn. Then we asked if they might have a grub screw. We’d lost one from the front door handle and the catch seemed to be playing up a touch. The chap brought out a box and Mick and he rummaged through to find the right size (M6 for future reference), this was free with our purchase of coal and diesel £1 for domestic today.

The finger pontoons were full. The cruiser that had moored up when we were topping up with water two weeks ago was still there. The boat that had caused a lot of bother winding etc. We carried on, our preferred mooring above Thorne Lock. Here volunteers were on duty. The chap who doesn’t say much was on duty, he very gently fills the lock and another fella seemed to be on barrier duty for the swing bridge.

Helping with the barriers and bridge I chatted to this chap. The cruiser from the services was heading towards the lock now. Apparently they had been called to the boat a couple of days ago as someone was in difficulty, they performed CPR but sadly had no luck in reviving them whilst the emergency services arrived. A chap who’d been on the boat legged it when he heard that the ambulance and police were on their way. Later on this chaps body was found on the boat, the cruiser had become a crime scene. The volunteers had been asked if they could move it for the police, the chap I was with refused, not wanting to go back on the boat.

Reports in the local papers a few days later suggest the first person had collapsed in the street, their death unrelated to the death later in the day. So some of what the volunteer told me was speculation. However the second death is being treated as murder and two people have been arrested, but released on bail pending further investigation.

Mick pootled Oleanna up to a free space opposite Staniland Marina, this would do for all of us. Tilly vanished off to play in the woods for quite sometime, another stamp of approval awarded. We needed a few things for breakfast so I headed up to Lidl, the rest of the shopping will be done another time. We also looked at the bow door handle to replace the grub screw. The bar inside the handle was too far one way, so required a bit of adjustment so that it wouldn’t keep slipping.

1 lock, 6 bridges, 7 held up plus numerous pedestrians, 1 boat leap frogged, 5638 trees to climb, 94 litres diesel, 40kg coal, 1 grub screw, 1 door handle fixed, 4.92 miles, 44 minutes briskly, 400grams blueberries, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval.

https://what3words.com/icon.furniture.thorax

Too Shallow For Speed. 8th April

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Basin Bridge to Manor Farm Winding Hole to Coopers Bridge 80

No rush to go anywhere today really, so the back doors were opened for Tilly to explore as we had breakfast and waited for the mist to be burnt off.

By 11am we were ready to move off. Our average speed today would be about half of that we’ve made so far this year, the Chesterfield Canal is shallow, reedy and at times weedy. Having said that, take it slowly and then there is more time to enjoy this lovely canal, try to go fast and you’ll get exasperated. We know of several boats that have given up part way and missed the beautiful top end of the canal.

Having said that, this time we have no intention of going right to the end, but hopefully later in the year we’ll be back to take Oleanna to the navigable end for the first time. But where should we moor today?

I walked on ahead opening up the two Misterton Locks. Here you need a CRT Key of Power to undo the anti vandal locks on the paddles. Mick brought Oleanna into the bottom lock coasting through the bed of reeds that lay on the water. ‘Lovely Day’ was heard from numerous walkers, they were not wrong.

At Misterton Top Lock a couple were pruning their hedge, ‘CRT are meant to do it’ Well it’s great that you are helping them. Up by the top gates was a swan, I think a cob. On past experience of swans on the Chesterfield I made sure I kept an eye on him, we had one fly at us, trying to attack our stern fender on NB Lillyanne, thankfully today I couldn’t see any nest that he was protecting. He kept a keen eye on me too then did a very balletic stretch with one leg and a wing, a pas de swan.

**A moving boat, a hire boat returning to base**

I carried on walking, two moorings marked on our maps, but could we find another just that bit further out into the countryside and before the first winding hole. I was tempted to carry on to a 2 day mooring further on, but that would have meant more hours cruising and Mick reminded me that we have half a tank of diesel for the Tidal Trent and to get back to Thorne and since we last filled up we’ve done 120 miles. Diesel is none existant on the Chesterfield.

I spotted a few places where the reeds might have been thin enough to pull in, but as we’d passed a hire boat returning to base just above the locks the water was cloudy so I couldn’t work out the depth. Only a couple of possibles. I looked over my shoulder, my brisk walking meant I was leaving Oleanna well behind. I walked up to the winding hole, then onto the next bridge, then returned. I’d wait for Oleanna to wind and then point out where it might be possible to pull in. But each of the places the bottom was too close to the top, we returned to the next bit of armco thankfully far enough away from the road and with plenty of friendly cover too keep Tilly amused for a while.

Off she went, tail swishing with excitement. I’d done my walking for the day so got on with a couple of jobs. One was to mend the turny bit on a kitchen blind. The glue holding the wand and the turning piece had given up, so hopefully that was a quick fix with some Max UHU.

The other job was to replace a press stud on the blinds we have at the bow door. These fabric blinds roll up and get poppered in place. A week ago one of the poppers came apart so we’ve been a one blind up, one blind down kind of boat for a while. Ages ago I bought myself the means to attach poppers with the aid of a hammer. The floor much better to get the rivet part flattened out inside the popper. I then looked to see if I could use the same poppers on the pram cover as one has been missing on the straps that hold the rear flap open for quite a while. Despite the poppers looking the same size, I couldn’t get one to pop onto the other half, just a fraction too small. Oh well I’ll see if I can find a different brand that might be just that bit bigger.

I then got on with tracing out a profile of Oleanna from a photo. I want to do several different versions of her new paintwork before we commit ourselves to going for cream cabin sides. The first go was a bit wonky, so I ended up tracing the photo onto tracing paper and then straightening out the wonky lines. This will now get copied onto watercolour paper so I can paint the cabin sides and see what she’ll look like with the colours reversed.

On campaign cruise news, I believe some of them had a well deserved day off in Leicester with another giant cake provided by Claudia. Link to the Fund Britain’s Waterway Campaign petition

2 locks, 3.3 miles, 1 wind, 2 feline outsides, 2 moving boats, 3.83 miles walked, 52 minutes briskly, 1 popper, 1 wand, 1 actor turned away, 1 outline, 0.5 of a sock knitted.

https://what3words.com/comically.dusted.slimmer

Trapping The Postie. 31st March

Just over the Lincolnshire Border to Keadby Lock

As we laid in bed with our cuppas we realised that the VHF radio had been left on overnight. It chirped into life with someone asking if anyone was up yet. This was on the ship to ship channel 6 and most likely to be one of the crew from the Strawberry Island boats who would be heading to Keadby today. We wanted to arrive before them and had worked out that they had moored this side of Thorne for the night, we’d best not be tardy in getting going.

I walked up to Medge Hall Bridge just as a Post van crossed it stopping in front of the level crossing barriers to empty the post box. Before inserting my key of power into the control box for the bridge I checked if they were waiting to cross the railway or would be back across the bridge, they were waiting to carry on to deliver some post and the signaller hadn’t come out from their box to open the gates so I turned my key and closed barriers. The Postie was now stuck between the railway and canal.

Mick brought Oleanna through, the bridge was swung back, barrier open and after a train had come through the level crossing was opened and on the Postie could go. A roughish walk on to Godnow Bridge. Here the level crossing keeper has to press buttons in their hut for the canal control panel to work, they then came for a good natter. ‘Not seen a boat for ages!‘ That would be different today as behind us were at least seven boats all heading to Keadby.

Too far to walk to the next bridge, I hopped back onboard and got my knitting out, pair 64 coming along nicely. The wind wasn’t as strong today and the sun was out, a few anglers sat with their poles in the water soaking up the sunshine.

Vazon Swing Bridge is manual, I hopped off and did the honours, or tried to. The bridge swung only a few inches before it ground to a halt. We’d obviously timed our arrival well with Vazon Sliding Bridge as the sirens started warning that it would be moving. I tried closing the bridge, gave it another heave and thankfully it got moving. By the time it was closed again the sliding bridge was fully open and waiting for us, obviously no trains due soon. I quickly hopped back on board and through we went thanking the bridge keeper.

Just a couple of boats on the moorings ahead we pulled in towards the rear, furthest away from the lock, plenty of space for the Campaign Cruise boats to pull up in front. Time to give the well deck and bow a much needed sweep and wash. This took some doing, the patches of rust on locker lids are an embarrassment. I know she’s getting repainted next year, but I may have to do a DIY job so things don’t get any worse before.

We had a half hour warning of the arrival of the Strawberry Island boats, then watched to see if we could see them pulling in on the other side of the sliding bridge. One bow appeared, a second, then over the radio someone said they’d been asked to all pull in in between the two bridges before the railway bridge would be swung.

The sirens could be heard then the bridge slid to the side. NB That’s It was first through followed by everyone else. Six narrowboats and a cruiser. We were now eight boats.

Banners and bunting were handed over to us, magnets found for attaching them along with a long length of string which was useful for a banner on the cratch board. Towpath chats meant it was hard for Tilly to come home, but we gave her a corridor of safety from too many people and woofers.

Everyone got their chairs out, took over an area next to the car park. Claudia from NB Tonka had baked a cherry cake and another couple arrived by car from Strawberry Island. Lots of chats and cups of tea and beer. Numbers were handed out, this was the order we planned to go through Gainsborough Bridge in. Mick then suggested that maybe we should lock out in number order also, the faster boats bringing up the stern. We were to be 8 with Mick on Cruiser Amerouse just in front of us.

**The entrance is due to be dredged tomorrow once we’ve gone through**

There were reports that there might be an aegir on the next flood up the Trent. People tried to work out when would be best to go and view it from the lock, various different times were come up with. We walked up to have a look anyway, handy to see what the sand bar at the lock entrance looked like. If you were in the first locking in the morning you’d be wanting to keep to the right!

I still had more minutes walking to do, so walked through Keadby, spotting the fish and chips shop, another takeaway and two shops before returning. Mick and I then headed back to look at the river. Distinct signs that the tide had already turned and was coming in. Looking up towards the bascule bridge we could just make out a dark line of water ad ripples behind it. That must have been the aegir, everyone had missed it.

**We think those ripples half way to the bridge were the aegir**

Final preparations for the morning involved engine checks, weed hatch checked and everything apart from the bucket with the anchor chain and anchor came inside to sit in the shower. Ooh the well deck looked nice and clean and tidy!

**Keadby Lock with it’s flood gates closed as well as the lock gates**

Fed and watered it was time for an early night as tomorrow the Lock Keeper wanted us ready to go through the road swing bridge at 06:15. The tide wasn’t due until 07:00, but they wanted us ready in case the flood came early. The first three boats would enter the lock, the following three would pass through the road swing bridge to wait above the lock so that the road bridge only needed to be opened twice. We’d then be let through the swing bridge with Amerouse to be the last locking down of the flotilla.

0 locks, 6 miles, 4 moveable bridges, 3.91 miles walked, 48 minutes briskly, 1 as clean as she’s going to be Oleanna, 5 hours shore leave, only 2 used, 2 cats nicely sharing the towpath, 1 Mrs Tilly stamp of approval until they all got there! 2 cats, 4 woofers, 15 crew, 2 banners, 2 lots of bunting, 1 cherry tray bake, 1 very early start tomorrow.

https://what3words.com/agreeable.edit.blackouts

Dear Princess Ann…. 29th March

Bramwith Swing Bridge to Wykewell Lift Bridge

Sunshine and lack of wind, brilliant, we’d be back on the move again, along with others. As we untied a couple of boats came past both heading for Thorne, would there be enough space for us to moor? Would we be able to top up on diesel before heading out onto the tidal Trent on the 1st? We pushed off and headed eastwards.

The ends were woven in on pair 63 of my sockathon as we made our way through Stainforth. It had been quite chilly when we’d left so we’d dressed to cheat the wind, but as we came under the railway bridge towards Staniland Marina a chap from a boat suggested we’d not be needing the waterproofs today.

I peeked along the first line of boats to see if I could spot Della who has had about six pairs of my socks from me in the last couple of years, but I couldn’t spot her, maybe when we come back this way I’ll give her a heads up as it’s nice to meet the people who’s feet I’ve knitted for.

The service point was free, we pulled in. Yesterday we’d tried ringing to check how much their diesel was and what hours they’d be open today at Staniland, but no-one answered. Mick walked to the chandlers whilst I inhaled the fumes from someone blacking their boat in the shed next door. Still no sign of anyone around to sell us diesel, we decided to drop down the lock and call in at Thorne Marine instead.

I walked on to the lock where a volunteer was washing weed through the lock, ‘won’t be a minute’. I stood on the towpath ready to close the road barrier and then push the bridge out of Oleanna’s way, closing it quickly to let a car across. The volunteer pressed his buttons on his remote, with this he can work individual gates and sluices unlike on the pedestal. I chose to ride down the lock on Oleanna, nothing for me to do lockside.

There was a gap suitable for Oleanna to pull into at Thorne Marine, but would the pump reach our tank? It took a little bit of jigging about and moving a small cruiser for us to reach the hose comfortably, the tank was filled and a length of flexible conduit purchased to tidy up the cables on the tunnel light and horns.

Then to the dismay of a fishing match we reversed back and turned into the visitor moorings, soon followed by a big cruiser that came back and forth disturbing everyone’s fresh bait as another narrowboat tried to squeeze past!

Shopping. Our next shops will be in Newark so some fresh items were required, we headed to Sainsburys and Lidl. Lunch, socks packed up, receipts scanned, water tank filling. I headed off to pop the socks in the post and top up my minutes walking. Yesterdays migraine thankfully was much improved, but was leaving me with a slight unsteadiness whilst trying to find a post box. I tried by the Post Office, an obvious place, but none in view. I spotted one across a busy main road and decided that with no crossing I’d carry on with my hunt. Then 50 yards from where I’d first looked, round a bend from the modern Post Office was a double whammy box, this must have been where the original Post Office had been.

Back at Oleanna it was either stay put for the rest of the day, or make a move now before sitting down. The later was chosen just as a call from the fishermen came along the line at 4pm, the match was over, lines brought in. We’d not be disturbing anyone now.

**lights, buttons and instructions for the Princessess bridge**

With the key of power I walked up to Princess Royals Bridge, yes the temperamental bridge. I turned the key, no clunk. I waggled barriers one wasn’t held back, I waggled it more. A very chatty lad came over to chat and ask me all the questions he could think of whilst I tried to re-read the instructions in case there was a new handy hint to get the bloomin bridge moving. More wiggling. A lady watch with her dog saying that you need to keep your finger on the button to close it properly for far longer than you’d imagine, except I was trying to open it!

Mick pulled the boat in, time to get him involved waggling gates too. More questions about Oleanna now and ‘Do fish follow boats?’ he was fishing with his mates. I pressed the open button, still nothing. I pressed the closed button, the warning siren sounded, no movement noticed, but we did get a big clunk. With all barriers now moveable we closed them all, a crowd collecting now. The bridge moved. Mick brought Oleanna through and I started to close the bridge just as one of the young lads decided to walk along where the bridge was heading. ‘Get out of the way! You moron!!‘ Thankfully he did.

I made sure I kept the button pressed for far longer than you’d think and then some to get the big clunk before opening the gates. We could be on our way again as the young lads flung their lines back into the canal hoping to catch a fish or three.

**NB Christopher B tucked in and for sale**

The wind picked up as we passed NB Christopher B. Two years ago we’d shared bridge hopping with NB That’s It and NB Christopher B when Lesley had an awful accident at the next bridge trapping her leg between the side of the piling and their boat. Their boat is up for sale £58,000. I wonder how they are doing?

Past Blue Water Marina and on to Wykewell Lift Bridge. the wind was now very strong. I took extra care whilst stepping off, the sky darkening all the time. Was it nearly time to stop for the day? Maybe.

I lifted the bridge holding two cars up, Mick brought Oleanna through and pulled in at the bridge landing. Once back on board there was no getting Oleanna off the bank. We tried pushing the bow out, a reverse Andy, the bow thruster worked a bit. But we decided we’d had enough so managed to bow haul her off the bridge landing where she obediently sat by the bank as we tied her up for the night.

Sorry Tilly too late and it wasn’t a suitable mooring for cats anyway.

Blimey that wind was ferocious! Fat fenders deployed to keep us away from the big iron bar along the piling. Bungs needed in the portholes on the windy side to stop the drafts and whistling. Our extractor fan was making noises even though it wasn’t on!

**Boats at Strawberry Island all ready to head off**

Back in Doncaster at Strawberry Island Cruising Club the intrepid boaters headed for the Fund Britains Waterways Campaign Cruise all gathered with flags flying and bunting fluttering for the launch of their cruise southwards. Seven boats look like they will be heading to Keadby for Tuesdays early start.

Last night we’d heard of a possible breach on the Macclesfield Canal. Water was making it’s way out of the canal disrupting the towpath. By this morning boats were being moved from the affected area above Bosley Locks and stop planks were going in. The breach having increased in size over night. This now means another route from the north to south is blocked, leaving the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Trent the only means to get up and down the country. Thankfully for us we’d not planned on heading over to the north west this year, but plenty had and have been replanning routes that now will require some extra thought.

1 lock, 5.2 miles, 3 bridges, 2 cars held up, numerous pedestrians held up, 1 full diesel tank, 1 full water tank, 1 load washing, 1 chicken to roast, 1 launch party, 1 more big hole in a canal.

https://what3words.com/florists.twilight.wiggling

Toooo Windy to Wind. 28th March

Bramwith Junction to past Bramwith Swing Bridge

The original plan for today had been to wind, tie up again with the port side to the bank. Then I’d be able to wash down that side of Oleanna. Then we’d wind again and start making our way along the Stainforth and Keadby Canal to Thorne for a top up of diesel. However, it was way too windy to be winding so much. Was this just here where the canal is quite exposed? Or was it everywhere?

We decided to push onwards and hope for a space on the otherside of the lock and swing bridge where it might be more sheltered. I walked on ahead leaving Mick to push off against the wind, having the lock ready might be a good thing if he had to crab his way towards the lock without getting too familiar with the moored boats.

First manual lock of the year, windlass in hand, long extended beams. I was about to find out what my knee made of pushing gates. I lifted the paddles to fill the lock, unhooked one chain holding the gate in its closed position, waited until everything was equalised. Then pushed making sure my feet were straight ahead of me and pointing straight, this is one thing my physio had been insistent on for my stretches. The gate moved as requested and not a jot of pain in my knee! Hooray!!!

**Hello David, we’ll have more time to say hello soon**

I crossed over the bottom gates to open the other side of the lock giving Oleanna a bigger gap to aim for in the wind. It looked as if it was taking Mick quite a bit of doing getting off the bank, but he made it in the end. Oleanna dropped down the lock, I already had the key of power to work the swing bridge ahead so walked on after closing up the lock.

The sun was out, but boy that wind was strong. I crossed the bridge, no traffic in sight or audible, I pressed the button, a car appeared from nowhere! I paused the operation then started it again. Swing done not one vehicle held up. Time to find a mooring. Mick tried a couple of times to bring Oleanna in and then found a stretch where she came into the bank, well until the wind caught her determined to have her moor on the off side. We got her tied up in the end.

*You’ve missed a bit!* I haven’t started yet!!!

Our new aim was to get the port side washed then move on up to Thorne to be able to fill with diesel. The buckets were filled with water and soap, roof emptied of planks and poles, Tilly let loose on the towpath. I worked from bow to stern, first the roof then the cabin side, the bank too high to do a good job on the side of the gunnels.

Mick pumped up our tyre fenders, went fishing for the spare club hammer that had fallen off the pram cover as he pulled them up. All the time the ‘Moderate’ wind (according to the BBC) blasted across the canal. A few boats came past. A narrowboat towing a cruiser zigzagged its way towards us, almost into the bank then into the offside trees.

With the washing done we decided to stay put for the day, the wind too string for us to battle with it, the forecast much better for tomorrow. All day we’d been listening in to BBC radio, today was Adam from NB Briar Rose last day with the BBC. One comment on Instagram was the usual Good Luck with your new life. I nearly replied, Looking forward to seeing you in your new life! I wonder how long it will be before our bows cross somewhere on the network.

Time to top up on the walking. Unfortunately my Active10 app hadn’t been working so far today, so I wasn’t sure how many brisk minutes I’d done, I hoped it would still be keeping track. I plotted out a route to include some of the Bramwith circular walk along the flood banks of the River Don then back from the next road bridge along the towpath.

A sign at the first stile suggested my chosen route would not be possible, bank repairs were taking place. I decided to walk to see if there was a way round them to be able to loop back on myself. Lots of green and clouds skitting along the sky, wonderful.

Then sadly about a quarter of my way into my planned route I was aware of something a bit odd in my vision. Was this a migraine coming on? I looked this way and that, got my phone out of my pocket, the signs were pointing towards a migraine, only one thing for it but to turn round and head back. Thankfully the flood bank is straight but the location of the high stile wasn’t visible. I got home safely, found the box of pills in the cupboard and sat down for much of the remainder of the afternoon. An early night called for.

1 lock, 0.9 miles, 1 bridge, 0 held up, 2 waves to David, 0 eggs, 0.5 clean boat, 1 cat up a tree shouting about it, 3.18 miles walked, 40 minutes briskly, 1 headache, 2 blowy to do much.

https://what3words.com/slept.hoops.cadet

Goole Green. 27th March

Doncaster Visitor Moorings to Bramwith Junction

A few little gaps in our larder needed filling, we moved Oleanna up to the water point and I left Mick topping up with water as I walked into town. A few stalls were open in the fish market along with a couple of fruit and veg stalls outside. I toyed with trying to buy everything at the market, but I still would need a supermarket for a few bits and another visit to Boyes was required.

**Goodbye Doncaster we may see you again soonish**

Back at Oleanna the development next door was having some piles driven about 2ft away from the gate to the moorings and more importantly 2 ft away from the piling holding the bank back. Mick just wanted to make sure CRT knew about this, so gave them call.

Yesterday a small black narrowboat had arrived towing a small cruiser. The chaps had chatted to Mick asking if he had a guide to the area. They were planning on towing the cruiser and a second one down to Keadby and out onto the Trent and up stream to Nottingham, their main concern was would they be able to breast up one cruiser and still get through the locks. This morning they were manoeuvring themselves round to the other side of the pontoons to collect the second cruiser, neither of which have working engines.

We pushed off wishing them well and headed back down stream. Todays mooring should be one suitable for Tilly to have some shore leave and hopefully one where we’d be able to do some jobs. As we approached Long Sandall Lock we clocked the boat that had been at Bramwith Junction, maybe our mooring would be available?

The amber light at the lock turned red. Ah, the VHF radio had been coming to life on and off and news that Eastwood Lock up at Rotherham was now open suggested to us that maybe Exol Pride was on its way, maybe we were to meet it here? The top gates opened and the light turned green. A chat with a chap in blue, they were here to clear bywashes etc, then up to Doncaster to check things out there too along with the development site. No news of Exol on the move.

Below the lock there was more activity at the pontoon for the flood defences. Numerous chaps in orange were gesticulating to a crane operator. A short distance further on another band of orange people were on the river bank erecting fencing and measuring things out.

At Barnby Dun Lift Bridge I had another prat go through on the red wigwag lights necessitating me lifting my finger to stop everything. Once through I counted the cars, 21 including a funeral cortege, I hope I didn’t slow them down too much.

I now opted to walk to the junction whilst Mick took Oleanna on ahead. Our favourite space available, thankfully the wind that is always present here helped to hold Oleanna to the bank today. Tilly when shown the outside wasn’t too enamoured due to the breeze, so the front door outside was checked, it was slightly better!

After lunch it was time for jobs. I dug out the drill for Mick whilst he dug out buckets for me. Mick would be having a more concerted effort with the stern light today. Our passage through Keadby next week is at 7am, there may be fog on the river and with so many boats in convoy it would be handy to show a white stern light.

I got the boat washing things out. Goole for five months leaves it’s mark on boats, a greening and general layer of dust, time to give Oleanna a scrub up for the Fund Britain’s Waterways Campaign Cruise. I decided to split the job into four, starboard side today, both roof and cabin side. The covers will have to wait!

Tilly came out claimed the towpath as hers, ran around like a loon for a while then sat on the gunnels, chewed the tasty bits of grass alongside the boat then went on duck duty, Can’t have ducks making nests on Oleanna, the outside needs to keep changing! Just keep away from the wet side of the boat please!

Ten more minutes of walking were required so I decided to walk round the ‘block’ as it were. From the opposite bank I got a few nice shots of Oleanna and Mick looked like he was nearing completion of the stern light wiring. Along to the Don Doors, a boat just approaching from the last bridge of the New Junction. Across to Bramwith Lock, people from the permanent moorings were sitting out enjoying the early evening sunshine. By the lock there is a cupboard for fresh eggs. Not just chicken eggs, but if you are lucky you can get Turkey and Guinea Fowl eggs too. I’ll look again when we come through, see if we’re lucky enough to try a Turkey egg.

On returning to Oleanna some wiring was happening in the electrics cupboard. After a short while there was a cheer, the stern light was working! Brilliant.

A while after dark we paused what we were watching on the TV, lights and voices could be heard on the canal. It was the black narrowboat breasted up to one of the cruisers, thankfully they weren’t towing as well! Will they have got through Bramwith Lock breasted up? Hopefully where ever they got to they got there safely, we just wonder how much research they’ve done for the Tidal Trent?

1 lock, 5.7 miles, 1 lift bridge, 21 held up, 1 prat, 4.43 miles walked, 52 minutes briskly, 1/4 washed boat, 1 stern light working, 1 loony cat who’s forgotten about the trees over there! Where?!

https://what3words.com/speeded.loans.kingdom

Narrowboat Oleanna

Travels of Narrowboat Oleanna

Category Archives: Narrowboat Maintenance

Sunny….. Scarbados! 23rd April

Still There. 22nd April

We Have No Bananas. 19th April

A Hoolie Of A Day. 16th April

Crime Scene. 11th April

Too Shallow For Speed. 8th April

Trapping The Postie. 31st March

Dear Princess Ann…. 29th March

Toooo Windy to Wind. 28th March

Goole Green. 27th March