Solar Panels

From Pollington we sailed east and turned onto the New Junction canal.  The surrounding fields are still partially flooded and some noisy oyster catchers appear to have taken up residence.  

Luckily we were able to squeeze onto the  last available space on the Doncaster Wharf visitor moorings.  Cally, a beautiful white, long haired alsatian, greeted us on the jetty and we soon met several dogs belonging to boaters.  Bess and Brin were quickly pottering about on the jetty with the others.  

Humber Princess, the last commercial barge running to Rotherham, passes the moorings at Doncaster.

The moorings are close to the excellent Doncaster Markets and the town centre so we spent some time shopping.  Kev hedged his bets, buying hoodies for cold weather and shorts in the hope of seeing some hot sunny days.   I was very pleased with the fine watercolour brushes I bought for detailed work.

Unfortunately our rudder bearing had developed a leak and we didn't notice until after leaving Viking Marina.  Nic and Ryan helpfully drove through to Doncaster with a replacement so Kev could swap it over in due course. 

When we're travelling the alternator recharges the batteries so we haven't tested the capacity of our solar power now the sun is higher in the sky.  We stayed at Doncaster for 3 days and were pleased the solar panels provided more than enough electricity, shutting down automatically when the batteries were fully charged. 

The weather turned to rain as we left Doncaster but brightened up as we met Cath and John on Saturday.  We'd picked a secluded spot on the New Junction canal and enjoyed the afternoon outside until a chilly evening drove us all onto La Belle's large back deck. 

La Belle on the New Junction Canal.

The next morning Kev started work on the rudder bearing.  As well as replacing the existing bearing he cut a metal plate and an extra gasket to prevent water from the propeller being forced against the bearing.    The new graduating hole cutters Shaun had bought for Kev proved invaluable and John assisted in a 'supervisory' capacity so now we are watertight again.   

Our journey from Pollington to Doncaster and back up the New Junction canal. 

   

Sailing Off 2014

The winter months at Goole passed by quickly; Kev finished his list of maintenance jobs and also made some changes.  He replaced our small brass kitchen sink with a larger stainless steel one, complete with a swivel mixer tap, which is far more practical.  We bought a new lock for the front doors and Kev enthusiastically cut a hole through the door with his jigsaw but there was a technical hitch.  The hole was too big.  Gaz came to the rescue by neatly inserting a wooden patch and fitting the new lock.        

Spring came early but our departure from Viking Marina was delayed until I recovered from a hernia operation.  Kev toiled on the domestic front while I dedicated my recuperation to various arts and crafts.  

My Zentangle style version of a wyvern based on the one carved on Sheffield Railway Station. 

Cath & John invited us to join them on their Easter holiday which was the perfect start to our travels.  We stocked up with essentials before Shaun came to collect the van which has proved to be very useful.   On Saturday 12th April we sailed off with Cath, John and the kids who are in their new boat La Belle.  

La Belle on Bulholme lock jetty.

 At Woodlesford someone has been busy creating chainsaw creatures which stand among the trees lining the footpaths.   It's warm in the sun and the circular route between the locks is busy with families, dog-walkers, cyclists and one or two bird watchers, all enjoying the countryside. A couple stop to tell us the proposed route for HS2 is alongside the canal which would sadly destroy this haven.  

Meercats and an elephant at Woodlesford

We sailed into Leeds and moored up in Clarence Dock outside the Royal Armouries which was interesting to visit the next day.  

In Clarence Dock, the building on the right is the Royal Armouries

On our return journey we moored up at Castleford and where surprised to see Lynne and Gary coming through the lock in their boat.  It was good to seem them again and they joined us for the next day's cruising which took us passed Kellingley Colliery.   The colliery is under threat of closure and we wonder if it will still be there next time we are in the area.

Kellingley Colliery

The canal has become very busy with boaters for the Easter holidays, more than we've seen in a long time.  Luckily there is always plenty of space to moor on this canal.  Our last stop with Cath and John was at Pollington where we all enjoyed an excellent Sunday lunch in the Kings Head to round off the holiday.  

Our route from Goole to Leeds and back to Pollington.