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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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