Heading South

Holme Lock reopened on Saturday 17 May at noon so on that morning we had a steady run from Gunthorpe and arrived in time to join the first lock up with 6 other narrowboats.   Emerging from the lock we saw a queue of boats waiting to head north.   We then raced down to Nottingham to avoid being at the back of the queue for Meadow Lane Lock which only takes 2 boats.   On the Nottingham Canal we found more boaters waiting to head north and mooring space outside Sainsburys.  We weren't alone in bringing back a shopping trolley of groceries to our boat.  

The queue for Holme Lock

We teamed up with Ernie and Steph and continued our journey south.  At Cranfleet Cut we joined the queue of boats waiting for the lock and Bess and Brinny came out onto the pontoon. Brinny thought the sticks and debris floating on the water were solid and got a shock when she jumped down onto them.  She wasn't too keen on the rinse down that followed her dunking either.

Travelling in pairs we made good progress and stopped in Leicester on Monday night.  

A heron watches us pass on the outskirts of Leicester

An early start on Tuesday took us through 12 locks to Kilby for lunchtime and then we continued towards Foxton.  There were boats in front of us and water levels became very low. Something caught around the propeller and while preparing to free it Kev dropped our large kitchen knife through the weedhatch which is an open hole in the bottom of the boat giving access to the propeller.  Despite spending some time throwing our magnets on ropes over the spot we didn't find the knife.  We continued on to the bottom of the Foxton flight and moored up, having covered  18 miles and 24 locks in the day. 

The next morning Kev opened the weedhatch and was amazed to see our knife laid underwater on the ledge surrounding the opening.  We hadn't seen it the day before because the water was muddy.  The chances of the knife landing on the ledge and staying there when Kev pulled the material off the propeller and through the hole were slim.  Unfortunately there was nowhere to buy a lottery ticket so we went up the 10 locks of the Foxton flight and had an ice cream at the top.   There were no locks for the next 18 miles but it was busy at Crick with preparations for the show at the weekend.  We were lucky not to have any delay at the Watford Gap flight of 7 locks and even luckier to find a free mooring at Norton Junction which was busy with boats heading to Crick. 

The forecast for Thursday was heavy rain and we set off in our waterproofs.  We were doing well until Long Buckby Lock; the canal on the other side of the lock was completely empty. The cause became apparent when I walked down to the next lock and found a gate paddle had been left open, probably the previous evening.  Filling that stretch of canal would've taken a considerable amount of water and caused the levels to drop upstream so we rang the Canal & River Trust.   They quickly sent someone out who opened the lock paddles upstream so we could open our paddles and fill the empty pound.  

Filling the pound below Long Buckby lock, thankfully it stopped raining while we waited.

Heavy rain set in during the afternoon and we were pleased to reach Blisworth Tunnel which is 3057 yards long.  It's the third longest canal tunnel in Britain and after entering it was sometime before we could see the other end.  White and rust coloured deposits lined the walls and we didn't completely escape the rain, torrents were cascading down the air vents.  We emerged from the tunnel to find a thunderstorm was raging overhead.

It was a short distance to Stoke Bruerne and once we'd moored up I couldn't resist a treat from the Candy Boat.  

Jars of sweets line the side of the Candy Boat

  
Our journey from Gunthorpe to Stoke Bruerne

Waiting for Holme Lock

At Torksey we waited for the tide to come in so there was sufficient depth of water to sail over the lock cill, the structure which the bottom lock gates rest on.  The tide was low and didn't give us a lot of help to Cromwell.  Travelling on our motorway wasn't very fast and Kev decided to put the hot water we were producing to good use by cleaning the cooker!  After 4 hours we arrived at Cromwell and were surprised to find we were the only boat there. We were expecting to see a lot of boaters heading south towards the lock which has been out of action since the winter. 

The entrance to Cromwell Lock; the horizontal black bar on the left is the weir.

   
The next day we moved on to Newark and again were surprised to see free moorings on the pontoons.  Kev walked down to Just Beer but while he was supping torrential rain set in.  Phil the barman lent him an umbrella and it would've been rude not to return it the next day.  Kev was equally considerate when 2 boaters, Ernie and Steph, asked for directions to the pub; he insisted on walking with them to the "finest pub in England".  

Just Beer 

  
I was looking forward to a visit to the Millgate Museum but sadly it has been closed.  Instead I went into the small Town Hall museum and, as I was the only visitor,  I was given my own guided tour.  My guide also took me down to see the magnificent ballroom and the Mayors Parlour where the mace and chain are kept on display.  Finally I was shown the smallest house in Newark which has a connecting door from the Town Hall.  The interior was not much wider than Brent III.  

The bric-a brac market and Town Hall at Newark.  The smallest house in Newark is sandwiched between the two large buildings.

  
After 6 days, slightly longer than the 48 hour limit for the moorings, we decided to move on to Hazelford Island, a haven for rabbits and very exciting for Brinny and Bess.   We meet up again with Ernie and Steph who are delivering a boat to London and chatted to an ornithologist who had set up some nets to catch birds for ringing.  Unfortunately he didn't catch many and none while I was with him.  

We hadn't seen many boats so assumed we were at the head of the queue for Holme Lock.  To maintain this position we moved on to Gunthorpe with Ernie and Steph where we were later joined by other boats heading south.   The owner of Gunthorpe Leisure Boats thoughtfully offered to take any boaters who needed provisions to the shops.   While we waited for news about Holme Lock we enjoyed the glorious weather and the pontoons made an ideal spot to sit in the sun.    

Bess enjoying the sun at Gunthorpe

Our journey from Torksey to Gunthorpe

Saxilby

This year we want to travel south and visit London after the summer.  The River Trent is our motorway taking a direct route to Nottingham but there is a problem.  During scheduled repairs to Holme Lock a void opened under the lock floor and the Canal and River Trust estimate the lock will be out of action until mid-May.  Before leaving Goole we decided to continue with our plan to sail down the Trent rather than take a longer alternative route.   At Thorne we met some other boaters with the same intentions and started to wonder how many boats would be queuing to use Holme Lock. 

Undeterred we stayed at Thorne for a couple of days before heading east for Keadby and an early morning lock out on to the Trent.  We had an easy trip on a high tide which helped us all the way to Torksey and on arrival we were surprised to find the visitor moorings were deserted.  

On the jetty at Thorne

At Saxilby there were plenty of free moorings but they were quickly taken at the start of the bank holiday weekend.  

Busy moorings at Saxilby

On Saturday we took the bus to Lincoln where I spotted a sign outside an arts and crafts shop: Yarn Shop Day.  I resisted the temptation to buy any wool but did come out with another watercolour paint brush to add to my collection.  

Lincoln Stonebow arch and the Guildhall, one of the many interesting buildings in the city.

On Tuesday morning the bus to Gainsborough quickly filled up with pensioners making the most of their bus passes.  They were a cheerful group who were well practiced at manoeuvring their shopping trolleys.  For a small town Gainsborough has a good selection of shops and as we'd picked market day, it was bustling.  

We decided to continue our journey on Wednesday.  Newark is the last town before Holme Lock and we're hoping to arrive before all the moorings are taken.  We sailed the short distance back to Torksey and waited for our lock out on to the Trent.  

Our journey from New Junction to Saxilby

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.  

Merry Christmas

Time has flown by since we moored up for the winter at Viking Marina on 29th October.  After the convenience of borrowing Dad's car last year we decided we wanted another vehicle this winter.  Gaz sourced a Vauxhall Combi van and Shaun had it ready for the road.  The little van has proved very convenient although Bess and Brinny aren't impressed by the grill which keeps them in the back.  

We've enjoyed visiting family and friends and Kev's growing 'To Do' list has kept us busy.  Apart from general maintenance work we had some modifications which will assist us in our life on board.  Simple additions included strategically placed hooks for dog leads, mooring chains, hoses etc and Kev devised a lock for the diesel cap which is a sensible precaution against fuel theft.  Kev also had a plan for the woodburning stove which had a small top that limited the size of pan we could use.  It now boasts an extension for bigger pans.  

The inverter charger which broke down in the summer had to be returned to the manufacturer but we had some difficulty finding a courier.  My searches on the internet drew a blank and on one occasion a comment  "Whoa that's a big parcel"  which was surprising.  After entering the details on another site a courier replied asking us to confirm the size which revealed my error. The parcel was 600mm not 600cm long!   The courier problem solved we sent the unit back and were very pleased when Sterling Power Products rang to tell us it had been repaired and the only charge was for the return courier.  

For me November was novel writing month and having worked on the plot before the beginning of the month I was ready to type.   50,000 words is a lot of writing and I quickly realised I would finish the plot before reaching the target.  After adding some more characters and twists in the storyline I felt it was quite an achievement to finish my mystery tale using 53,000 words.  I thoroughly enjoyed the process and will probably take up the challenge again next year.  

We returned to land for a week, house-sitting for Nic and Gaz.  This was convenient for meeting up with friends and shopping in South Yorkshire.  It was also a short drive down to see Sarah in Chesterfield where we enjoyed looking round Hobbycraft.  I also retrieved some items which Sarah has helpfully been storing in her loft.   On the return journey to Goole we had a full van and back on board stashing everything away was a challenge!

John and Cath have been working hard renovating their new boat.  Volunteering for varnishing seemed a good idea at the time but it was an ideal opportunity for a long chat.       

There are now only four shopping days left so I'll end by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year. 

Home to Goole

The weather turned wet and water levels started to rise turning our thoughts to the return journey on the tidal Trent.  We moved on to Cromwell and had a walk down to the lock.  A dredger was working so we stopped to watch as bucket-loads of silt were scooped up and deposited in a barge.  Then we noticed a camera crew on the dredger and an interview taking place with us in the background.  When we watched the local news there we were - 2 minuscule blobs in the distance.  

That evening torrential rain and wind added to the noise of waves slapping against the hull so it wasn't a peaceful night.  In the morning we found a tree trunk had jammed under the jetty and against our stern.  Moving Brent III forward released the trunk which hurtled away towards the weir.  

At 12 o'clock the lockie let us through the lock and advised us the recent rain had raised the water level on the river by 10 feet.  There was no danger of grounding but in places we encountered 2 feet high waves.  We stopped overnight on the pontoons at Torksey and set off at 11.45am the next day.  This was the best time to gain an advantage from the tide and it certainly worked in our favour, after the tide had turned we sped along at 9.5mph.   We arrived at Keadby at 3.30pm, our fastest return journey. 

Passing the ruins of Torkey Castle which overlook the Trent

The approaching storm was making the news headlines so we decided to moor up at Thorne until it had passed.  On Sunday afternoon the wind picked up and we prepared for the gales, adding extra mooring ropes and clearing the roof of anything that might blow away.  The evening was quiet and so was the night.  Luckily the storm didn't come as far north as Thorne and on Monday morning we sailed up to the Junction and completed the journey home to Viking Marina on Tuesday morning. 

Moored up for the winter at Viking Marina.  

Since leaving Tattenhall we've travelled 1002 miles and come through 512 locks.  We haven't moored up for a rest, Kev has a list of jobs and minor modifications for us to do and I have been working on the plot for my November novel.  

The map shows the canals we've travelled during 2013