March 5th

Pollington to Thorne is a fairly easy run but the day was still breezy. Mooring up for all the swing bridges can prove difficult. I'm not keen on hauling the boat around by hand and prefer that the engine does all the work, but when there is wind this sometimes proves impossible. The final lock in Thorne is complicated as the bridge, the paddles and the gate all have to be set correctly and in the right sequence and can take some working out.

Safely moored beyond the swing footbridge, a very short trip to the chandlers, which like all others did not stock the part I needed and then a trip to the Canal Tavern (I think). Free wifi and a socketr to plug into encouraged a return for the evening. Couldn't find any other pubs we fancied but this one was fine.

We asked around about the trip to Keadby and the consensu7s was that it would be 3.5 to 5 hours.

March 4th

Woke up to wind and rain. Emailed Tim to say I won't get to Barnby Dun tonight and arranged to meet in Thorne tomorrow, then went back to bed for the day. I don't like rain.

March 3rd

An early start for a long day as I'm heading for Pollington. I stop here because on my first visit 3 years ago the King's Head locals were very friendley and helpful. I had no heating on the boat and it was very cold. Someone offered to give me a lift to the nearest shops as the village shop had closed and another donated a pair of gloves. So my return is a kind of payback. At Ferrybridge lock a boater was in the lock taking on water so operated the lock for me. Very grateful as it was nearing dusk and so far this trip I had not come accross any help and nearly all the locks were set against me. It was well past dark when I arrived and the pub was very quiet.

26 miles, 12 Broad locks.,

42 miles, 35 locks.

March 2nd

An early start and heading for Wakefield, or rather Horbury just short of Wakefield as last year I had the Navigation recommended. I won't be recommending it. Expensive and empty. Just a pint and back to the boat. Previously I'd have gone on to Stanley Ferry but the good pub there has closed and the only place is horrendous.

10 miles and 13 broad locks.

16.4 miles, 23 broad locks

March 1st

After saying cheerio to friends and a couple of beers I set off early afternoon from Sowerby Bridge in glorious spring weather to Brighouse. An evening in the Ship Inn went well on unexpectadly meeting friends who I rarely see. This was a last easy day for a while as I had arranged to meet Tim in Barnby Dun on Sunday for a trip up the Trent.

6.4 miles, 10 broad locks.

2011 an apology

For those who were reading this blog last year, I apologise for it's lack of updates. I was overwhelemed by other things happening, mostly breakdowns, and could not continue. I am trying again this year.

The leaving of Nantwich

Having had further engine problems I'm leaving Nantwich today and intend to get to Whitchurch, which is about 11 hours away. But first I've promised to tow NB Mountain Ash to the next winding hole.

Saturday is the big day when Dr Bradley'sLinctus opensasa bookshop and cafe for the first time. Stilllots to do on the boat but I'd promised to open then so will. If your near Whitchurch why not find me and call in.