Keadby to Lincoln

and we are off.  The tide is at 9.30am and there is another boat coming with us. Lots of weed coming with us :-)

The Trent is very calm and the other boat is soon in front but stays in sight as he is an anti-Trent as a place to enjoy.

Not long and its halfway with the water coming over the gates at West Stockwith.

On into Gainsborough. The shopping trolley on the mud to the left has now disappeared along with the traffic cone.

Heading for the centre span of the town bridge. Just outside Gainsborough and

oops  where did that come from? :-)

Fusedale H coming downstream fully laiden with gravel or some such.

After four and a half hours full steam ahead we arrive at the Torksey Viaduct.  At this point I get on the radio to let the Lockie know where I am. Problem with Torksey is that I say this is Abigail Jenna and I get the answer Oh Hello Ifor I suppose you want to come in (Only joking Neil :-)))

The mooring for the night.  The lock has an enormous amount of heritage attached to it and there is now a cafe as well.  The 'caff' is brilliant with a superb book exchange and not only that but they make a really good cup of tea.

In the morning that dark view turned to this.  A wonderful view of the canal system with its gentle way of life just around the corner. 

Just around the corner of course is the visitor moorings after a long line of moored boats.

Plenty of straight bits and 'Good grief' a boat comes into view.  Plastics (you will notice that I didnt use the word Tupperware in deference to the lovely people on Naughty Cal. :-) ) seem to have a total inability to steer a straight line.

Going a bit slow here with the moored boats. I wish they were the same price as the mooring on the River Idle.  I must have another look at that to see if the price can be brought down somewhat.

Ahh. Saxilby. One of my most favourite places ever.  There have been lots of lovely memories here.  People visiting and days just spent in the sun smiling at others. Lee loves the Weeping Willows so its a one up already but a bit busy for her. 

Not far from Saxilby and the first view of Lincoln Cathedral comes to you.  My favourite cathedral and city with lots there and plenty to see. There is a need or should that be was a need for a decent map for boaters.  There is a Tesco and a Morrison within walking distance of various moorings. 

and on to the Glory Hole.  Where have you been well they are nosy around here arent they  :-) The most excitement you are likely to get between here and Boston unless you are me. :-)

The actual Hole is medieval and the evidence is there for all to see if you use a boat.

Moored up in the middle of Lincoln for a shopping spree at Wilkos.  Damn cats is eating me out of boat and home. Gipsie is moored just in front of us.

For a couple of days we moor up at Stamp End.  Visit the Arboretum and its another place that is not advertised and is well worth several visits even if it is only for the bacon sandwich.

Ready to go on the Trent - Maybe but no?

Eventually we managed to get through the bridges.  The wind only had to drop for an hour or so and we arrived at Keadby.  Had a quick chat to the Lockie and it seems that a number of boats are going out on Tuesday so we will just have to loaf about for a day and a half. The stress :-) apart from that its a lovely sunny day.

Well we were going to go out onto the Trent.  A boat came up stream at the high tide and had a slight problem.  One of the engine holding-down bolts had sheared earlier then another and another then just as she entered the lock the last one went.  Lot of noise - exhaust detached so lots of smoke inside the engine room.  A large Oopppps you must agree.

The boat came alongside as we went off for a walk.  Had a word with helmsman and said we could tow him back to Thorne or go on our walk.  He chose the Thorne option. :-) So I spins the boat around and go alongside to tie up.

There isnt a great deal of room getting through the swing-bridge holes but plenty with a little care.  Moving from side to side take a little thought with the extra drag of the towed boat but it is very helpful in some situations if you use the drag to swing the boat where it is needed.

Miss Liz Middleton - at least this is who Thorne Boat Services thought had left the boat and I assure you that its a Les - gets on the phone to  warn friends that he is on his way to Thorne.

The engine hole was in bit of a state as you can see by the graffiti that is soon left behind by 'friends' :-) in photo below.

I managed to slot the pair of us into the facilities moorings and as it was late on Les wrote a note out for the boatyard explaining what was happening. 

Friends of Les turn up to give a lift home and examine the mess in the engine room.

As I am about to go back to Keadby I move the boat across to the side and re-moor it.

The wind is back :-(  Not as bad as it was but it is now overcast and gloomy.  At least the rain is falling on someone else.

On the way I spot the old Methodist chapel that is slowly falling to bits.  Sad.

Plenty of sideways movement in the wind.

At Crowle I even get a blast from a passing train.  Its a pity that some of its load couldn't go by water.

At last its the last two bridges.  One we open and the other the railway.  A bit windy so stop have a cuppa and then the wind drops so we shoot through.

and its back to Keadby like we never been gone or cue for a song. :-)


Out onto the Trent tomorrow

2012

Happy New Year to you all.

I have had a really lucky year and spent time with all my loved ones.  These two are the best tonic that anyone could ever want.  Sadly I never see enough of them and apart from actually moving in it is never to be :-) 

Bit of luck for Karyn :-)