 Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead. |
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
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From Whitley Lock No 11 to Maud's Swing Bridge arriving at 2:05 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 20 minutes. 20.20 miles and 3 locks, averaging 4.35 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 446 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 985.08 miles and 626 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through Pollington Lock with nb Purple Emperor and shared the operation of locks and bridges with them as far as Stainforth Basin, where they moored. A lot of boys were playing on Wykewell Lift Bridge as is usual at this time of year. We moored for lunch just past Moor's Swing Bridge.
From Maud's Swing Bridge to Keadby Lock No 17 arriving at 5:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 7.88 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 448 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 992.95 miles and 627 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a lot of Great Crested Grebes, including some young, this afternoon as well as moorhen, coots and swans. Moored just before the lock. A sunny day.
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From Keadby Lock No 17 to Torksey Lock arriving at 6:05 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 20 minutes. 27.40 miles and 2 locks, averaging 5.51 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 454 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,020.35 miles and 629 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
In the morning I did the 7106 hour service. Although we had been expecting to go into the lock at 13.00 the lock keeper got us into the lock at 12.30 and by 12.55 we were out on the Trent with two other narrowboats. Saw a Great Crested Grebe above Stockwith and were passed by the barge Torksey just before Gainsborough. Got stuck on the bottom at the 82 Km post, where the guide indicated the channel close to the inside of the bend. Were through Torksey lock by 17.40 and stopped fifteeen minutes for a pumpout (£6). Moored on the 72 hour moorings. A day of sunshine and cloud.
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From Torksey Lock to Lincoln, West end of Brayford Mere arriving at 11:40 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 10.50 miles and No locks, averaging 3.94 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 456 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,030.85 miles and 629 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
There is a new Burton Waters Marina just past the Woodcocks pub and a lot of new housing development around it. Moored just before Brayford Pool and went to Morrison's for shopping and lunch.
From Lincoln, West end of Brayford Mere to Bardney Bridge arriving at 5:15 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 55 minutes. 9.13 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.81 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 459 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,039.97 miles and 631 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The usual flocks of swans at the Glory Hole and a swan with cygnets came through Stamp End Lock with us. Saw two kingfishers, the first on the edge of Lincoln. A lot of work is going on on long stretches of the river banks. Moored on the pontoons at Bardney - they were working on the bank opposite when we arrived. A sunny morning but a mostly cloudy and windy afternoon.
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From Bardney Bridge to Tattershall Bridge arriving at 10:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 25 minutes. 10.88 miles and No locks, averaging 4.50 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 462 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,050.85 miles and 631 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored on the pontoons past the bridge then walked down to Tattershall Castle and had a look round and went into the church. Had lunch at the Fortesque Arms (Mushroom Stroganoff £6.25, Lamb Chops £5.25).
From Tattershall Bridge to Boston Grand Sluice Lock No 3 arriving at 5:10 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 11.75 miles and No locks, averaging 4.41 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 464 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,062.60 miles and 631 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A lot of Great Crested Grebes, some with young, Coots, Moorhen, Ducks, Swans and Cormorants as is usual on this river. Moored on the visitor moorings. A day of sunshine and cloud.
From Boston Grand Sluice Lock No 3 to Tattershall Bridge arriving at 11:55 am. The time taken was 3 hours 35 minutes. 11.75 miles and No locks, averaging 3.28 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 468 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,074.35 miles and 631 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After spending a day at Boston, when we got the Boat Safety Certificate renewed and went out to dinner with Priscilla, we left and went back upstream. Saw two kingfishers, one after the 42 kilometre marker and the other shortly before we moored. A day of sunshine cloud and some showers.
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From Tattershall Bridge to Junction with River Witham arriving at 1:10 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 20 minutes. 20.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 5.19 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 472 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,094.85 miles and 633 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw two kingfishers on the trip today. Stopped 20 minutes for water above Bardsey Lock. Moored on the Brayford Pool Visitor Moorings and went for lunch at Ask opposite. Went shopping and looked round the cathedral. A sunny start to the day but more cloud in the afternoon and some showers.
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From Junction with River Witham to Torksey Lock arriving at 10:55 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 11.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 475 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,105.85 miles and 633 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Paid £4 for our mooring before leaving Brayford Pool. Saw two kingfishers on the way to Torksey. Stopped to consult the lock keeper about when we should go up to Cromwell Lock then turned the boat came back to the 72 hour moorings turned again and moored at 11.15. Had lunch at the White Swan (Game pie and Broccoli & Pasta Bake, £4.50 each). A mostly sunny day.
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From Torksey Lock to Cromwell Lock No 11 arriving at 1:25 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 40 minutes. 16.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 5.01 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 479 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,122.22 miles and 635 locks, averaging 3.67 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through Torksey Lock with two narrowboats and a cruiser. Three more cruisers followed us up river. Rain all the way. Stopped for water above the lock then moved onto the pontoon to moor. A wet day windy in the afternoon.
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From Cromwell Lock No 11 to Newark Road Bridge arriving at 11:10 am. The time taken was 2 hours. 5.38 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.19 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 481 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,127.60 miles and 636 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The river is running faster today following yesterday's rain. Moored on the rings just below the bridge and went to lunch at the Sir John Arerne pub (Veggie Burger and Chicken Wrap £4.09 each). Went shopping at Morrisons then later went round the town and visited the church. A sunny day.
From Newark Road Bridge to Hazelford Lock No 8 arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 8.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.07 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 484 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,136.10 miles and 638 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The river still running fast today. Spent 30 minutes going into Farndon Marina for pumpout (£10) and diesel (100.31 litres £35.11). Saw a kingfisher before we got to Fiskerton. Moored above the lock for lunch and to fill with water.
From Hazelford Lock No 8 to Gunthorpe Bridge arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 50 minutes. 5.63 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.61 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 486 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,141.72 miles and 639 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Was hailed by the man from nb Rutilus who was fishing on the bank. I have no idea where his boat is. Moored on the pontoons before the bridge. A sunny day.
From Gunthorpe Bridge to Lenton Chain Junction arriving at 12:40 am. The time taken was 4 hours. 11.63 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.91 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 490 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,153.35 miles and 643 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw some tufted ducks above Holme Lock. Went through Meadow Lane and Castle locks with a narrow dutch barge called Lucie-May. Moored by Sainsbury's where we had lunch and did some shopping.
From Lenton Chain Junction to Sawley Flood Lock No 1 arriving at 5:45 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 40 minutes. 9.00 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.27 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 494 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,162.35 miles and 646 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through Beeston and Cranfleet Locks with a narrowboat called Zula. Moored opposite Sawley Marina. The river still running quite fast today. A cloudy start but plenty of sunshine today.
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From Sawley Flood Lock No 1 to Weston Lock No 4 arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 4.88 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.82 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 496 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,167.22 miles and 651 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored above Weston Lock for water (20 minutes) then moved up a little way to moor for lunch. Walked into the village and had lunch at the Old Plough (Cannelloni Mama Mima and Pork Escolopes followed by Lemon Lemony £6 each for the two courses).
From Weston Lock No 4 to Findern, Bridge No 21 arriving at 5:55 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 55 minutes. 6.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.96 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 499 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,173.85 miles and 653 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw a kingfisher just past Sarson's Bridge (No 11). Having a lot of problems in getting the reverse gear to engage today. Moored close after Bridge 22. A day of sunshine and cloud.
From Findern, Bridge No 21 to Shobnall Road Bridge arriving at 11:30 am. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 6.63 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.27 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 502 hours total cruising time, 1,180.47 miles and 654 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down to Dallow Lane Lock followed by two boats. Stopped at Jannel Cruisers and asked them to look at our gear problem. Went to collect the post but it had not arrived yet. Moved into the marina in the afternoon and had the gearbox removed. The problem is a broken drive plate. A mostly sunny day.
At Shobnall Road Bridge
After spending three days in the marina having the drive plate changed and work done on the gas locker we had a pumpout (£10) and filled with diesel (68.5 litres £18.50) and moored outside while I went into town to collect the post. Moved down to the moorings before the A38 bridge and went to Morrison's for our shopping. A cloudy day.
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From Shobnall Road Bridge to Huddlesford Junction arriving at 2:30 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 35 minutes. 13.25 miles and 10 locks, averaging 4.16 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 507 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,193.72 miles and 664 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Met quite a few boats as we went up the locks today. Stopped briefly to dump the rubbish at Barton Turn Marina. Moored opposite Streethay Wharf moorings. A cloudy day.
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From Huddlesford Junction to Atherstone Lock No 11 arriving at 4:00 pm. The time taken was 7 hours 15 minutes. 15.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 2.41 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 515 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,209.22 miles and 666 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A brief stop at Hopwas to post some letters then stopped for water for 20 minutes at Fazeley Junction. Waited 1 hour 20 minutes in a queue for the locks at Glascote. Had lunch while we waited. Moored at the bottom of the locks. A mostly cloudy and cooler day.
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From Atherstone Lock No 11 to Atherstone Top Lock No 1 arriving at 11:40 am. The time taken was 2 hours 45 minutes. 2.00 miles and 11 locks, averaging 4.73 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 517 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,211.22 miles and 677 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Followed Ann Louise up the locks. Moored and went into town for lunch at the White Bear (Toad in the Hole and Vegetarian Lasagne £3.75 each).
From Atherstone Top Lock No 1 to Hawkesbury Junction arriving at 5:20 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 11.00 miles and No locks, averaging 3.14 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 521 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,222.22 miles and 677 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Beryl had a bath while we cruised down the long pound to stop on the 7 day moorings. A mostly cloudy day.
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From Hawkesbury Junction to Ansty Bridge No 14 arriving at 3:00 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 25 minutes. 3.75 miles and 1 locks, averaging 3.35 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 522 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,225.97 miles and 678 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After spending Saturday at Hawksbury Junction we turned and came through the stop lock onto the Oxford Canal. Soon met with the green duckweed that has been present round here for the past few years. Moored just past the bridge next to Fazeley and Clover that are fully loaded with bagged coal. A mostly cloudy day.
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From Ansty Bridge No 14 to Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 arriving at 11:20 am. The time taken was 1 hours 40 minutes. 4.25 miles and No locks, averaging 2.55 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 524 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,230.22 miles and 678 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
We had to wait 20 minutes at bridge 26 while contractors vacuumed up some duckweed. We passed Silver Teal (Simon's, from Aynho, boat) and then went on to moored by the bend past the bridge. Simon came back as we were walking into Brinklow and stopped for a bit of a chat. Had lunch at the Bull's Head (Three Cheese and Broccoli Bake £6.95, Cajun Chicken £7.25).
From Easenhall Lane Bridge No 34 to Newbold Tunnel (South-east end) arriving at 3:30 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 20 minutes. 3.50 miles and No locks, averaging 2.63 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 525 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,233.72 miles and 678 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the tunnel and stopped on the 48 hour mooring beyond the bridge. A mostly sunny day with a cool breeze.
From Newbold Tunnel (South-east end) to Brownsover Arm (disused) arriving at 9:10 am. The time taken was 35 minutes. 1.38 miles and No locks, averaging 2.36 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 526 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,235.10 miles and 678 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down to moor just past Masters Bridge to go shopping at Tesco's.
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From Brownsover Arm (disused) to Braunston Junction arriving at 3:05 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 9.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.36 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 530 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,244.97 miles and 681 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 20 minutes at Clifton Crusiers for a pumpot (£12) and 25 minutes at the bottom of Hillmorton Locks for water. Got up the locks in half an hour and had lunch on the way to Braunston. Moored just past the marina entrance. Saw Fred and Joyce on Wigrams Turn and had dinner with them at the Admiral Nelson. A mostly sunny day.
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From Braunston Junction to Brockhall Bridge No 19 arriving at 12:55 am. The time taken was 3 hours 50 minutes. 7.13 miles and 13 locks, averaging 5.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 534 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,252.10 miles and 694 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
We were oined in Braunston Bottom Lock by Tessa, a narrowbot form Longport Wharf. Met four or five boats in the tunnel then came down The Buckby Locks with Tessa making very good time. Saw a kingfisher sitting in a bush just past bridge 19. Moored on the piling a little further on. A mostly sunny day.
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From Brockhall Bridge No 19 to Milton Road Bridge No 2, Gayton arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 3 hours 5 minutes. 9.88 miles and No locks, averaging 3.20 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 537 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,261.97 miles and 694 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 15 minutes for water at Gayton Junction then moved down the arm to moor for lunch.
From Milton Road Bridge No 2, Gayton to Rothersthorpe Bottom Lock No 13 arriving at 3:30 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 1.50 miles and 13 locks, averaging 6.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 539 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,263.47 miles and 707 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at Gatton Marina for 10 minutes while we topped up the diesel tank (40.8 litres £14.30). Came down the locks, which were all against us as Yaffle had gone down before us. Moored on the Aqueduct. A mosly sunny day.
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From Rothersthorpe Bottom Lock No 13 to South Bridge, Northampton arriving at 10:20 am. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 3.25 miles and 4 locks, averaging 3.78 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 541 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,266.72 miles and 711 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw two kingfishers fly under bridge 13 on the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union. Moored near Morrison's and went to do some shopping.
From South Bridge, Northampton to Cogenhoe Lock No 7 arriving at 2:25 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 6.13 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 544 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,272.85 miles and 717 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had lunch on the move as we came down the river. Stopped briefly to dump the rubbish on the service pontoon at Northampton. Shortly after saw a Kingfisher. The top gates at Rush Mills Lock are still leaking. A narrowboat came along as we were leaving the lock. Saw another kingfisher as we approached Weston Favel Lock and as we left the lock the Northampton Crusader was coming in. Moored above Cogenhoe Lock.
From Cogenhoe Lock No 7 to Wellingborough Bridge arriving at 1:05 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 5 minutes. 6.63 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.34 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 548 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,279.47 miles and 724 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw akingfisher below Earls Barton Lock. Donnington Lock has now been electrfied. Saw two grey wagtails and a Great Crested Grebe this morning. Moored on the reduced moorings available now and went to the Dog & Duck for lunch (chicken Tikka £5.35. Vegetable Melt £4.95) rather disappointing.
From Wellingborough Bridge to Irthlingborough Bridge arriving at 5:10 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 5.25 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.19 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 551 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,284.72 miles and 727 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
The bottom gates on Higham Lock were leaking and very heavy to move. Moored by the Diamond Centre and filled with water. A warm and mostly sunny day.
From Irthlingborough Bridge to Ashton Lock No 28 arriving at 4:50 pm. The time taken was 7 hours 50 minutes. 18.88 miles and 11 locks, averaging 3.81 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 559 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,303.60 miles and 738 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw kingfishers before Thrapston, at Lilford, above Upper Barnwell Lock and below Low Barnwell Lock. Islip and Lilford locks are now electric. Lots of boats around this Sunday, a lot at the Kings Head at Wadenhoe and many more passed on the journey. Moored above Ashton Lock. A warm and sunny day.
From Ashton Lock No 28 to Peterborough Bridge arriving at 5:35 pm. The time taken was 8 hours 30 minutes. 23.63 miles and 10 locks, averaging 3.96 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 567 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,327.23 miles and 748 locks, averaging 3.66 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw 11 kingfishers today (2 between Ashton Lock and Oundle, 1 past Oundle Bridge, Below Cotterstock Lock, 2 around Tansor, above Warmington Lock, Below Elton Lock, Below Yarwell Lock and near the Boathouse) also saw a Green Woodpeaker at Tansor. Had lunch on the move between Elton and Yarwell Locks. The electric controls at Water Newton Lock caused a problem as the two minute wait seems to have more than doubled. Moored at the Boathouse, next to Yaffle.
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Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.