The Big One (1-2)

Monday 2nd April 2012 - Mexborough to Southfield Reservoir

This morning seems to be a little warmer than yesterday cold but no ground frost. The Memsahib is abandoning ship this morning to make a quick trip back home. She will be re-joining the ships company later today. The ships company were then rousted out of their beds and dog walking duties were soon carried out. A few running adjustments to Rosie were made before we were underway and single handing towards Mexborough Low Lock.

The weather was cold but we had the pram cover down. Things went OK until we reached Doncaster Town Lock. The lock paddles were open at both ends. The lock was being used to control the downstream water level by BW Lock Keepers. After a phone call to BW the lock keeper came and operated the lock for us. We stopped on the Doncaster Town Moorings for a quick shop at Tesco, a late breakfast in the Truckstop Cafe (1st Class Grub) before the Memsahib rejoined us for the rest of the journey.

With each boat crew taking it in turn to operate the remaining locks and swing bridges, we made good time to the end of the new cut at Southfield Reservoir. The dogs were allowed off for a quick play together whilst I set the stove ready to light for the evening. I soon had the satellite TV system pointing at the correct place in the sky.

Wildlife was a bit sparse today. A few Kestrels, various gulls and a few lapwings were evident. At the Southfield moorings a few Pheasants were making themselves heard. I took the dogs out for a late walk with the bat detector. One Pipistrelle and four Daubentons were noted. Then I managed to drop my 1,000,000 candle power night light into the canal. I saw it fade away into the depths!


Today's Daily Totals 
Miles: 20.2
Locks: 5
Swing / Lift Bridges:  7
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 6.0

Rosie's Running Totals

Distance 535.6 miles

Locks 574

Swing / Lift Bridges 100

Tunnels 6

Pump-outs 8

Engine Hours: 2012.1

Later......