Summer Cruise 2013 (4)

Greyfriars Moorings to Whitley Lock 

I was nudged awake by bright sunshine streaming in through the portholes. That and the dogs were also asking to do what a dog needs to do. 

Morning: Passed by the Humber Princess on her way up river to Rotherham to discharge her load of oil. Then there was just enough time for a last quick shop at the nearby Tesco before pulling the metaphorical pins at 9:30. We waved goodbye to our friend Barry on the moorings and off we went. 

We also passed the site of emergency bankside repairs being made to stop a possible breach from the SYN canal to the River Don midway between Greyfriars moorings and Long Sandal lock.

Afternoon: We stopped to take on water at Barnby Dunn and other boaters were having a grumble as the elsan was double locked on the door. No notice to say why it was closed. Yet the shower and toilet facilities were still open for business so to speak. We left the South yorkshire Navigation and joined the Aire and Calder at the end of the new junction. Today marks the last working day along the Aire and Calder for some of the gravel and sand barges.

Evening: A much needed snooze after consuming a couple of beers. It's a hard life but someone has it to do. 

Wildlife: A flock of around 60 Lapwings followed a bit later by a large skein of geese passing overhead in a broad vee formation. Best spot was a gorgeous velvet like Peacock Butterfly and a Tortoiseshell butterfly that landed on the boat roof mid stream to ride with us for a few moments. Comma, painted lady and meadow browns were everywhere. Still waiting for our first Red Admirals of the year.

Todays Total.

Miles: 17.8
Locks: 3
Swing / Lift Bridges: 7
Tunnels. 0
Pump Outs: 0

Engine Hours: 5.6

Solar Panels: 58 Ah

Accumulated Total.

Miles: 1475.5
Locks: 980
Swing / Lift Bridges: 196
Tunnels. 24
Pump Outs: 14

Engine Hours: 2593.8
Solar Panels: 9468 Ah