The Big One (21-2)

Friday 31st August 2012

Leeds Armouries to Castleford Moorings.

The first dry start to a day that we have had for some time. So I took the dogs out for an early walk before the area filled with people travelling into their place of work. In front of the Armouries on the concourse is where I gave Poppy a good run with the ball.

We walked over and onto the Aire Bridge to have a look at the river levels. The river was still flowing very fast and still looked to be in flood. However, when I checked the board, it was well into the Amber and so must be falling. So we decided to make a move away from Leeds. The armouries is quite unwelcoming place for boaters with so many restrictions and for a city centre so much mooring space that remains unused. The sanitary station has now been repaired. though the signs still remain (on the now unlocked doors) saying otherwise. I am not sure if the BW pump out point is now fixed.

We were soon out on the river and with the engine on tick over and the river with a good flow level. Rosie was soon going along at a fair clip. Soon after leaving the sun was out and the warmth could be felt. This was wash day weather. We made our way to Woodlesford where we stopped for lunch and to dry last nights washing. Three hours later we were ready to move on. When we were in the lock I had to check out the prop. It was bound in a tight ball made up of of string, long lengths of coloured ribbon material, flags, pennants and plastic bags. So much for the Jubilee detritus.

We met our friends on Nb The Dog House at Lemonroyd Lock. There was a boat coming up and so we had a little time to wait. Poppy was in the mood for play and so her and Dennis their dog had a good run up and down whilst we were nattering. As we pulled away to enter the lock, the “Dog Overboard” routine started as Poppy took her second trip over the side this week. She was quickly extracted with the boat hook under her collar. At Lemonroyd, the wind had picked up and the cloying smell of the sewerage farm wafted over from the other side of the marina. Our nostrils were now urging us to move on! The sky was overcast once again and the wind had picked up quite a bit and the usual light rain started once more.

We soon arrived in Castleford and found a space opposite a white painted widebeam. The reason for the space was soon to become very apparent. We were treated until just after 11pm with radio one played at a very loud volume. Which we could clearly hear inside our boat over the top of the TV which we had at a comfortable level. The locals said the impromptu late night disco was a regular feature. Then we noticed that the boat engine was running as well. So it became obvious why the regular disco sessions were necessary.

I tried reinstalling the dongle after yesterdays problems several times all to no avail. I even had a word with T-mobile and their diagnosis was dead dongle syndrome. So we were asked to go and purchase a new dongle at a T-Mobile store of our choice for which we would then be re imbursed.

Musing about all the morning commuters strolling or hurrying to their place of work in Leeds. Reminded me that it is over 18 months since both the Memsahib and me took the opportunity to retire early. Time has flown by and we are both enjoying our new lifestyle on Rosie to the full.

Wildlife: Several Kingfishers were seen as were a good number of Jay. The top spot being a Dipper hunting insects at the waters edge under overhanging trees. A few Dragonflies were also seen while the sun was out.

This Months Solar Panel Data

Average 24.7 Ah per day  High 54Ah Low 10Ah

Daily Total
Miles: 10.7
Locks: 7
Swing / Lift Bridges: 0
Tunnels: 0
Pump Outs: 0
Engine Hours: 5.0

Accumulated Totals

Miles: 1161.2
Locks: 846
Swing / Lift Bridges: 154
Tunnels. 22
Pump Outs: 13
Engine Hours: 2413.7

Later....