We had spent our two days at the previous moorings so moved on to Washingborough. We noticed that the May Flies were out in force, not really surprising. Dipped the fuel tank and registered 14 inches.
Early start as I wanted to stop off briefly in Lincoln to do some veggie shopping at the nearest supermarket, a short bus ride away.
Carried on to Torksey, by way of Saxilby where we collected a big box of pine cones, great for use as kindling to get a quick wood fire going.
Saw three dead deer in the canal. Although there are several deer ramps to help them get out guess not all of them are intelligent enough to find them.
Moored above the lock and wandered along to the lock keeper to book passage to West Stockwith lock tomorrow morning. The lock keeper
suggests leaving about 12 to make the most of the tide. Rang the lock keeper at West Stockwith to let him know of our plans and he suggested we 'buddy up' with N.B. Firefly for the journey.
4th
Put off the planned trip to West Stockwith as the forecast is for light rain all day and we see no point in travelling in that.
Re booked for tomorrow, this time at half twelve as the tide is a little later than yesterday.
Visited the car boot sale instead. Walking there seemed very familiar and I decided that I had done this trip last time we were moored up here.
I managed to sneak in without paying as the woman on the gate was deep in conversation with a couple of people.
It would seem that we are moored less then two miles from a village called 'Laughterton' such a jolly name for a village.
Used the facilities at Torksey before we set off. Nice easy trip along the river and it was difficult to tell how fast the river was flowing until we tried to get into West Stockwith Lock.
Started the turn at a point that looked appropriate and found ourselves being swept well past the lock and broadside on to the river, needed the full power of the engine to make the turn and fight our way back against the current and then into the lock entrance but my travelling companion made a grand job of it.
In our copy of Nicholson's Guide to the canals it says that there is diesel available at the lock but the lock keeper tells us otherwise,
in fact there is nowhere on the Chesterfield to get diesel at all, except for one of the garages if you are prepared to lug it back to the boat in jerry cans. Guess that's what we will have to do.
I have a 20 lt metal jerry can and we can put that on the wheels to go back and forth.
Didn't make it to polling day in Rugby. My rib is still tender from when we went into Cromwell Lock.
6th ticking.squeeking.pillow - 2 miles 2 locks - Misterton
Lovely quiet canal, also slow going. Moored up for six hours and no boats have gone past and only 3 cyclists and 2 pedestrians. Very different to the Trent.
7th eyeliner.solved.author - 10 miles 2 locks - Clarborough
Bright sunny start to the day, took a walk up to the first lock of the day to set it and found a boat coming down.
The owner had just purchased it the day before and this was only his second lock. Like a good Samaritan I worked him through it and sent him on his way.
I actually got back to Dennis before the boater!
Set off on our own journey just after 10 and kept going, very slowly, till just after three. The Chesterfield Canal is very pretty but also slow going.
This might be because the feeder reservoir is down to 20% capacity due to works being done to stabilise it. (It is of the same design as the Whaley Bridge reservoir that collapsed a few years ago.)
Or it might just be that it is half choked with weeds either side restricting water flow.
Early start, planning to get through Worksop today. Stopped off at Retford to top up the tank from the jerry can and get some more at Asda petrol station.
Dipped the tank before I started, 11". Poured in nearly 20 litres from the can and in the process found that the can had a pinhole in it.
This hole must have appeared while I was manipulating the can as there was no sign of diesel in the can storage area. I think that rust must have weakened the can and the jiggling around finished off the job.
Well, cannot use that can any more so I will have to get another. Walked to the petrol station only to find that it is self serve, card only and there is no shop attached. Tried the supermarket proper but they don't sell cans either.
Change of plan (well plans are made to be changed), I'll catch the bus to Worksop tomorrow and buy a couple
of plastic 5 lt jerry cans from Halfords.
In the mean time we took a walk into town and along the river bank, there were loads of really big fish in the river and we had spotted a very large pike in the canal on the journey so quite a day for fish.
9th
Bus into Worksop to get a couple of jerry cans and as much Clipper tea as I can carry as Tesco are discontinuing it and it is less than half price. Got off the bus at Halfords and purchased the cans.
Realised that my phone was nearly out of battery so I asked a guy the way to Tesco, he thought and
started giving directions. After he had said "Walk up this road to the level crossing, past that to
the traffic lights and turn left and then" at which point I said "Great, then I'll ask someone else."
At first he looked blank and then I could see the realisation in his eyes that most people cannot hold a great long list of directions in their head and it's best to check and check again.
Started following his directions and noticed that the bus stop outside the railway station is for the bus I want for my return journey.
Carried on to Tesco, they only had six boxes of tea left so I got all of them. Walked back to the bus stop and checked the times of the busses. The next one was not for another hour, I must have just missed one.
Walked into the train station and checked the times of the trains to Retford, there's one in five minutes, no contest, caught the train.
Back at the boat, after a suitable period for recovery from my labours, we went to the petrol station and purchased our first ten litres of diesel. I instructed my travelling companion in the process and let her actually do it.
Back to the boat, it's a good job it is only a couple of hundred yards, and put it in the tank. Back to the petrol station and repeated the process, my travelling companion completing the task on her own.
We each did three trips making a total of 60 litres in the tank.
As a matter of note I calculated that the 60 litres we had put in the tank represented 7" which equates
to 8½ litres per inch of diesel. Useful information.
Spent the rest of the afternoon doing the charity shops where I got a pair of work boots that actually fit
and they are a size seven. Because I have both a high instep and a triple E fitting (very wide foot) it is almost impossible to get shoes
that fit and nearly always have to get a size eight to accommodate the width and height, so this is a
real bonus. Also got a spiraliser for £2 at that price I will experiment.
10th reissued.fatter.jiffy - 5 miles 5 locks - Ranby
Nice weather but a bit windy. Stopped off in Forest Middle Bottom Lock as I had noticed a bird dropping on one of the solar panels and
with the traffic as non-existent as it is I did not think we would cause an obstruction. Instead of just cleaning the bird dirt I
cleaned all the solar panels.
While I was doing this a guy came along with his dog and gave us a brief history of his life and that of his dog and his wife and - well I had switched off by now and we eventually got on or way after about 45 minutes leaving him in full flow.
Stopped off at Forest Middle Top Lock (Charlies lock) to use the facilities. Got rid of the now useless 20 lt jerry can. Moored up at about two
as it was obvious that we were not going to get through Worksop today (we have been told it is not a nice place to overnight).
I caught the bus into Worksop. It's clean and tidy enough but just does not feel comfortable. I couldn't help noticing that Iceland have a security guard on duty and he wears a stab vest, I think that says a lot about the place.
11th
No point in travelling when it's raining so I stayed in and did my new puzzle.
12th mental.water.petal - 7 miles 2 locks - Shireoaks Marina
Early start, I like early starts, generally the sun shines early and then it clouds over
after an hour or so. I believe that there is a logical explanation for this but what the hell,
it works for me.
The intention is to get through Worksop with no overnight stay. Pulled over at the Town Lock to
dive into Iceland for some of their frozen trout and a cauliflower. Four locks out of Worksop I
spotted a Sainsbury's so we pulled over again. Called in there and realised that they have an
Argos in store. Wondered if it was the one I have had a couple of click and collect items sent to,
it should be. Checked and they had one of my items, now I know where to go for the next one when it arrives.
More shopping, especially green veg as we are unlikely to see another shop for about ten days.
When we got to Shireoaks Marina we decided that we had had enough for the day so we stopped and used
their facilities.
Looking at Google maps for the area I spotted a Wolesley. I have been trying to get a sheet of 'Supalux'
for ages now (since last November) and Wolesley are the only place I have found that sells it.
Checked online and they claim to be able to have it in stock for tomorrow. I've heard that before.
Walked to the shop and ordered one for collection this coming Wednesday. I was told it would be in Tomorrow
and explained that I was on a boat and was going to the end of the canal and expected to be back by
about Wednesday.
He cottoned on immediately and assured me it would be available on my return.
Set of at eight(ish) and I single crewed for the first four locks because the locks were only a few
feet in rise which meant that I did not have to climb any ladders. The top of the boat was level with
the top of the lock when going in, so I could walk over the boat.
Walking between the first and second locks I spotted a deer ambling along on the far bank, apparently there a loads of deer in the area.
None of the individual locks was over 5 ft rise although the staircase doubles and triples were each about five making ten ft and fifteen ft respectively.
Completed all 23 in five and a half hours, knackered.
The pain in my rib has almost gone and is just a faint nag from time to time.
14th
Nice quiet day enjoying the peace and solitude, no boats, very few walkers and very few cyclists.
To the end of the navigation, a look around and back again.
16th
On Saturday the Chesterfield Canal Trust volunteers were around getting their boat
ready to do some vegetation clearance and offered me a big log. I think that they had
seen the logs on my roof and thought I might just take it off their hands. Much too big
to go on the roof in one piece.
Rain forecast for today so no travelling. In between showers I have planked the log and
made a couple of prototype chairs, one an armchair. Not very successful but a good first try.
Anyway, now I have their big log on my roof in pieces.
Back down the flight, had a bit of fun at lock 25 as the bottom gate has a hole in
it letting water out all the time making it difficult to actually fill the lock without
draining the pound above. Because it is not possible to properly fill the lock more
than normal manpower is needed to open the top gate to get into the lock. I overcame
this by running a rope from a bollard, around the staple on the end of the balance beam
and back around the bollard. Then using a bit of stick thrust between the two ropes and
twisting it up it acted like a Spanish windlass to winch the gate open.
It only needs to be opened a few inches as then the water will flow in and properly
fill the lock.
Having successfully negotiated that we arrived in Shire Oaks with enough time to walk
along to Wolesley to collect the sheet of Supalux that I had ordered last week.
Then into the marina to use the facilities, mostly fill up with water as there is not
any more for another 12 miles and 12 locks.
No TV signal but iPlayer meant that we had entertainment for the evening.
18th eliminate.cobbled.protester - 7 miles 11 locks Ranby
Pleasant cruising all the way, getting slower as the locks get more spaced out.
With a greater distance between each lock the flow gets less, with less flow the weed has
a better chance to grow and, being blanket weed, can be a problem if caught in the propeller.
Passed one leisure boat on the way and a CRT work boat going up with weed, string, rope and barbed wire caught around it's prop.
We waited outside the lock it was in while they cleared their prop and continued on their way.
Brief stop at Sainsbury's to collect a container of 'Blue' for the elsan from Argos that
I had ordered 'click and collect', and then again at Worksop to pop into Iceland before
ending up at Ranby.
19th
Sort of a day of to catch up on washing, both bedding and ourselves.
20th bottle.necks.filled - 5 miles 5 locks - Retford
The high point of the journey was either a boat coming along in the opposite direction
or the really big carp swimming by.
Wandered along the river to the chemist where I picked up my prescription
and then walked back through town. I got a picnic rucksack complete with plates, knives, forks, spoons, serviettes
water cooler pockets and a tablecloth for a fiver in a charity shop. I had one many years ago and I find it makes
going out for the day so much easier than trying to pack all that stuff in an ordinary rucksack.
We decided that we didn't need to get any more diesel from Asda as on dipping the tank we found we had more
than enough to get us to Thorne, the next refuelling point.
A brief shop in Asda before settling in for the night.
22nd trustees.funded.burden - 2¼ miles 2 locks - Clarborough
The locals seem to think that it is Whitsunday already as they are all gathering at
Whitsunday Pie Locks for their Whitsunday celebrations and pie. At least one of them is
having home made meat and potato pie (we asked them).
There were loads of boats out today due in part to the nice weather and to it being the weekend
and getting on in the boating season bringing more holiday makers out.
This is a particularly weedy stretch which makes progress very slow.
23rd
Rest and recuperation day today. A large grass snake swam along the gap between the boat and the bank and then across to the other side.
24th
Today I caught the bus into Gainsborough, a town we pass while travelling down the Trent. It looks interesting from the river but as I wandered around I felt that it didn't have much going for it, much like any other town with the same old shops and nothing of particular interest to capture my imagination.
26th
Some more rest and relaxation. Caught the bus into Gainsborough again, this time to do some shopping. Lidl have started doing a £1.50 fruit and veg box. Five kilos of reached it's best by date of fruit and veg. Didn't have room in the rucksack to get one as I had already done the days shopping before I discovered it, but I will look out for one next time I need to go shopping.
27th
Went for an early morning walk today, something I still do from time to time when the weather is good.
Trouble is, even though I like to be out and about before the rest of the world gets up and makes it mucky
it is the time I miss D'fer most. I realised this morning that he had been my companion for 14 years, a fifth of my life
(and all of his). No wonder he was so integral to my existence and that early morning walks leave me feeling a little melancholy.
A quick check on the internet to find that dog prices have almost halved since the height of the pandemic, so maybe I will be
able to afford one in a year or two.
28th donates.weeknight.samples - 7 miles - Drakeholes Tunnel.
We need to make some progress as we are booked to leave West Stockwith on to the Trent on Tuesday to go up to Keadby.
29th hazy.riverbank.available - 5 miles 2 locks - Misterton
Passed two boats going in the opposite direction today. The first was really tricky as there really is very little room on this canal. We had to actually scrape along each other to get past and the other boat was still aground, but doing this sort of thing slowly minimises any damage.
30th slices.hazlenuts.code - 1¼ miles 2 locks West Stockwith Basin
Easy journey into West Stockwith as the weed is far less obtrusive this end of the canal. Although
Nicholson's Guide says gas is available here they had run out so we will have to wait till we get to Thorne.
Morning trip into Gainsborough to get a Lidl £1.50 fruit and veg box, I picked on one
that seemed to have the sorts of things that we like in it, making it good value.
Checked the weed hatch, water, oil and fan belt before going out on the Trent, we don't want any surprises.
The fan belt was to my mind a bit on the loose side which is not surprising as it was replaced by the boat yard shortly before we set off on our summer holiday.
I didn't bring any tools with me so I had to borrow a set of tools from another boater to tighten the fan belt and completed the task just before the heavens
opened and provided us with some extra water for the canals this summer.
31st checked.crispy.thighs - 13 miles 2 locks - Keadby
Unusually my travelling companion asked my to take the helm today. The journey was good with only a couple of light showers.
I managed to crash to boat trying to negotiate the turn into Keadby Lock. As I started my turn the river took over
and started to sweep us along, so I opened the throttle to get us into the lock and hit the wall instead.
Books, crockery, the TV, DVDs, CDs all over the place. The food cupboards exploded with jars and bottles everywhere.
Took all afternoon to get everything back in place
which is why we stayed in Keadby instead of pressing on to Thorne as had been our intention.
