Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
 |  |  |
From Ripon Basin to Boroughbridge arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 25 minutes. 6.88 miles and 3 locks, averaging 2.89 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 397 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 952.88 miles and 527 locks, averaging 3.73 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| Saw Faith, Shelley Anne and Bobby's Girl at Ripon. Set off back after lunch. Saw a kingfisher below Westwick Lock just after seeing a hire cruiser stuck on the mud and being helped by Bobby's Girl (unsuccessfully it turned out later - they eventually freed themselves they told us). Some sunshine in the morning but a cloudy afternoon. |  |
| Ripon Canal: Ripon Basin Shelley Anne - July 1998 |
From Boroughbridge to Ouse Bridge, York arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 4 hours 55 minutes. 20.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.60 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 402 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 973.50 miles and 529 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went shopping at Morrison's in Boroughbridge and then filled with water before setting off. Had lunch on the move. A good run down to York. Tried to moor above Lendal Bridge but the only space had an underwater ledge so we came down here and find there are new mooring cables and ladders - much improved. Mostly cloudy with some sunny intervals.
From Ouse Bridge, York to Naburn Locks arriving at 11:20 am. The time taken was 1 hours 15 minutes. 5.75 miles and No locks, averaging 4.60 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 403 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 979.25 miles and 529 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at the locks to wait for the tide and to have lunch.
From Naburn Locks to Selby Lock No 4 arriving at 7:50 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 10 minutes. 13.50 miles and 2 locks, averaging 4.89 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 406 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 992.75 miles and 531 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went through Naburn lock with the barge Rose and two cruisers. Took about two and a half hours on the river, as there was only a small tide. Moored in the basin with Forever Cut and Fragil. Had dinner at the China Palace Chinese resturant (£24 set meal for two). A day of cloud with some sunny periods. P.S. On Sunday we stayed at Selby, did some shopping at Safeway, filled with water, did a pumpout,
From Selby Lock No 4 to Castleford Flood Lock No 8 arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 40 minutes. 18.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.19 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 412 hours 15 minutes total cruising time, 1,011.50 miles and 536 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off at 7.20 to get through the swing bridge before rush hour. Towards the end of the Selby Canal we saw Josel (Jossie and Lesley) in front of us and went through the two River Aire locks with them (Haddelsey being open both ends) and through Bulholme on the Aire & Calder. We had to wait, with Edward E of SIBC, for coal pans and a sand barge before going through. Saw a kingfisher on the River Aire before Beal Lock. Moored for cooked lunch on board at Castleford.
From Castleford Flood Lock No 8 to Stanley Ferry Aqueduct arriving at 4:40 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 4.88 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.10 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 414 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,016.38 miles and 540 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at the end of the permanent moorings. Forever Cut and Fragil moored by the pub. A cloudy day with some sunny intervals.
From Stanley Ferry Aqueduct to Figure of Three Locks No 5 arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 3 hours 30 minutes. 8.75 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.93 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 417 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,025.13 miles and 545 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped for water and lunch.
From Figure of Three Locks No 5 to Ledgard Flood Gates arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 4.88 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.08 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 420 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,030.00 miles and 551 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Called at Shepley Bridge Marina to see if they could fix the tiller bearing but they were too busy and refered us to Legard Bridge Boats were we moored and they took the tiller out and will (hopefully) put in the new bearings tomorrow. Went out to look for somewhere to eat but there is only an Indian Resturant here. Had a drink in the Navigation and did some shopping at the Co-op. A day of sunshine and cloud.
From Ledgard Flood Gates to Cooper Bridge Flood Gates arriving at 3:45 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 5 minutes. 1.75 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.46 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 421 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,031.75 miles and 553 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Had the new tiller bearing fitted and paid Richard Fee £130 cash. Cruised on to the visitor moorings just before the flood gates. A cool cloudy day with sunny periods.
From Cooper Bridge Flood Gates to Aspley Basin and Junction arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 3.50 miles and 8 locks, averaging 3.07 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 425 hours 25 minutes total cruising time, 1,035.25 miles and 561 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came up the locks and turned in the basin to moor at Sainsbury's. Had lunch at the Pizza Hut and did our shopping in Sainsbury's. Collected the post from Angela. A cloudy start with increasingly sunny periods as the day progressed.
From Aspley Basin and Junction to Brighouse Locks No 16 arriving at 7:45 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 40 minutes. 5.88 miles and 11 locks, averaging 4.60 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 429 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,041.13 miles and 572 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water and waited for Rosemary to arrive. Set off down the locks and made good time to here. Had dinner at La Romantica (£75 for 5, including wine and tip). Cloudy and sunny periods.
From Brighouse Locks No 16 to Elland Lock No 22 arriving at 12:10 am. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 2.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 4.57 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 431 hours total cruising time, 1,043.88 miles and 578 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water and had pumpout at Sagar Marine. Then went up to Eland Wharf and had lunch at Barge & Barrel (3 Grills @ £3, 2 Baked Potatoes with cheese @ £1.30).
From Elland Lock No 22 to Sowerby Bridge Basin arriving at 3:55 pm. The time taken was 2 hours. 3.63 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 433 hours total cruising time, 1,047.50 miles and 583 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored in the basin. Saw three Shire boats setting off. A breezy day of cloud and sunshine.
From Sowerby Bridge Basin to Broadbottom Lock No 7 arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 55 minutes. 4.25 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.51 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 435 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,051.75 miles and 589 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Turned in Sowerby Bridge Basin and set off through the first two locks then through Tuel Lane tunnel and into the deep lock. Paid £30 for a week licence. Saw a kingfisher. Stopped for lunch a little way before the lock.
From Broadbottom Lock No 7 to Mayroyd Mill Lock No 8 arriving at 3:10 pm. The time taken was 55 minutes. 1.00 miles and 1 locks, averaging 2.18 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 436 hours 50 minutes total cruising time, 1,052.75 miles and 590 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped on the Heben Bridge short stay moorings and went to the station with Angela. A wet day with some sunshine (sometimes while it was raining).
From Mayroyd Mill Lock No 8 to Holmcoat Lock No 14 arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 2 hours 20 minutes. 2.50 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.64 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 439 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,055.25 miles and 596 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water yesterday evening so went straight into the first lock where we were joined by a party of six Norweigns on the Shepley Bridge Marina boats "Caroline" and "Emma". Went through two more locks with them. Stopped for lunch just before the lock.
From Holmcoat Lock No 14 to Shop Lock No 18 arriving at 4:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 25 minutes. 2.00 miles and 4 locks, averaging 2.48 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 441 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,057.25 miles and 600 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored next to Caroline and Emma above the lock. A mostly dry day with sunny periods but some showers in the late afternoon.
From Shop Lock No 18 to Smithyholme Lock No 25 arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 1.25 miles and 7 locks, averaging 3.30 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 444 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,058.50 miles and 607 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Set off at 9.15 and went up 3 locks then at 10.45 got stuck in Gauxholme Lowest Lock No 22 for an hour because the bottom gate would not close. After about 45 minutes the men from the Rochdale Canal Trust arrived and one of them donned at dry suit and snorkel and fished around at the bottonm of the gate. A small stone was jamming the gate. Went on for another hour then moored below the lock for lunch.
From Smithyholme Lock No 25 to Travis Mill Lock No 28 arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 35 minutes. 0.50 miles and 3 locks, averaging 2.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 445 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,059.00 miles and 610 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped 20 minutes for water above the lock then moved across to the moorings outside the Cross Keys. Phoned Brian Taylor about doing our MSC survey tomorrow then went for a drink in the pub. Had dinner at the Cross Keys (Garlic Mushrooms £1.95, Minted Lamb £4.25, Cheese & Onion Pie £3.50, Strawberry Cheesecake £1.75). A mainly cloudy and dry day with some brief sunny intervals.
From Travis Mill Lock No 28 to Longlees Lock No 36 arriving at 3:50 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 1.50 miles and 8 locks, averaging 3.35 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 448 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,060.50 miles and 618 locks, averaging 3.74 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
| In the morning Brian G Taylor came and issued our MSC seaworthyness certificate. Set off after lunch. Turned and moored below the lock.Had dinner at the Bird i'th Hand (3 courses; soup, Roast Turkey, Apple Pie/Jam Rolly Polly £5.95 each). A dry day of sunshine and cloud. |  |
| Rochdale Canal: Winterbutlee Lock No 30 - July 1998 |
From Longlees Lock No 36 to Shop Lock No 18 arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 3 hours 15 minutes. 3.25 miles and 18 locks, averaging 6.54 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 451 hours 45 minutes total cruising time, 1,063.75 miles and 636 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came down the locks with "Sussex" (Shire Cruisers) who were aiming to get back to Sowerby Bridge today. Made very good progress. Stopped above the lock and did shopping at the Co-op. A rainy start to the day but a dry afternoon with a few sunny intervals.
From Shop Lock No 18 to Blackpit Lock No 9 arriving at 1:15 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 45 minutes. 4.25 miles and 9 locks, averaging 3.53 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 455 hours 30 minutes total cruising time, 1,068.00 miles and 645 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water below Shop Lock (25 minutes) then went down the locks to the visitor moorings at Hebben Bridge where we stopped for lunch . A cloudy showery day
From Blackpit Lock No 9 to Tuel Lane Lock No 3 arriving at 12:45 am. The time taken was 2 hours 40 minutes. 5.00 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.75 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 458 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,073.00 miles and 650 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Willow and Family Pride, both RWBC boats from the Chesterfield Canal were moored next to us at Hebden Bridge when we left. Stopped above the lock for lunch.
From Tuel Lane Lock No 3 to Sowerby Bridge Lock No 1 arriving at 2:30 pm. The time taken was 45 minutes. 0.38 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.17 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 458 hours 55 minutes total cruising time, 1,073.38 miles and 652 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through Tuel Lane Lock and passed Ashby and Caldon, coming up, between locks 1 and 2. Moored just below the bottom lock. A cloudy day with light rain.
From Sowerby Bridge Lock No 1 to Junction with Halifax Branch (closed) arriving at 12:35 am. The time taken was 45 minutes. 2.25 miles and 1 locks, averaging 4.33 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 459 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,075.63 miles and 653 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Saw Henry and Whimbrel (both from Stibbigton, heading up the Rochdale Canal. Before setting off we moved round into Sowerby Bridge Basin for water, pumpout (£10), diesel (134.57 litres @ 22.3p = £30) and a dual length windlass (£15). Saw a kingfisher. Stopped on the visitor moorings for lunch.
From Junction with Halifax Branch (closed) to Elland Lock No 22 arriving at 3:20 pm. The time taken was 1 hours 55 minutes. 1.50 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 461 hours 35 minutes total cruising time, 1,077.13 miles and 658 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Stopped at the Elland Wharf visitor moorings. A cloudy, muggy day with some sunny periods and one or two light showers.
From Elland Lock No 22 to Brighouse Locks No 16 arriving at 12:50 am. The time taken was 2 hours 35 minutes. 2.75 miles and 6 locks, averaging 3.39 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 464 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,079.88 miles and 664 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Came through the locks behind Willow and Family Pride. Moored between the locks for lunch. Did some shopping in the afternoon. Had dinner at La Romantica (Pizza Napoli £5.10, Salmon £11.25 plus sweets and wine £32.50 total). A breezy day with sunshine and cloud.
From Brighouse Locks No 16 to Ledgard Flood Gates arriving at 1:00 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 30 minutes. 4.13 miles and 5 locks, averaging 3.65 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 466 hours 40 minutes total cruising time, 1,084.00 miles and 669 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Ordered new hinge for the washing machine door. Did some shopping in Brighouse and looked round for a launderette but they don't have one. Went on to Mirfield for lunch then found a launderette about 15 minutes walk away to do our washing. A day of sunshine and cloud with a few light showers.
From Ledgard Flood Gates to Broad Cut Top Lock No 4 arriving at 4:35 pm. The time taken was 3 hours 20 minutes. 7.38 miles and 7 locks, averaging 4.31 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 470 hours total cruising time, 1,091.38 miles and 676 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went shopping at Mirfield Co-op before lunch. Saw the Luciedan Boat Co that we saw near York and on the Nene last year. Set off after lunch and stopped at Shepley Bridge Marina for water (35 minutes). Saw a kingfisher just before the double locks. After dinner we went to the Navigation for a few drinks. A mostly cloudy morning with showers but more sun in the afternoon.
From Broad Cut Top Lock No 4 to Stanley Ferry Aqueduct arriving at 12:05 am. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 6.25 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.73 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 472 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,097.63 miles and 680 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
A good trip down through Wakefield. Moored just after the swing bridge and had lunch in the Mill House (Fish & Chips £5.45, Lamb Rogan Josh £6.95). A cloudy start and some showers but sunny later in the day.
From Stanley Ferry Aqueduct to King's Road Lock No 3 arriving at 11:30 am. The time taken was 1 hours. 1.63 miles and 2 locks, averaging 3.63 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 473 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,099.25 miles and 682 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored on the visitor moorings for lunch . A sunny start but clouding over in the afternooon
From King's Road Lock No 3 to Woodllesford Lock No 5 arriving at 12:30 am. The time taken was 2 hours 50 minutes. 8.00 miles and 3 locks, averaging 3.88 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 476 hours total cruising time, 1,107.25 miles and 685 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Filled with water at Kings Road Lock before setting off. Moored above the lock and went to the Two Pointers for lunch (Roast Turkey £3.75 each). Did some shopping.
From Woodllesford Lock No 5 to Leeds Lock No 1 arriving at 4:25 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 5 minutes. 4.63 miles and 4 locks, averaging 4.14 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 478 hours 5 minutes total cruising time, 1,111.88 miles and 689 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Went through Fish Ponds Lock with a sand barge. Moored in Clarence Dock. A mostly cloudy day with some sun and light showers.
From Leeds Lock No 1 to Horsforth Road Bridge No 216A arriving at 2:35 pm. The time taken was 5 hours 5 minutes. 6.75 miles and 13 locks, averaging 3.89 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 483 hours 10 minutes total cruising time, 1,118.63 miles and 702 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
After three nights in Leeds we set off, sharing Office Lock and several others with Dolly Varden II. Moored for late lunch at Rodley Wharf visitor moorings. A cloudy morning with showers but an increasingly sunny afternoon.
From Horsforth Road Bridge No 216A to Field Staircase Locks Nos 16 to 18 arriving at 5:20 pm. The time taken was 2 hours 10 minutes. 4.13 miles and 5 locks, averaging 4.21 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 485 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,122.75 miles and 707 locks, averaging 3.77 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Did an oil and filter change between showers in the morning. Set off after lunch. Stopped for water (90 minutes - a very slow tap and a low tank) above Dobson locks. Moored a little way before the locks. A cloudy wet day.
From Field Staircase Locks Nos 16 to 18 to Shipley Road Bridges No 207A arriving at 12:00 am. The time taken was 2 hours. 2.50 miles and No locks, averaging 1.25 lock/miles per hour. Totals for this voyage are 487 hours 20 minutes total cruising time, 1,125.25 miles and 707 locks, averaging 3.76 lock/miles per hour over the whole voyage.
Moored at the Ashley Lane Visitor Moorings and went into Shipley for lunch at Rose's Coffee Shop (Bacon Rolls and two mugs of coffee £5.50). Did shopping at Asda. Afterwards we walked into Saltaire and I bought Time on the Thames. A cloudy day.
| | |
Text and photographs copyright of Jim Shead.
