The longest day

Torksey Castle

We got up at 5:30 to catch the morning tide for the run down to Keadby Lock. We set off with two other boats, heading into the incoming tide, making fairly slow progress initially. It was lovely and bright, but with a cool breeze.

I want a faster boat!

We were slowly overtaken by the other two boats, as we decided to keep the engine temperature within reasonable limits. The trip to Keadby was expected to take about 5.5 hours, non-stop. Slowly the tide turned and after about an hour and a half, we were flying along with the outgoing tide pulling us along. The current did odd things to the boat and on a tight bend, we listed voilently as we were caught in a large eddy - very exciting!

Gainsborough waterfront

All the moorings along this stretch of the river are designed for barges and coasters, and they towered above us. We listened out on the VHF radio for messages warning of approaching ships, but fortunately the only one came up behind us and the stopped at Gainsborough.

There are big ships here

We had been in touch with the lock keeper at Keadby so that he would have the lock empty when we arrived. The entrance to the lock is very small with high concrete walls. Not in itself difficult, but when you add the strong current in, it makes for a very tricky manouver. As we and 'Nener J', the blue boat in the earlier photo, came level with the lock, it was shut! The lock keeper was just starting to empty it, and so we had to turn into the current and hold station since there was nowhere to moor up. Sitting there with the engine running at fast cruising speed, but stationery is an odd feeling. Finally the lock was open and we crept forward and then swung the boats at right angles to the current, entering the lock without hitting the walls or each other - phew!

Out of the lock into a swing bridge

The lock is really deep and the keeper dropped a hook on a rope down to us and took our lines up to mooring posts, passing the other end back to us. Once full, the gates opened and we could exit, but only as far as a swing bridge immediately outside the lock. Waiting patiently there was the third boat of our convoy who had been forced to wait for us. Once through we morred up and had a very welcome rest and a sandwich.

Poppies

We stayed in convoy with Dave and Marie on Nener J, passing through several swing bridges and some beautiful open countryside. We have moored for the night in a small town called Thorne, in South Yorkshire - seems a long way from home now.