Another white knuckle ride

 Bright sunshine as we leave York

After filling up with water we set off, leaving York after 3 lovely days. The run down to Naburn Locks is very pleasant and peaceful. We passed very few other boats moving and the sun was shining - not a bad way to spend a Monday morning!

 Wee ducks at Naburn

We arrived at Naburn and met up with Annette and Guy from Australia, on Dawn Chorus. Guy had just installed a VHF radio, which gave me the opportunity to finally press the transmit button on mine! We established that the radios worked and agreed the channel we would use to stay in touch whilst on the tidal stretch. Angela found yet more tiny ducks to throw our lunch to!

 Leaving the safety of Naburn Lock

The lock keeper let us out just ahead of the incoming tide, planned to ensure that we would reach Selby with sufficient water to get into the lock there. For the first few minutes we sailed along at normal speed, but then began to slow as the tide started to gain momentum. The rush of water was accompanied by masses of debris in the water, and we constantly had to take evasive action to avoid collision.

Dawn Chorus fighting the current

After about 40 minutes, the tide reached its strongest and we slowed to a crawl with engine close to flat out. The water was really streaming past along with masses of logs and sadly, several unfortunate dead farm animals. Eventually, things started to slow down and the tide eased and finally turned. We then gained momentum until we were flying along, being buffeted by eddies and waves on sharp bends. Selby lock came into view, and the lock keeper was standing on the edge of the lock signalling when to turn etc. The entry into the lock was far more severe than what we experienced at Keadby on the Trent, with the volume of water much greater and steep mud banks either side of the lock entrance. Anyway, having turned round to face the current, edged slowly towards the lock, with the engine at full speed, and then turning at the last minute, we made it into the calm of the lock without incident.

Guy and Annette safely in Selby Lock

Guy and Annette follwed us in and we could breathe a sigh of relief. It was exciting, but good to have behind us. We stopped for lunch in Selby basin before moving a short distance to Selby boat centre. We are leaving Banjo here for a few days to take the train back to Harlow and so the will be the last entry until Sunday the 26th.  

Trains and boats and ...... more boats

Banjo being overtaken! 

We were enjoying something of a lie-in this morning when it became clear that something was happening outside. Peering out of the window, the opposite bank was swarming with people and rowing boats being made ready for racing. A quick check on the internet and we could see why - today was the 147th York Summer Regatta! It was fabulous, having the best seats in the house as race after race rushed past the windows as we had breakfast.

Angela at the 'wheel'

After breakfast we crossed the river and headed for the National Rail Museum. What a great place this is - full of beautifully restored engines and memorabilia. We climbed onto engine footplates, walked underneath massive engines and sat on a Japanese Bullet train. Well worth a visit if you have any interest in trains or want to re-kindle a lot of memories.

 We want this engine

This engine- The Dutchess of Hamilton is beautiful and it must have been really exciting to be on a train pulled by it. Would love to see it run!

 Boats in a final passing the finish line

We returned to Banjo in time to watch the finals of the boat races. A couple of hours later with everything packed up, it all went very quiet on the river and the trip boats re-started their cruising up and down. Tonight we are preparing for an early start Monday morning - we are due at Naburn Lock at 11:30 to face the tidal stretch of the River Ouse again. Congratulations and well done to Lucy for walking 14 miles and raising lots of money for St Barnabus Hospice.