First of all and with thanks to "freeserve", we have lost our email address book so, a quick email from you will help us to create a new one.
Our NEW e-mail addresses:
david@ross-craft.com
or pamela@ross-craft.com
Sorry that it is so long since our last update but we have been busy getting jobs finished since our return to Mirfield. Anyway, here goes with our Mirfield to York and Ripon trip, when we were accompanied by Richard Stead and his narrowboat "Firefly"
The first part of the trip (to Castleford) was the same as on the Leeds Liverpool trip except of course that the weather was generally cooler. At Castleford junction we went straight across towards Ferry Bridge once the traffic lights were at amber then green. Some of the traffic here is on the large side and it's best to keep out of the way.
Castleford Junction...
As we headed east, there was nothing untoward other than very strong winds hitting us from behind which caused problems when we were manoeuvring at locks etc. By the time we arrived at Beal we decided to stay the night as the moorings were quite sheltered and there were a couple of pubs within walking distance!
Sunset at Beal...
The next morning we set off towards the Selby Canal. Again lots of strong winds which caused us problems turning into the Selby Canal at West Haddlesey flood lock.
As soon as we were through the flood lock we came across a low bridge and thought at first that this might be the end of the journey as far as Lea Crest was concerned.
Low bridge at Selby...
Never ones to be beaten, we took the mast down and the navigation lights off, but the bridge turned out to be not as tight as it looked. Selby Canal was trouble free but the only pub we saw, about half way along, was closed at lunchtime. Never mind, plenty in Selby.
Lock keepers cottage, Selby...
We arrived about teatime and were given full instructions from the lock keeper on how to deal with the tidal Ouse between Selby and Naburn (just over 14 miles). Didn't sleep too well as there was too much to think about - not so much getting to Naburn, as getting back into the Selby Canal in about a weeks time. We came out of the Selby lock at about 7 a.m., not quite light and on a fast spring tide. The first obstacle was the Rail bridge, which was no problem, then the Road bridge. The back end of the boat was a bit near the Road bridge stanchion but luckily we missed it. There was lots of wood in the river and it took both of us to keep our eyes peeled.
The tidal Ouse...
It was a relief to get to Naburn which seemed a bit of an anticlimax and a dead end. We averaged 7 mph on this 14 mile stretch - about double our normal speed. Only about an hour from here to York, so we pressed on passing Acaster Malbis and Bishopthorpe where the Archbishop of York lives (nice house!)
Firefly at Bishopthorpe...
We had no sooner moored up and still tying up ropes, when who should turn up but an old friend Sylvia Walls with husband Ken. They were off to the races and couldn't stop. Time to rest and put the roller coaster ride to Naburn behind us. Now it might be the journey or just David that is cracking up but, he keeps seeing a chap on the back door and, he's not alone.There are others on the boat, but we'll introduce them later.
My cousin Kevin knows the power of mind over matter from the early sixties when we used try to decipher the cracks on the bedroom ceiling, but that's another story.
All in the mind...
Woody...
After some miles we arrived at the lock gates at Linton on Ouse, which took us on to Ripon. Carrying on up the Ouse another mile and a half and the Ouse changes its name to the Ure.
Changing colours...
They seem to build the lock chambers with sloping sides up here.
Sloping sides...
Onward north towards Ripon and spent the night at Boroughbridge.
Boroughbridge...
Spotted this nice looking boat passing through Boroughbridge
A long way from home...
Another picture of Richard and Firefly
Firefly at full steam...
Saw this young woman called "Julie" a few miles short of Ripon. She works for British Waterways and looks after this stretch. Hard work doesn't seem to bother her much and according to Julie "it's a great job"
Julie tidying up...
Julie told us that the next bridge up was very tight and if any bridge was to stop us getting to Ripon, this was it.
A tight one coming up...
A snug fit...
Just made it...
Well we made it up to Ripon and before the Lancaster canal was re-opened, this was the furthest north you could get on the English system.
Ripon basin...
Ripon...
We found a very good butcher in Ripon called Hutchinsons. He had rump steak on offer which had been hung for 32 days and was 5lb for £15, so if you come to Ripon see if the offer is still on this "fabulous steak". (Note the half pint pot in the picture - seriously big steaks!)
Rump steaks from Ripon...
After an overnight stop we headed back home and of course you don't have any choice other than to use the same route. This little thatched roof cottage is at the side of the canal at Boroughbridge.
Back in time...
These two lads were Julie's workmates and spoke highly of her, both agreeing that she was as tough as any bloke but with more stamina and "big hands"?
Julie's mates...
This wooden car was outside a shop in Boroughbridge. I noticed it had a parking ticket on the bonnet, so who said "traffic wardens don't have a sense of humour"?
Just the ticket...
Lea Crest at Boroughbridge...
Pamela took this picture; a larger signpost wouldn't go amiss.
The Ure and Swale meet...
