Gromit trying out yet another bed
Checking out Richard's coat...
They say boating is the quickest way to slow down and this scenery will certainly take some beating.
Richard heading south to Linton on Ouse...
We met some people from Glasgow - "Christine and her son Alistair". They were in a cabin cruiser and enjoying every minute of their holiday. You never seem to be very far in front or behind people you meet, and generally just keep on bumping into one another (not literally). Their boat is moored just in front of ours in the next picture.
Early morning mist at Linton lock...
Back in York but had a couple of nights at Naburn, thinking about the tidal trip back to Selby and the manoeuvre into the lock which was bugging David. The next few pictures are of York and as you can see, the weather just kept very fine.
Moored near Lendal Bridge, York...
Museum Gardens, York...
Pamela on Lendal Bridge, York...
Weatherspoons Bar, York...
The trip from Naburn back to Selby was a calmer affair than the trip up, in fact we were short of water for the first couple of miles and when the tide turned (around Cawood) we felt the river speed wasn't going to be a problem. The 14 mile trip down to Selby took 3 hours, an hour longer than it did on the way up.
We had an audience standing by the lock at Selby and we didn't let them down with our performance, giving the lock entrance a good clout with the front of our boat. I took the next picture the following morning and as you can see there is half a tree coming down the river. You have to avoid these as they go back and forth with the tide and we're told they will do this until there is a proper flood, like the ones you see on the TV when York is flooded. This washes most of this debris down into the Humber.
Low tide at Selby Lock...
This boat had an engine which came from a mine in Africa, very traditional to have a big slow thumping engine. The owner was convinced that we could take our boat out to sea and make our own way to France. He didn't convince us though.
Giddy Goose's engine room...
Full smoke ahead...
We had a day in Selby, which was a surprisingly interesting place with a copious amount of pubs for those who like the odd drink.
Market day at Selby...
The next three pictures were taken on the Selby canal and one from the window of the Hungry Fox at Beal (well worth a visit).
Congestion on the Selby Canal...
Firefly steaming towards Beal...
Relaxing at Beal...
View from the Hungry Fox...
As we approached Ferry Bridge we could see the lights were at red to let this old but very large Barge through.
Towards Ferry Bridge...
Although there isn't much at Stanley Ferry, there is a good pub called "The Ship" which does food (except Wednesdays) and the staff are of the traditional type, they make you feel welcome. The other pub although nearer to the boats, is large and generally emptier.
Sunset at Stanley Ferry...
Early morning at Stanley Ferry...
Passed through Wakefield and headed towards Horbury, home of "Onward Christian Soldiers".
Approaching Broad Cut Low Lock...
When we arrived at Horbury we decided to nip to the grocers shop but then couldn't leave for about twenty minutes because of a hail storm. Apparently it only hailed in Horbury and Middlestown.
Hail at Horbury Bridge...
Well almost home, the next picture shows the weir at Shepley Bridge and the roof of the Swan pub through the trees.
Greenwood Flood lock, Shepley Bridge...
Back in Mirfield, we had a visit from some friends, Ric and Clair Lee.
They brought their son Conner James Lee. Conner ("CJ" to his friends) is better known to soap watchers as TJ ("Terry Junior") of Emmerdale fame. Conner James seems to take all this fame in his stride (well he would if he could walk!)
Pamela and Conner James Lee...
Just like his dad Ric, CJ likes a drink.
Ecstasy...
Well the Ripon steak didn't last forever as we imagined so we had to resort to an old favourite.
Good basic fayre...
Back to Mirfield and Ledgard Bridge which also meant back to reality and work. We needed some more cupboard space and some occasional wardrobes, just in case we get visitors when we get down to the south of France. But I had no sooner started when Gromit ("site foreman") decided to check out the measurements.
Not a bad fit...
Well that's it for now. Sorry it's all been so late, but we hope you all have a great Christmas and we look forward to updating in 2004.
All the best for now,
David and Pamela