Time Off + Sun = Trip out :-)
Tues 27th Sept
Met Rob at 10am to navigate the Footbridge - The dock was absolutely rammed so stuck my nose out and promptly parked up again (as per my previous post) at Crown Point Bridge. Half expecting some trouble here but was left alone in peace all day. Decided to go no further for now, so moved my car to somewhere safe and picked up provisions. Relieved to find the boat still there and not covered in Naan.
Evening spent listening to Radio 5 and the latest in the Carlos Tevez saga. What a tit. 250k a week and you can't be arsed. Shame as he is/was a good footballer. On another disappointing note York City lost 3-2 at Gateshead to continue their erratic form.
Wed 28th Sept
With my inverter currently knackered I was unable to set an alarm this morning. Rather surprised to wake at 11am. Oh well - Still sunny out there and made my move into Leeds Lock for 11.30.
Looking back to the Knostrop Flood Lock, open as usual.
Through to Knostrop Lock where NB Toby joined me along with his crew of Ian (i think) and Michelle. I like this boat - Nice shiny black affair - all fitted and painted out himself. Hopefully one day I'll be skilled enough to be able to re-paint and fit, but that's not going to be any time soon so need to keep Annie in one piece!
On to Thwaite where the moorings are still unoccupied - Tut.
A Kingfisher darted low along the river on the approach to Skelton Grange bridge - not the closest sighting but clear and colourful. Not so fortunate with the otter a guy with binoculars tried to direct me towards. That's twice now I've come across people watching otters and I didn't see them. That's something to look forward to.
Toby continued to follow me through Fishpond and Woodlesford lock before we both stopped at 2pm at Lemonroyd Marina. I really enjoy this stretch now - It's surprised me how much I like the Aire & Calder, being used to the Narrow canals, I thought the northern commercial canals were a bit dull - but there is plenty of interest.
Sat out in the Sun with book/newspaper until about 6.30 when Katy arrived from work (aww). Sun promptly set and cooled down nicely. Visit from James at 9 - good to see the little bro :-)
Thurs 29th Sept
Up early today to see KT to the car for 7am. A cool mist enveloped the canal making for a spectacular scene - a sure sign of another stifling day!
A good shot of Toby opposite
Decided to take a quick snooze and came out of hibernation at ... 1.30pm!!! This has pissed me off - I'm supposed to be making the most of the weather!
On with the Shorts and camera and out on stroll for 2pm. Took the Trans Pennine Cycle Route along the N bank (by foot) and followed the river eastwards. There are a lot of lakes around this area - some more accessible than others - plenty of wildlife around inc big Dragonflies.
Well ready for an Ice Cream at Allerton Bywater and also purchased the paper. Sat down by one of the lakes and read the paper for about an hour. Nice spot - grebes, swans, cormorant and rushes.
Heading back up to the river I noticed where they changed the course. A huge overgrown bank blocks access from the meandering old river to the course of the new.
Back along the South side, having crossed over at Caroline Bridge. On this bridge I met a rather hot and bothered looking policeman - who half-heartedly replied to my hello. He probably thought I was up to no good but I was also concerned for his welfare - so dawdled on the bridge taking photos until he was safely back on the bank. Suicide averted for now! The south bank is a slightly nicer walk, especially as there was a little shade. Some good views back down to the river and the path weaved through the berry laden autumn trees before arriving back at Lemonroyd lock shortly after 5pm.
Too hot out so straight inside the boat to cool off with a drink before finishing off todays crossword - well not quite!
Friday 30th Sept
Up for 9am today - another nice fresh morning. Breakfast of weetabix was shared with the swans as I was all out of bread. They didn't seem to mind at all - ignore them at your peril - one of the cygnets tried leaping into the side hatch. Don't want to think about the mess and panic if it had been successful!
Turned above the lock and watered, emptied and chopped wood. That got a few funny looks with it coming on 28 degrees - but I do like to be prepared.
A huge tanker, Humber Pride came by out the lock to dock at Lemonroyd Oil Terminal. This is the first time I've seen any sizeable commercial traffic since coming off the Trent. Really impressive sight.
Moved up to Swillington Bridge moorings for easy access to Woodlesford. Bombed up into the village to get supplies for lunch. Pleased to find a Coop, butcher and chippie close by. Celebrated with further ice-cream!
Heading back now - through Woodlesford lock for 3 where I found a very poorly rabbit - completely blind, wondering around lost. Thought it best to stay clear but sad all the same. Fishpond cleared by 4pm and Knostrop by 4.30.
Pulled in at the facilities by Leeds Lock to collect some more wood from the pile that's been there for at least 3 months. The fishermen thought I was quite mad dragging wood around in the heat. I'll need a chainsaw soon as the remaining bits are getting a bit too large for snapping and sawing with my little hand saw!
Finally back onto the visitor mooring by 6 which was thankfully already in the shade. My parallel parking skills were tested to the full. Did a decent job considering the gap was about 1 foot too short, leaving my stern out in the dock!
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