Spring Clean

It's been some time since Annie left the residential arm.  3 months stuck in the dock had taken it's toll and Annie was looking rather tatty - particularly inside, with coal dust, sawdust, bags of recycling and the like filling every space.  A few hours tidying at the end of march means I can now take an internal picture without too much embarrassment!

Looking aft from the front door:

Looking forward from the Galley:

26th of March saw the arrival of my new neighbours.  Great to have some company and good luck to them on their new liveaboard lifestyle.  I've already benefited from Pimms and Cake!

The following day I was finally let out from under the footbridge for my first journey of the year.  Amazing weather knocking 20 degrees!!  Great (if rather familiar)view whilst leaving the dock.

Swinging right into Leeds lock things weren't quite so rosy.  Once into the lock beside another narrowboat it quickly became apparent we weren't going anywhere very fast.  The electrically powered lock decided to lock us in as the paddles stuck down.  This meant we couldn't drop to river level and spent the next 45 mins waiting for Mr BW to come and help us out.  No rush so just chatted with the other boat and sat on the lock with a coffee.  Even the river equivalent of roadworks couldn't spoil the fun!

Annie Stuck in Leeds Lock

And out the other side...

Once out the other side first stop Leeds Lock Facilities.  Stopped on the pontoon and did my stuff.  And then started the unenviable task of cleaning my cratch!  All the junk was dragged off, including several tonnes of Ash, recycling, rubbish and wood!  And then a bit of magic with the mop and Bingo!

Once all sorted out I continued downstream at snails pace and turned just beyond Knostrop Flood Lock.  River very shallow and muddy today so took a while to wind.  Barge pole useless in this mud!

Leaving Leeds Lock Facilities:

After a couple of nights on the visitor mooring it was up to Granary Wharf to meet Matt, Caleb, Amber and Sienna for a bit of fun.

Annie at Granary Wharf

Matt and Caleb

After some unsuccessful fishing with the nets they all seemed very keen to have a go so we set off into River Lock with clear instructions to keep all limbs in the cabin!  Once out the lock Sienna had a crack at driving and within seconds was telling me how easy it was.  A natural!  And Amber too was very capable.  15 mins later we were back at Clarence Dock without incident.

Snow arrived again quite abruptly last weekend.  Cold, windy, and very slushy at 7am following my nightshift.

My new Neighbour

And me...

A few more nights to do and then we're scheduled for a Service at Rodley.  Looks like it could be an interesting battle against the wind!