Disappointing Day

The fibreglass cruiser was the first of the three boats to leave our floating finger moorings this morning.  45 minutes later we were away but in the opposite direction.  It started to rain about 10 minutes later and didn’t stop until 6.30pm.

Whilst we are now on non tidal waters there is still a current and we are pushing against it.  Winthorpe Bridge carries the busy A1 motorway over the Trent and we mused about the number of times we might have driven over it without taking any notice of the river below. 

Surprisingly there was little traffic noise underneath the span and we were amused to see one resourceful fisherman had set himself up under the pier.  He’d even managed to back his vehicle to the edge of the bank.

We reached Newark Nether Lock around 9.20am to find an orange light.  I assumed it meant the lock keeper wasn’t aware of our presence and the signage was so far away we couldn’t read it.  After a couple of minutes the lock keeper appeared from his vehicle and gave us a wave before setting the lock.

The boat on the lower lock landing had travelled with us yesterday and obviously spent the night at the lock.  When we entered the lock the friendly lock keeper informed me the locks are manned from 9.30am to 5pm and the orange light means it is on self service.  We exchanged life histories whilst the lock slowly filled.  He was originally from Surrey and had joined the merchant navy to see the world.  He and his wife had owned and lived on a narrowboat for four years but now he’s back on land. 

He mentioned that diesel could be purchased at Kings Marina before Newark and that it was self-service card payment.  The price looked reasonable (69ppl) so we decided to top up.  On arriving in the marina we discovered a large near new Aqualine wide beam on the fuel point mooring.  Apparently the self service pod wasn’t working and the attendant had called in sick.  We waited whilst another employee attempted to manually operate the bowser only to eventually be told he couldn’t clear the fault.  As we were about to leave the marina the boat from the lock landing passed the entrance and managed to grab the last vacant floating mooring in Newark.  It would have been ours if we hadn’t stopped for fuel.

There was a gap on the opposite bank with mooring rings fitted into the side of the concrete bank.  Whilst Waiouru fitted we have a large stormwater drain outlet beside the cratch.  It has a large steel cap over the outlet but with all the recent rain water is pouring from the outlet. 

The ‘good ’floating moorings opposite

In the afternoon one of the diligent council workers passed strimming the grass on the other side of the footpath.  Then he kindly came back with a petrol blower and blew all the clippings and grit off the path onto the sides of the boats.  Hopefully the rain will now have washed most of it off.

It’s been too wet to have a look around Newark….. Where’s summer?????

Torksey Lock and the Trent

Yesterday evening I went for a walk around Torksey Lock and along the River Trent floodbank. 

The lock mechanism is electric/hydraulic at the lower end and manual at the upper.  Some interesting gate and paddle gear.

The teapots were having a meeting outside the cafe and they didn’t appear to be interested in leaving.

As I walked out the vehicle access from the lock to the car park I noticed the ‘V’ in the pavement and thought that was clever making it look like a lock

Then the penny dropped <duh!>.  This is a pair of flood gates which form part of the flood bank around the lock. 

I then walked down to the junction of the channel to Torksey Lock and the Trent.  Actually I walked both sides of the channel ensuring I took a photo in each direction.

From the north bank looking south.  The large brick building on the left is a pumping station

From the opposite direction.  There were a few friendly fishermen about.  They had plenty of time to chat because nothing was biting.

Waiouru was alone on the visitor moorings but opposite a large CRT tug had been moored on the lock landing.

This morning it was overcast but dry and I managed to get a second undercoat onto the cratch windows.  We had been advised by the lock keeper to depart for Cromwell Lock at the change of the tide (low tide) which was due at 2pm.  The tide actually turned slightly earlier and we noticed two other boats were also intending to go upstream.  Both had previously made the trip so we decided to go last.  We’d only just reached the Trent when something appeared to be caught on the prop.  It wasn’t large but had sufficient drag to slow Waiouru. I tried flicking it off with a couple of bursts of reverse without success.  In the end we had to accept a slightly slower speed.  The lockie had told us the trip would take 4.5 hours but we did it in just over 3.5 hours.

The first couple of hours were OK with Jan helping to identify the submerged obstacles but after that the heavens opened and eventually I suggested to her there was little point in both of us getting cold, wet and miserable.  So no photos from this point onwards.

The trip up to Cromwell Lock was uneventful.I’d been expecting it to be slightly more difficult so that was a relief.  When we reached the lock the lead boater informed me the ‘fresh’ had raised the water level reducing the chances of running aground.  We’re now moored at North Muskham.

Back to Torksey

The main task prior to leaving Lincoln was a walk to Tesco for a few essentials.  Along the way I happened to notice the Corn Exchange.

As you can see it dates back to 1879.  By the 18th century individual traders each developed their own discrete trading areas: the Oat Market was in the 'square' formed at the junction between St Mary's Lane and High Street, the corn market was in Cornhill, eggs, butter and perishables were in the Buttermarket north of St Peter-at-Arches. The fish market, which had been on High Bridge, was moved to join the meat market in St Lawrence's churchyard.  Despite the efforts of the council to use regulations to restrict trading to specified areas they were unsuccessful until the establishment of the Corn Exchange.  Today, the Corn Exchange and surrounding area is undergoing major renovation with some well known retail outlets moving into the location.

We winded above the lock and then retraced our cruise back through the Glory Hole.

I asked Jan to take a photo of Brayford Pool.  Unfortunately the sun was in the wrong position so the photo looks rather washed-out.

According to Wikipedia the pool is a natural lake formed by the widening of the River Witham.  The Romans used the pool as an inland port.  Apparently ‘Lin’ is ancient celtic for ‘pool’ and ‘Brayford’ a derivative of ‘Broad Ford’, a wide and shallow part of the river.

The same yellow peril we saw two years ago above the Bingley Five Rise was on the 48 hour moorings outside Burton Waters Marina.  Of course we had been looking out for her having been following the blog.

We are working to a tight timetable and regrettably didn’t have much spare time.  Just a few minutes for a quick exchange of news with Mick & Pip.

Mick and Pip (AKA 9¾).  If you follow their blog you will understand. Hope the build continues to go well.

A dutch barge just beat us onto the CRT services moorings at Lincoln so we continued on to Saxilby where we filled the water tank.  After five days it was down to ¾ so a top-up seemed wise.  It took 45 minutes to fill the tank and then we headed towards Torksey. 

Two kilometres from Torksey we passed another narrowboat going in the opposite direction.  It was nb Earnest D and the crew suddenly noticed our boat name pronouncing it correctly.  A kiwi couple who live in the UK.

We arrived at Torksey Lock just in time to join the other three boats being penned down onto the River Trent.  I needed to change the map on the gps from the Fossdyke to the Trent and that’s when our plan turned to custard.  The map was blank!!!   A late change of plan and I had to inform the lock keeper we wouldn’t be going up the Trent to Cromwell.  Instead we are on the floating visitor moorings below the lock waiting for tomorrow.  The gps map problem is now fixed and we are good to go at 2pm.

Buildings and a lazy day

We had a quiet day only going out for a short walk which included a Sunday roast lunch at the nearby Toby Carvery.  I happened to notice the building across from our mooring.

It was the date (1863) and the name above the original arch doorway.

There has been a Doughty’s Mill on this site since the 1790’s.  Over the centuries the collection of buildings expanded and then contracted until the mill finally closed in 1990.  The mill produced seed oil.  Raw material was delivered to the mill via the adjacent River Witham (on which we are currently moored) and subsequently by rail.  It has now been converted to apartments.

Whilst walking back from lunch Jan noticed this next building which looks as if it was once a small school.  It’s currently the RSPCA charity shop.

 

A little research back on Waiouru has identified it as the former St Mark’s Church Hall which is Grade II listed.  It was constructed around 1875.  This frontal perspective is the only interesting part of the building.  The rear is a boring red brick box.

A number of young female YMCA members had a display in the open area of the Exchange Arcade. 

A portable rock climbing tower seemed to be keeping the girls amused.  Further along a banner was flying across the street in front of the Stonebow Centre.

I didn’t read it correctly on first glance!

It’s time to leave Lincoln and we have decided to head back towards Torksey. 

Lincoln Castle & Cathedral

Sightseeing today involved a walk up High Street to the Castle and Cathedral.  The top end of the street narrows giving you an impression of what it might have looked like in the medieval period.  The surface of the street is covered in paving stones and one assumes there would have once been a central open gutter rather than the current footpaths. 

 

We turned right at the top to enter the cathedral through the Exchequer Gate to the main entrance.

The Bishop’s Palace is located on the south side of the Cathedral which is to the right n the above photo.  Most of the palace now seems to be little more than ruins but at one stage it would have been one of the most important buildings in England with the diocese extending from the Humber to the Thames.  Apparently it was sacked during the Civil War and subsequently fell into ruins.

The Chapter House is a traditional round structure with flying buttresses.  A Chapter House is where large meetings are held.  Apparently on 10th January 1308 four Templar Knights were arrested at Temple Bruer by the Sheriff of Lincolnshire on the orders of Edward II and locked up in Clasketgate before eventually ending up in the Chapter House for their preliminary trial.

The cathedral also contains one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.

 

We then walked due west to the nearby Lincoln Castle.  Along the way I happened to notice a second horse and carriage which was either for hire or being used for a wedding.

Construction of the current castle was started by William the Conqueror,  At the time William’s position in the north of England was very insecure and the castle was the main way of dominating the surrounding land.  It was built on the site of a former roman fort and is unusual because it has two mottes.  It’s one of the best preserved castles in the UK.

It’s rather obvious that some parts of the castle have been extensively restored.  From 1787 to 1878 it served as a debtors prison.  Wikipedia reports “William Marwood, the 19th century hangman, carried out his first execution at Lincoln. He used the long drop, designed to break the victim's neck rather than to strangle, to execute Fred Horry in 1872. Until 1868, prisoners were publicly hanged on the mural tower at the north-east corner of the curtain wall, overlooking the upper town.”  Back then justice was seen to be done!

A trip to B&Q in the afternoon to buy some sand and emery paper in preparation for painting.  The window in the cratch board has now been prepared for painting in anticipation of a guaranteed dry day.  I also managed to complete a small repair on the magnetic latch that holds the rear hatch open.  Shortly after that the heavens opened and it started to bucket down!

Lincoln

A rabbit runs, and hops, and only lives 15 years, while a tortoise doesn't run, and does mostly nothing, yet it lives for 150 years. And they tell us to exercise?  I don't think so.

Well the result of the EU referendum is now known.  Nothing changed with the Aust $ – UK sterling exchange rate.  Not even a dead cat bounce!

Breaking News

Republic of Ireland swamped by thousands of terrified English economic refugees who have made a dangerous journey across the wild Irish Sea in swan pedal boats.   

We went for a walk around Lincoln today and very cleverly managed to return to Waiouru before it started to rain.  Ade, the cafe is still over the Glory Hole!

 There are a couple of local pubs with interesting names

The Witch & Wardrobe

The Green Dragon

Jan wandered around the covered central market.  It appears to be undergoing restoration and the open section was rather small.  The High Street is now an interesting pedestrian mall.

In the middle distance you can see the “Stonebow” which is the stone archway in the Guildhall. The name Stonebow comes from "stennibogi", a Norse word meaning stone arch.  Apparently there has been a gateway here since Roman times.  Catherine Howard (one of Henry VIII wives) walked through the Stonebow on her way to Bishop’s Palace where she reputedly had one of her “assignations” resulting in her execution.

The original Guildhall was constructed over and either side of the Stonebow around 1237.  Of course it has undergone a number of subsequent additions and restorations.  The city council still meets here.

We were planning to visit the castle and cathedral but the rain removed that from today’s agenda. 

Wikipedia states “Building commenced in 1088 and continued in several phases throughout the medieval period. It was reputedly the tallest building in the world for 238 years (1311–1549). The central spire collapsed in 1549 and was not rebuilt. The cathedral is the third largest in Britain (in floor space) after St Paul's and York Minster” .

Saxilby to Lincoln

Last night’s mooring in Saxilby was probably the worst of the bunch.  We hadn’t realised the rail line was on the other side of the trees but were made aware of this at regular intervals.  This morning the roof was covered in willow leaves and bird droppings which needed to be promptly removed before setting like concrete.  I walked over to the local facilities to discover they are not owned and managed by CRT.  The men’s toilet light didn’t work and with the door shut it was as dark as the ‘black hole of calcutta’.  But then the last time I saw a toilet in a similar state was flying with Iran Air. Being in the dark was probably a blessing. 

I suspect we’ll try and plan our return trip so as to avoid spending a night there.    We disposed of the rubbish and topped up the water tank before leaving Saxilby for Lincoln.  This isn’t a particularly interesting cruise and is mostly long straights with high banks.  However we did note the three fibreglass cruisers that had passed us on our way up from West Stockwith yesterday had found quiet rural moorings with a nearby pub.  Something to remember for our return trip

A number of interesting boats today. The first didn’t have a cratch.

Actually it didn’t have a bow either!

Jan said this one reminded her of me!

Is this an add-on or did the owner attempt to go under a low carport?

Africa Queen Looks like not much has been done to it since Humphrey Bogart was aboard.

A former fishing boat?

The Brayford Belle winded (turned) in front of us and then moored on the CRT services.  We’ll probably top up the water tank here when we leave.

The 48 hour moorings on the Saxilby side of Lincoln were full.  Well not actually full because two more boats could have moored if the gaps had been closed.  We turned in Brayford Pool to find a large number of moored boats.  Not that we wanted to moor.  The plan was to look for a mooring on the eastern side of the ‘Glory Hole’.

A slight twist and narrow channel with traffic lights where the Fossdyke Navigation changes to the River Witham.

And then we got our first good look at the Glory Hole.

The bridge was built around 1160 and is the oldest bridge in England that still has houses built upon it.  The correct name is High Bridge.  Wkipedia states The Glory Hole is the name given by generations of boaters to the High Bridge in Lincoln.^[3] It has a narrow and crooked arch which sets a limit on the size of boats using the Witham and going from Brayford Pool, at the start of Foss Dyke, to Boston and the sea.

We found plenty of vacant moorings just beyond the A15 and had no sooner moored than it started to rain.  Exploring can wait until tomorrow.