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Update 14th December 2003 [Part 1]
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...
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
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