From Thorne to Keadby, then up the Trent to West Stockwith

Wed 18 May a triumph of optimism - or just lucky!

It was pouring as we set off from home to Thorne, but the weather was supposed to improve.
The Cromwell Lock keepers had advised us that we could get to West Stockwith today, rather than tomorrow, as 5PM was the time to leave Keadby today to go to West Stockwith. Other boats travelling further, to Torksey (twice as far) will leave after 3PM, to catch the flood tide.
We hoped to see our friends Elaine and Chris Turner, who had moored next to Annie overnight on their way north. As we arrived, they were just setting off, but returned to have a chat. Elaine looked fine after her immersion at Vazon Swing Bridge, thank goodness. I also saw bell ringing friend Ifor Barton moored up, on a trip out from his green Springer's home mooring at Rawcliffe Bridge near Goole.

Chris and Elaine on Jophina 2, with Ifor Barton looking on, as the dogs bid each other farewell!

heading north to Leeds and beyond

The rain stopped, the sun came out at times, as we left Thorne behind, heading Eastward to Keadby. You do get a good view over the fen-like countryside from the Keadby-Stainforth canal: no high banks block your view of the bright yellow fields. Huge wind generators tower above by the score.

Leaving Thorne. Once Louis & Joshua, then Tyler Wilson, run by Nationwide now, I believe?

Liana operating Moores Swing Bridge, a typical vehicle bridge here.

Oil Seed Rape fields and wind farms under a lowering sky

hghgfg

We had help at Godnow Swing Bridge, luckily. The Railway man closes his barrier first here.

Most swing bridges were ok, but the manual Medge Hall bridge needed both of us to shift it this time.

Goods trains are common, fishermen less so

Dutch Barge Edith on her way westwards from Keadby

the amazing sliding rail bridge just before Keadby, controlled from the signal box. We were asked to wait ten minutes, for a pause in the train traffic.

On reaching Keadby about 3PM, our friendly lock keeper asked us to wait until 5PM or later, so we would lock down onto the Trent just before High Water. As High Water at West Stockwith, 12 miles upriver, is a couple of hours later, we will travel with the High tide and arrive there just after 7PM, at High Tide or slack water, when it is easier to enter the lock without current messing you around.

Keadby Lift Bridge used to be operated by filling the big "bucket" on the left side with river water.

leaving Keadby with our companion narrowboat following

there was lots of flotsam coming up the river again with the flood tide

the Trent is wide here. Much of the front has had rust cleaned off and coated with iron oxide paint, with the cratch off and cover being repaired at the moment

Flotsam near the M180 Bridge

John steering Annie, with Keadby Power Station in the background

 In fact, we arrived early, so turned to face the current as we passed the lock, hovering until the gates were opened. We would have waited for our companion, but the lock keeper was keen to get us up into the basin and leave the lock chamber empty for the other boat, as they were not experienced. There are two moorings in front of the Waterfront pub for visitors, plus four end-on moorings, where we normally go, reversing in. Wednesday night is Pie Night at the other pub round the corner, so we ate there and john watched Liverpool FC lose the Europa League Final to Sevilla, sadly ... :(