Down the tidal River Trent from West Stockwith to Keadby

Friday 14 August 

Today we cruised to West Stockwith and filled up with diesel before setting off for Keadby before 5pm. We left the tidal lock with Alan and Sally Ann on NB R G Bargie. The current didn’t seem fast, as it is neap tides at the moment. Nevertheless, we took the expected time of two and a half hours at six knots, when John reckoned we only doing four, so clearly the current was about two knots! Starting with just a shirt, John needed a jumper and later a coat as dusk approached. The strong wind from the North was in our faces, making the river choppy. Cruiser Swallow appeared behind us. John contacted Keadby lock by phone as they didn’t respond to VHF. As expected, John turned Annie to face upstream as we passed the lock, to make entering the lock easier. Once in, we waited above the lock for the cruiser before mooring near the services in the gathering dusk.

R G Bargee leaving West Stockwith Lock

Alan and Sally Ann on R G Bargee at Keadby Lock

• Liana operating Misterton Top Lock

Annie and R G Bargee between Keadby Lock and swing bridge

Annie approaching West Stockwith basin

Passing the seagoing vessel Nautical moored near Keadby Bridge