Back down the Don

 Monday 3 May Mexborough to Long Sandall

(8 miles, 3 locks)

We got up to a cloudy but not rainy morning, and saw the flashing blue lights of a fire engine coming carefully along the towpath opposite towards nearby Mexborough Bottom Lock. We hoped no one was hurt. They soon departed, and we approached the lock, where we found out from the lock Volunteer that it was the classic cat stuck up a tree scenario!

The weather stayed dull but dry, and John was dressed in wet weather gear, so we enjoyed the three mile journey back past Conisbrough Viaduct and Castle to Sprotbrough. Liana was keen to continue while it remained dry, so we made our way the three miles downriver past the tree-strewn weirs to Doncaster Town Lock. 

We passed the prison walls, hidden by lots of fresh-leaved trees, as we approached Doncaster.

Passing through with a small cruiser, the lock dwarfed us both. They turned into the town basin just below the lock, but unfortunately the visitor mooring was occupied, so we decided to go down to just above Long Sandall Lock, two miles beyond Strawberry Island. 

The rain started as we approached Long Sandall, and was soon pouring down for the rest of the night.

Tuesday 4 May Homeward Bound (0 locks, 2 miles)

After a very windy, night with torrential rain, when John had to set up the balloon fenders sideways to prevent the wind bashing Annie against the steel pilings and rattling our teeth, we made the short trip back to Strawberry Island Boat Club. Liana liaised with SIBC Harbourmaster John, who very helpfully found us a visitors berth despite members returning early because of the bad weather. Our good friends Carolyn and Scott picked us up and transported us back to our car at RWBC Clayworth, which made our lives much easier. Many thanks!!