We left home about 1030 in the sun. Once at Saxilby, the rain started coming down, becoming torrential for most of the day. We stayed and watched tv, and read. Liana eventually walked Rachel’s dog Honeypie late in the day!
Tuesday 22 April Saxilby to the Woodcocks and Pyewipe Inns 3 miles 0 locks
John rang Chris Potts at Burton Waters to organise repairs to our cratch cover: A clip had come off and a zip was sticking, probably slightly crushed. He suggested we moor at the Woodcocks Inn, a short walk away from him, and ring. His son Ryan walked over, assessed the damage and carried the cratch away, recommending a marina place for lunch. When we got back after a walk and a coffee, the cratch was back, repaired and refitted! Liana saw Ryan when we moored at Burton Waters Marina to fill up with diesel, and he said there was no charge. What service from Chris and Ryan at Marine & Industrial Covers! Thank you so much.
While taking on diesel, John asked the office if a fitter could check the electrics, as our oil pressure gauge was reading maximum once the ignition was switched on. John thought it was an oil sensor connection, but hadn’t found it. Their fitter sorted it in ten seconds, with no charge, again! So with full diesel tank, mended cratch and oil pressure gauge, we continued to the Pyewipe Inn, just outside Lincoln. We enjoyed the sun, then ate a good meal inside (it is dog friendly). We thought both Inns were ok, if rather expensive.
Wednesday 23 April Pyewipe Inn to Lincoln
After a decent night’s sleep and shower, John took Annie through Lincoln Brayford Pool to the famous mediaeval Glory Hole, beneath High Bridge on Lincoln High Street, one of the few mediaeval bridges with houses on it.
We moored under the weeping willow beside The Witch & Wardrobe Inn, in the centre of Lincoln. Our daughter Sarah joined us for the afternoon.
Thursday 24 April Washingborough CRT Moorings to Bardney Lock 8 miles
We awoke to sunshine, so had a fry up breakfast followed by a walk into the nearby village. We were made welcome in the lovely church by the gentleman in the office, who put the lights on for us. They have an active ringing team to ring their eight bells, I believe.
We decided to enjoy the sunny afternoon by cruising to Bardney Lock, where we moored close to the lock. We emptied the loo cassettes in the Elsan facility there. The gentleman living in the lock house had been gardening and cutting the grass, and the lock area looked very well cared for. His dog was lovely, too. Honeypie was impressed when he gave her a treat. A 1.5 mile walk took us to the Old Angel Inn in Bardney, where John had a good pint and Liana had a coke. The decent butchers opposite supplied us with three sausage rolls and flapjacks. After a pleasant walk back, we settled in for the night.
Friday 25 April Bardney Lock to Lincoln and Torksey (18 miles, 1 lock)
The morning began very foggy, but the sun soon burned off this mist and we settled in for off back to Lincoln, passing swans and their nests, mallards and a couple of herons on the way. Clouds obscured the sun, so it was quite cool as we approached Stamp End Lock at Lincoln. We struggled to make it work, so two hours later a friendly boater had helped us sort it. Liana asked East Midlands CRT to check it.
After lunch in Lincoln, Liana and Honeypie walked to the Pyewipe Inn.
