Stainforth & Keadby Canal

A gentle start today.  There are numerous swing or lifting bridges on this stretch so decided to wait for the other 3 boats to make life easier.  Left about 0915 and Geoff walked ahead with Barnaby to lift the first swing bridge after we had been let through the Railway bridge by the keeper.

This seem to be a very busy railway line so all four of us had to be ready to go through before he would open it for us.

Once through we hedge (or bridge) hopped the others with 3 of the four boats taking a turn to operate the bridge.  The fourth boat miraculously always had to stop to let his 5 dogs off at each bridge so he was never first in line at the next bridge so that he could get off and do the honours!

Weather good again, in fact I was in shorts.  We have to make the most of this week the weathermen tell us as the rain will be back next week.......but for now the temperature is very agreeable.

We planned to stop in Thorne but the linear moorings were full and it did not look all that prepossessing.   Tried to come in on the other bank but it was too shallow so though we would have to carry on through the lock.  However we stopped at the lock at the very back end of the lock moorings whilst I nipped into town for the paper and a few essential provisions.   On my return we decided to stay put for the night.  There are so few boats around and we have still left plenty of room for at least two boats to moor up.  

One of the lifting bridges