CRUISING WITH SUZIE JOY.....

[Janet S]

After getting an invite to join Lonewolf on Suzie Joy today to help a single handed boater through Blackburn locks, I set my alarm for stupid o'clock and caught the bus over to Blackburn to meet her.

 

Alighting the bus (that's the correct terminology, according to the notice) at Eanam Wharf, I made my way to the canal. Slight miscalculation Janet....I should have stayed on for a bit longer and saved myself one hell of a long walk to the bottom of the Blackburn flight! However, I DID remember to pack my trusty multi coloured windlass!

 

Having carefully left my handcuff key sitting on the coffee table at home, (yes, I DO blonde very well!) I really needed to be at the bottom of the flight to borrow one from the boat to be of any use, locking ahead! It seemed to take forever to get to the top lock - what a relief! It was taking so long that I was beginning to wonder if I was walking in the wrong direction! I had to get my Nicholson's out to be sure....

 

The top lock was, as you can see, blessed with a prodigious amount of water flowing over the lock gates…

 

 

 

There was some rather strange canal (?) art alongside one of the locks.

 

 

Eventually I made it to the bottom of the flight, and still no sign of Suzie Joy, so I carried on walking….and walking….and walking...

 

Eventually, through a series of SMS’s, I found out where she was, (having trouble with a weedhatch job) so I knew I wouldn’t have long to wait. Settling down under a bridge to shelter from the persisting it down rain and have a much needed hot drink from my flask, I saw a boat approaching, and waved a cheery “hello”…..ooops! It was the wrong boat! The guy did look at me rather strangely, but took it all in good part when I explained I was waiting for someone! I suppose it’s a bit odd to wait under a canal bridge to hitch a lift? Seems perfectly normal to me….

 

Turned out to be a fortuitous wave, as once he learned of our plans, he waited for us at the bottom of the Blackburn flight so we were able to lock through with him. Nice one Tom, and thanks for your help! (and your lovely wife of course, who was delegated to locking duties in the pouring rain, bless her!)

 

Eventually the right boat appeared, and I jumped on board….rather carefully, as Suzie Joy is a trad stern, and there ain’t a lot of room on deck for passengers! However, we sorted our positions out eventually! (mainly involving one or other of us hanging rather precariously off the side, but still, we coped!)

 

 

 

 

The weather soon turned from gentle drizzle, through to heavy rain and thence on towards near hurricane! We were being absolutely lashed from all sides, and the wind was proving to be an absolute bitch! Still, I was boating, so I didn’t care too much….

 

We made it to Rishton, absolutely soaked and freezing, then moored up to allow us to dive below deck for a much needed cuppa and a respite from the lashing rain. It really was the worst wind and rain I’ve seen on here in simply ages. We were freezing and soaked to the skin. It was a good chance for us to relax for a bit and get to know each other. We’d only met up for the first time today, so it was all a little strange.

 

Rishton, however, wasn’t a favoured choice for overnight mooring, being rather too near a main road, so we decided to press on, with the intention of getting Lonewolf to Church, and a rather nice mooring that we’ve used on a few occasions. Wouldn’t you just know it? There was a boat moored just where we wanted to be! We attempted to moor behind, but it was so shallow that all I could do was yell from the front of the boat to stick her in reverse, and pretty damn quick!

 

By this time the rain had cleared, and given way to glorious sunshine, although it was still rather windy, so we carried on cruising, the boat occasionally crabbing over to one side as we were hit broadside by the gale. I’m sure I went round several bends on two wheels, tyres screeching…! Suzie Joy is a fabulous boat to handle, so apart from a delicate and rather discreet crunch at one bridge hole, she coped admirably. Thanks for not screaming at me Blanche!

 

After an early morning weedhatch job, we’d been pretty clear, but by the time we reached Clayton-Le-Moors, it was obvious that we had something on the prop…she just wasn’t responding as she should. Ttry as we might, we couldn’t find anywhere to bring the boat in to the side for a weedhatch job. We did attempt to tie up under a bridge to affect repairs, but suddenly narrowboat Tom appeared again from behind us, so we had to let them through. Many thanks Tom for leaving the swing bridge open for us!

 

We limped along, very slowly, until we made Foster’s Swing Bridge, then thankfully pulled her into the side and moored up. Blanche closed the bridge behind us whilst I made us a much needed warm drink as she then proceeded to delve into the depths…yep…I was right! Tesco carrier bag, plus a couple of others and what looked like an elasticated stocking that Norah Batty would have died for….

 

 

 

That brief respite was enough to get us going again, and we carried on for a short while until we reached Hapton, where we moored up just short of the boatyard and headed off to the pub for a well deserved couple of pints before I sadly had to take my leave and go home….sob, sob…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all, despite getting a severe soaking and being in a howling hoolie for most of the day, I’ve had a great time. Absolutely brilliant! I’ve been boating, and made a very nice new friend, who I hope to meet up with again before too long. She’s done rather more miles today than she would have normally done, but hey, she had me with her, and I don’t hang around!

 

Many thanks Blanche! It’s a trip I’ll remember for a long time. Hope to meet up again soon, if you’ll put up with me again!

 

Janet

[soldthehouse]

After getting an invite to join Lonewolf on Suzie Joy today to help a single handed boater through Blackburn locks, I set my alarm for stupid o'clock and caught the bus over to Blackburn to meet her.

 

Alighting the bus (that's the correct terminology, according to the notice) at Eanam Wharf, I made my way to the canal. Slight miscalculation Janet....I should have stayed on for a bit longer and saved myself one hell of a long walk to the bottom of the Blackburn flight! However, I DID remember to pack my trusty multi coloured windlass!

 

Having carefully left my handcuff key sitting on the coffee table at home, (yes, I DO blonde very well!) I really needed to be at the bottom of the flight to borrow one from the boat to be of any use, locking ahead! It seemed to take forever to get to the top lock - what a relief! It was taking so long that I was beginning to wonder if I was walking in the wrong direction! I had to get my Nicholson's out to be sure....

 

The top lock was, as you can see, blessed with a prodigious amount of water flowing over the lock gates…

 

 

 

There was some rather strange canal (?) art alongside one of the locks.

 

 

Eventually I made it to the bottom of the flight, and still no sign of Suzie Joy, so I carried on walking….and walking….and walking...

 

Eventually, through a series of SMS’s, I found out where she was, (having trouble with a weedhatch job) so I knew I wouldn’t have long to wait. Settling down under a bridge to shelter from the persisting it down rain and have a much needed hot drink from my flask, I saw a boat approaching, and waved a cheery “hello”…..ooops! It was the wrong boat! The guy did look at me rather strangely, but took it all in good part when I explained I was waiting for someone! I suppose it’s a bit odd to wait under a canal bridge to hitch a lift? Seems perfectly normal to me….

 

Turned out to be a fortuitous wave, as once he learned of our plans, he waited for us at the bottom of the Blackburn flight so we were able to lock through with him. Nice one Tom, and thanks for your help! (and your lovely wife of course, who was delegated to locking duties in the pouring rain, bless her!)

 

Eventually the right boat appeared, and I jumped on board….rather carefully, as Suzie Joy is a trad stern, and there ain’t a lot of room on deck for passengers! However, we sorted our positions out eventually! (mainly involving one or other of us hanging rather precariously off the side, but still, we coped!)

 

 

 

 

The weather soon turned from gentle drizzle, through to heavy rain and thence on towards near hurricane! We were being absolutely lashed from all sides, and the wind was proving to be an absolute bitch! Still, I was boating, so I didn’t care too much….

 

We made it to Rishton, absolutely soaked and freezing, then moored up to allow us to dive below deck for a much needed cuppa and a respite from the lashing rain. It really was the worst wind and rain I’ve seen on here in simply ages. We were freezing and soaked to the skin. It was a good chance for us to relax for a bit and get to know each other. We’d only met up for the first time today, so it was all a little strange.

 

Rishton, however, wasn’t a favoured choice for overnight mooring, being rather too near a main road, so we decided to press on, with the intention of getting Lonewolf to Church, and a rather nice mooring that we’ve used on a few occasions. Wouldn’t you just know it? There was a boat moored just where we wanted to be! We attempted to moor behind, but it was so shallow that all I could do was yell from the front of the boat to stick her in reverse, and pretty damn quick!

 

By this time the rain had cleared, and given way to glorious sunshine, although it was still rather windy, so we carried on cruising, the boat occasionally crabbing over to one side as we were hit broadside by the gale. I’m sure I went round several bends on two wheels, tyres screeching…! Suzie Joy is a fabulous boat to handle, so apart from a delicate and rather discreet crunch at one bridge hole, she coped admirably. Thanks for not screaming at me Blanche!

 

After an early morning weedhatch job, we’d been pretty clear, but by the time we reached Clayton-Le-Moors, it was obvious that we had something on the prop…she just wasn’t responding as she should. Ttry as we might, we couldn’t find anywhere to bring the boat in to the side for a weedhatch job. We did attempt to tie up under a bridge to affect repairs, but suddenly narrowboat Tom appeared again from behind us, so we had to let them through. Many thanks Tom for leaving the swing bridge open for us!

 

We limped along, very slowly, until we made Foster’s Swing Bridge, then thankfully pulled her into the side and moored up. Blanche closed the bridge behind us whilst I made us a much needed warm drink as she then proceeded to delve into the depths…yep…I was right! Tesco carrier bag, plus a couple of others and what looked like an elasticated stocking that Norah Batty would have died for….

 

 

 

That brief respite was enough to get us going again, and we carried on for a short while until we reached Hapton, where we moored up just short of the boatyard and headed off to the pub for a well deserved couple of pints before I sadly had to take my leave and go home….sob, sob…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all, despite getting a severe soaking and being in a howling hoolie for most of the day, I’ve had a great time. Absolutely brilliant! I’ve been boating, and made a very nice new friend, who I hope to meet up with again before too long. She’s done rather more miles today than she would have normally done, but hey, she had me with her, and I don’t hang around!

 

Many thanks Blanche! It’s a trip I’ll remember for a long time. Hope to meet up again soon, if you’ll put up with me again!

 

Janet

Well done You are to be commended for getting over the" introducing yourself bit" as its always an unknown quantity for both sides , nice to see the pics you should be proud

[Barry]

Some rather fetching photos there Janet - particularly the last but one.......

Edited October 3, 2009 by Bazza2

[Janet S]

It's always a bit scary meeting someone new, and I really have to force myself to do it at times, being a bit of a loner, but never once have I been let down, and today was no exception. It really was a good trip, despite the absolutely appalling weather. Blanche was lovely, and we got on very well from the start.

 

I really did have a fabulous time....now I'm so tired that I'm using matchsticks to keep my eyes open! Still, it's a nice, satisfying sort of tired, if you know what I mean? You don't get that sort of satisfying tired feeling anywhere else, do you?

 

I'm going to tuck myself up in bed now. Had a nice glass of wine to chill out a bit while I posted, now I'm just gone....

 

Goodnight all!

 

Janet

[LoneWolf]

A very enjoyable day. At 17 miles and 6 locks probably a pb as well - I would have given up long before

 

 

We could have a 'spot the mistake' competition with the photos

[PaddingtonBear]

What is the significance, if any, of both Leeds and Newhaven painted on the sides of the boat.

[Guest]

Just checking Janet but are you available to help me & Jan lock through Foxton in April next Year????

[LoneWolf]

What is the significance, if any, of both Leeds and Newhaven painted on the sides of the boat.

 

It's kind of a joke

[alan_fincher]

What is the significance, if any, of both Leeds and Newhaven painted on the sides of the boat.

A boat currently moored up near us has "Calcutta" on the back - I'm not convinced it came the whole way by water, under it's own power.

 

Another nearby boat says something like "Dubai and Buckinghamshire" - I assume it's often owner's home location(s) rather than that of the boat ?

 

 

 

 

Just checking Janet but are you available to help me & Jan lock through Foxton in April next Year????

Foxton all but does itself - it's doubtful there are "ten" easier locks anywhere, really. Think of it as six easy locks, because it terms of gates and paddles that's what it is about equivalent to.....

[Ange]

Thanks for the report and lovely pics Janet. We're moored just outside Skipton at the moment and walked into town and back at about the same time as you were locking and I thought of you both as we arrived at Tesco soaked through after nearly being blown into the canal a few times by the sidewinds!

 

A convoy of hire boaters passed our boat late this afternoon - I remarked on the fact that we'd hardly seen any boats all day then a convoy comes past and they said they'd had rather an interesting time of it coming out of Skipton. One moored up just behind us saying he'd had quite enough excitement for one day!

[LoneWolf]

Thanks for the report and lovely pics Janet. We're moored just outside Skipton at the moment and walked into town and back at about the same time as you were locking and I thought of you both as we arrived at Tesco soaked through after nearly being blown into the canal a few times by the sidewinds!

 

A convoy of hire boaters passed our boat late this afternoon - I remarked on the fact that we'd hardly seen any boats all day then a convoy comes past and they said they'd had rather an interesting time of it coming out of Skipton. One moored up just behind us saying he'd had quite enough excitement for one day!

 

so what happened did you not get the gossip?

 

Skipton eh? I'm catching up (I think)

[Ange]

so what happened did you not get the gossip?

 

No - the boat moored a bit too far away for me to visit without seeming nosey! All I got was from the lead boat saying they'd got stuck - I imagine they came a cropper at one particularly exposed bend. We did see one hirer playing dodgems with the surrounding moored boats when he tried to return his boat earlier.

 

Skipton eh? I'm catching up (I think)

 

Told you we were going slowly

[Guest]

No - the boat moored a bit too far away for me to visit without seeming nosey! All I got was from the lead boat saying they'd got stuck - I imagine they came a cropper at one particularly exposed bend. We did see one hirer playing dodgems with the surrounding moored boats when he tried to return his boat earlier.

 

 

 

Told you we were going slowly

 

 

Just for the record folks what mobile broadband provider are you using in that neck of the woods??

 

I took my Vodafone 3G card and laptop on the L&L in August and got zilch in terms of a signal, even moored in Skipton.

 

[Ange]

 

Just for the record folks what mobile broadband provider are you using in that neck of the woods??

 

I took my Vodafone 3G card and laptop on the L&L in August and got zilch in terms of a signal, even moored in Skipton.

 

 

That's strange cos I'm on a Vodafone PAYG dongle. I started off with 3 and got zilch unless I was in a big town, bought this one and have been able to get online everywhere since (though with varying strengths of signal - where I am now I get chucked off regularly)

[matty40s]

Some rather fetching photos there Janet - particularly the last but one.......

Some rather fetching photos there Janet - particularly the last butt one.......

[Guest]

That's strange cos I'm on a Vodafone PAYG dongle. I started off with 3 and got zilch unless I was in a big town, bought this one and have been able to get online everywhere since (though with varying strengths of signal - where I am now I get chucked off regularly)

Agreed, strange indeed - have to say though it didn't work at the time on any stretch of the L&L and I've since thought it was faulty, but since ditched it anyway as I now have the joy of being a BlackBerry user.

[Ange]

Agreed, strange indeed - have to say though it didn't work at the time on any stretch of the L&L and I've since thought it was faulty, but since ditched it anyway as I now have the joy of being a BlackBerry user.

 

must admit I'd love a Blackberry (though my son's an iPhone man and insists they're better). Finances don't permit at the mo though - humph.

[LoneWolf]

No - the boat moored a bit too far away for me to visit without seeming nosey! All I got was from the lead boat saying they'd got stuck - I imagine they came a cropper at one particularly exposed bend. We did see one hirer playing dodgems with the surrounding moored boats when he tried to return his boat earlier.

 

 

 

Told you we were going slowly

 

Not the best day to be doing it for the first time. We were revved up to 17k rpm at one point to prevent being blown sideways into the bank - it was quite fun

[Radiomariner]

A boat currently moored up near us has "Calcutta" on the back - I'm not convinced it came the whole way by water, under it's own power.

 

I was at Cow Roast doing a BSS Exam today saw boat with "Calcutta" and made almost the exactly same comment to Phil Reed of "Tamara" Co-incedence eh!

I guess you is at Cow Roast then Alan

[Ange]

Not the best day to be doing it for the first time. We were revved up to 17k rpm at one point to prevent being blown sideways into the bank - it was quite fun

 

I must admit we had intended to cruise into Skipton this morning but chickened out and decided to stay put till tomorrow (we are still very new to this - cluck cluck)

[Guest]

Not the best day to be doing it for the first time. We were revved up to 17k rpm at one point to prevent being blown sideways into the bank - it was quite fun

 

Some pretty exposed and windy sections on the L&L - agreed,

 

especially today I would think.

[LoneWolf]

I must admit we had intended to cruise into Skipton this morning but chickened out and decided to stay put till tomorrow (we are still very new to this - cluck cluck)

 

If Janet haddn't been coming to help I would have stayed in bed also

 

tomorrow will be sunny

[Ange]

tomorrow will be sunny

 

[LoneWolf]

 

oh yes it will! the wind has blown all the clouds away and is now dying down

 

Being new to it, we r not proper boaters you know cos we are still up wasting electricity. We should be adapting our sleeping patterns to daylight hours

[Matthew Dowson]

Some pretty exposed and windy sections on the L&L - agreed,

 

especially today I would think.

 

Made me stay at home. Cup of tea and West Wing Season 4. I'd have hated to be boating in it, rains OK, but rain and extreme wind can be a bit tricky when you're stopping at locks and the winds trying to heave you off the bank before you get a few turns of your rope round something.

Edited October 4, 2009 by Matthew Dowson