Brayford Pool

Today's Navigation - River Witham

We spoke (wrote) too soon last night. As dusk gathered the intensity of jet fighters taking off increased and went on until well after the start of the Ten O'clock News

There was also a brilliant red sky, presaging the hot sunny day that followed.

Amongst the modern day aircraft, what looked like one of the Battle of Britain Flight also flew overhead.

We could also see the landing lights of the airfield in the distance.

And so to today. We planned an early start so that we could expect to reach Brayford Pool mid afternoon. We had already booked two night's mooring here whilst we are both on trips tomorrow. At £15 a night it is a tad expensive (especially compared with 'free' mooring elsewhere!) but we wanted to be sure that we could moor as close to the station as possible for an early start on Thursday.

We awoke to the anticipated glorious morning with the water so very calm under the old Tattershall Bridge. Mike walked up to bridge and discovered that it is not only no long the road route through but the far end has been completely walled off so it cannot act as a bridge for anything! \still it looks 'heritage'.

This mixed gaggle of birds on the bank outside the boat caught Christine's attention.

We were off not long after eight and made smooth progress back upstream.

It is five years since our first and only visit to this river and we both have felt that it seems so much more scenic and attractive than we recalled. Of course, the lack of pouring rain helps!

Most of the drains that join the river make a stark and brash appearance but one or two creep in rather shyly midst a rare bundle of trees and shrubs.

See what I mean?

The clear sky and presumed lack of high altitude wind meant that there were numerous aircraft trails criss crossing the sky in front of us. Not easy to capture but perhaps this gives a flavour.

A house-proud couple no doubt eagerly awaiting a 'happy'event - but will they be able to keep up with the mortgage if he stays at home and does not go out to work?

Here is the sugar factory again - from this direction the new factory still being built is much more obvious.

Back at Bardney Lock and we again made good use of the facilities. The work boat has moved from below to above the lock, No-one was working

We stopped for lunch at Washingborough Moorings  before cruising the last four kilometres into Lincoln.

Stamp End Lock gave us no special problems this time, even though it is rather slow to operate. This gave us time to notice - as we did not on the way down - that the old factory behind is only part of its former self - originally Clayton and Shuttleworth. (see) It had a long history of heavy engineering, steam engines, traction engines and other agricultural equipment. It finally closed in 2010.

Back through the Glory Hole and out into the expanse of Brayford Pool. We eventually, with the help of two of the volunteers at Brayford Trust, we found our correct mooring and hooked up to the electricity bollard.

20.2 Miles - 2 Locks