We are currently moored up at Horbury Bridge, Middlestown in Wakefield which, according to Paul, is the furthest North we will be going. It is also the place where the hymn ‘Onwards Christian Soldiers’ was written and performed for the first time as a children’s marching song.
We have woken up to the sound of rain hammering on the roof so it is unlikely that we will be going anywhere today. We have been forced to realise that this adventure is not a race, but an experience, and that the whole purpose is to enjoy it and not get stressed if we are forced to stop or slow down. So, today we will catch up on some TV, light a fire, give Paul a hair and beard cut and maybe even pop to the pub for a Sunday Dinner (did I mention that we are conveniently moored up outside a pub!)
Zak is finally settling into boat dog life and is now much more relaxed. We have been training him on the engine deck to come ‘onboard’ with chicken treats. He definately doesn’t like it when I am out of sight so he comes off with me to do the locks and then he needs to learn to jump back on afterwards. He is actually great at waiting at the locks whilst I do my thing, unless of course a cyclist goes past then he’s off chasing them down the towpath. Need to work on that a bit more too!
In other news, Paul chopped a bit of the end of his finger off with the axe but was very brave and our adventure very nearly came to an end on Thursday as we came out of flood locks at Castleford. The signage wasn’t clear and we turned left instead of going straight on and we’re headed straight into the buoys that indicate the presence of a wier. It was terrifying, Paul had to do an emergency 180 turn with the engine thrusting in reverse for all its worth. I naturally supported Paul by sitting inside the deck in a foetal position crying my eyes out. Just to give you some kind of perspective, this was the weir we were headed towards…..
After that experience, we called an emergency meeting with ourselves to discuss ways to ensure we are more prepared going forwards. We also took a day or so out to get our heart rates back to normal.
We are missing everyone very much and we love the comments that you leave as they make us smile!
I’ll leave you with some pics from our travels. Lots of love x
26 responses to “Day 20!”
It all sounds a bit like a Kenny Everett sketch, should’ve called the boat ‘calamity Jane’ 🤣🤣🤣
Merely teething problems!
who knew the dangers of a canal, especially when you take a wrong turn, that weir looks fierce , the wreck gives a clue to that? Of course while you two and the dog are navigating the british canal network, just a few of us were at Pride Park and after celebrating the Rams being promoted back to the Championship 🐏🐏🥴🥴
We saw it too. We finished early so that we could watch the game on Sky with a beer un hand. Up the Rams!
The weir looks very scary! Well done dad! I don’t blame you for being scared Jo! Lots of lovely pictures and I’m glad you had some rest days to enjoy the journey x
Thank you Annabel. Rest days are vital!
Think you have done well to survive the last few days. Take it easy and relax for a while.
Will do!
There will be loads more challenges as you go along but you will master them we are sure of it. The good weather will come so keep on floating neighbours
Thanks Alan. Fingers crossed!
Wow!! That must have been really scary. You are right though, it isn’t a race & you’ve got all the time in the world to get from A to B so make the most of wherever you find yourselves & enjoy!
Lovely pics – Love little Zak in his life jacket.
Xx
Cheers Baz. More pics to come!
We are really enjoying reading and seeing some of your experiences at the beginning of this amazing adventure. Keep the spirits up as we are proud of you both.
Thank you both. Pity it’s not as warm as Gran Canaria!
Jo & Paul love hearing all your news hope you are both ok and learning lots, Zak is looking very cute, how are the muscles after all those locks Thanks for all the updates and stay safe.
Definately feeling fitter! A larger than normal bottom also comes in handy on those locks!
You know the saying Rome wasn’t built in a day. Enjoy your surroundings and the sense of freedom. Slow down and relax. There is no rush.
Robo can’t go any slower 😃
Paul how is your finger? Did Nurse Jo bandage you up. Keep safe we want you home in one piece xx
Fully nursed and back in use!
This is turning into such an adventure! Well done on dealing with the weir. Looked bloody scary!
Hope Incys finger is ok.
Love Zaks life jacket too.
Enjoy your pub dinner. Best place to be after all that stress!
Thanks Paula. Fully rested and ready for the onwards journey!
You’re certainly getting the adventure you wanted! Hope to see you soon xxx
Thanks Shirl and we hope to see you soon too! 😊
Wow – exciting stuff! Keep up the adventures 🙂 xxx
Will do Michelle!