The dogs are having a fab time!!

Normal service is resumed and we are now back on the canal system.  We left Saxilby on Sunday morning and had a slow trip back to Torskey Lock.  We had planned to have a meal in the White Swan, as Graham has heard good things about the pies.  But sadly they only serve at lunchtime on Sunday so we missed it.  Went and spoke to the lock keeper and were advised that we should be at the lock by 10:00 on Monday morning as this would catch the tide right for getting to West Stockwith Lock and onto the Chesterfield Canal. 

On Monday morning as we were getting ready to leave we had a text from Sarah, asking if we were moving as if not she would come and see us with the girls.  Quick change of plan and we remained at Torksey Lock for the day.  This worked out well because not only was it nice to see Sarah and the two girls but Graham got to have his pie at the White Swan.  If any of you find yourselves at Torskey Lock I would highly recommend the White Swan as we both had a lovely meal.  Don’t be put off if the pub looks a little run down as the food is excellent.

Left Torksey at 10:30 this morning and back onto the tidal Trent.  We saw another narrow boat going in the other direction, I am guessing that they had not seen many other boats as they gave us a very enthusiastic wave.  Also saw another gravel boat, these things are seriously big and you need to keep well out of the way. The Trent was flowing fast and we made good time to West Stockwith.  Bit of a problem as we could not raise the lock keeper on the radio or the phone.  However when we arrived and turned the boat ready to enter the lock, she appeared and opened the gates.  Graham made a good attempt at getting in, as this is a tricky manoeuvre, especially when the river is flowing fast.  The lock keeper scored him an 8/10, not bad for a first attempt.  We exited the lock into West Stockwith Basin, which looks impressive and turned under the road bridge onto the Chesterfield Canal.  This is supposed to be a really pretty canal, and we are looking forward to a few days at a slower more leisurely pace than it is on the river.  Moored up just a few yards from the basin had some lunch and took the dogs for a walk.  When we got back we got all jobs done and then sat out on the front deck in the sun.  A good dayJ

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