Return to Leeds

With the weather forecasts looking decidedly poor going forward we decided to only go as far as Leeds on this occasion as wind and rain was looking like it would spoil the next few days but it did remain pleasant for the run into Leeds itself.

The old mill buildings now converted into accommodation beyond Leeds Lock Moorings.

The busy Clarence Dock.

Hoping to explore further

With some 6 or so days available we were hoping to explore a bit further beyond Leeds.

Saturday we made it as far as Ferrybridge Lock for the night and set off Sunday towards Leeds. Here we are passing what is left of Ferrybridge 'A' power station. It was closed in 1976 but the turbine hall seen here was kept as a turbine workshop, currently used by RWE.

The industrial landscape continues as you pass the coal plant of the Ferrybridge 'C' power station. This equipment originally lifted entire barges to tip out the load of coal.

On the outskirts of Castleford we passed one of the coal loading basins used right at the side of one of the mines. You cannot help feeling sad at this country's industrial decline.

The busiest I've seen the River Aire and nice to arrive at Lemonroyd lock to find it manned today.

We soon arrived at Woodlesford and as the weather was warm walked off into the village to find a local hostelry.

Cleaning and first run out.

We spent all day Saturday cleaning the boat and replacing some furnishings. Sunday arrived and we took a run out to Goole. Some of this run is a little featureless but a nice run nevertheless. 

I have found out this chimney which I have never spotted from road routes around here was once part of a tar distillery.

We stopped at the Canal-side put in Rawcliffe Bridge for Sunday dinner and were pleasantly surprised. The only shame was we had hoped to visit the waterways museum however all the adjacent visitor mooring were taken. 

I have since found out from another boater based in Goole this is currently a bone of contention as there are a number of boats here which have greatly outstayed their welcome!

Getting ready for the season

Things didn't work out well with the electronic ignition so I decided to revert to the original set up using OE specification but these took an age to arrive. Once they did, however, I refitted everything and set up the timing and it started and ran beautifully. So hopefully we will clean and prepare bombardier ready for a test run this weekend. I have also spent some time on electrical issues which were preventing the domestic water pump from running, and the horn and navigation lights from working correctly. Most of these issues are now resolved but I am now awaiting a new light fitting.