15th May Part Two

This is the largest area of water that we have sailed a narrow boat on.

We left Tarleton lock at at 9.20 a.m.

The River Douglas is no brook probably as wide as the top of the tidal Trent, the other boats were in front of us, stretching out into the distance. This gave us an advantage that we could just followed them to get onto the Ribble.

On the Ribble it was decided that we would carry on at our speed and pass some of the boats in front. The trip was going smoothly, surprising, considering that yesterday the passage was closed due to strong winds. As we cruised on we were being caught up by the last boat through the Tarleton lock, a big seagoing barge, that got in front of us and was getting away from us fast. We cruised with the engine doing between 2000 and 2300 revs. most of the time.

To exit the Ribble you have to go well past the entrance to the Link, before starting to turn, as the fast ebbing tide brings you all the way back, to the entrance to the Savic Brook. The large barge was no help to show us when to turn, as it went on to Preston dock. 11.00 am. Passed the green light at the entrance.

You then have a long trip along what in all respects is a big brook, you have to pass a rotating sea lock gate, that is opened and manned by BW staff. Then you have to wait on pontoons, together with all the other boats that are on today's trip, until the water level has dropped enough with the tide, to allow you to pass under a bridge, then six locks the first one is also manned by BW staff the other five, you have to use your own crew. Now remember the water level is dropping all the time and you have to meander around some extremely sharp bends (difficult enough if you had a good depth of water, but when you are dragging the bottom nigh on impossible) so lots of reversing and using the bow thruster. Then to exit the link you have to reverse into a large triple staircase lock (manned by BW) at the top you wind and enter the Lancaster canal.

Cruised a few hundred yards and moored up at 3.15 p.m. The rain was still pouring down and we were all wet, tired and looking forward to a warm up, in front of the boat fire and a long sleep.