Lyra's Travels

Tuesday 11th June 2013
Once again we're off, hopefully this time for the whole season.
As per usual, a fine week or so before we set off and the minute we pull the pin the rain starts. This morning was dull and we hadn't gone 3 locks before the rain started. It was very light at first, but the wind made it much more unpleasant. I ended up putting on another layer of clothing. Keep reminding me, my calendar hasn't stopped, and it really is June and not November.
At Knostrop flood gates we saw the first cygnets we've spotted this season.

Just before Fishpond Lock there was a C&RT workboat making a lot of noise, pounding away at the towpath with the bucket. I can only assume they were compacting some loose stuff they had put there.

The rain came and went several times before we passed through Lemonroyd lock. Between there and Castleford it started in earnest, but only lasted for about 30 minutes and then cleared up to just cloudy.
We had a bit of trouble at Lemonroyd. the lock went through its cycle but then wouldn't open the bottom gates to let us out. After about 10 minutes of trying I called C&RT who said they'd send someone. We kept trying the gates and finally they responded. I called C&RT again to cancel the assistance.
We cruised on through Castleford and Bulholme locks, past Ferrybridge power station and have moored for the night at Ferrybridge.