2010 Trip #1 - Chesterfield Canal
15 March 2010
We set off from Clayworth on 2nd March breaking the ice and in a blizzard. Reaching Retford the BW towpath tidy guys had displayed an array of tools on the lockside.
At 10am the sun shone, scrapers & wirebrushes were in action and the first coats of paint were being applied by 11am. Close of the day the lock furniture was looking spick & span again. Wednesday was more painting aqueduct railings and litter clearance. Retford Times reporters were out & we appeared in print in the Thursday edition. We did not excel at the quiz night at the Rum Runner, but had the consolation of good fish & chips from J & M chippy.
Thursday was an overnight at the Chequers Inn at Ranby where we were well looked after.
Friday we ran the gauntlet of Worksop which was not as bad as we were told. Lots of gongoozlers at the town lock, and we had the personal escort of a young lady from Specsavers to direct us to the tourist info.
Saturday was the one day we saw rain. Jason had driven 150 miles for the weekend to help us through the 29 locks to the summit. We made good time as there are 2 double & 2 triple staircases. Walked to the blocked up Norwood tunnel, and later explored on foot the unrestored 15 miles of canal.
Monday woke at 6am to find the canal frozen but eventually made the break away from Kiveton moorings to arrive back at Worksop by 11am - not bad for 29 lock descent. Explored Shireoaks and the defunct colliery now landscaped walks. Two longish days brought us to Stockwith basin and the end of the trip. Weather has been maly dry but cold.
Thanks to the Retford & Worksop boat club & Sue Awuku for assistance with moorings.
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