Doncaster bound.

We had a very quiet night until the rain started. Even Macy was quiet but we aren't used to the rain on the steel roof. Mind you it meant that I was awake when I felt the boat moving about as though somebody was clambering about outside, but no noise on the deck. I thought about the big barge traffic using this canal to Rotherham so got up to see what was happening to see the Humber Princess approaching Barnby Dun Bridge. It was about 0630 so I expect that they spent the night at Sykehouse Lock if not coming direct from Goole. It was nice to see the big boat and with a draft of over 2.6m it meant that the canal would be well deep enough for us and the all the locks would be working too.

Just trickling past waiting for the bridge to lift.

The stern of Humber Princess makes us look small.

Another boat tied up at the services and I went to see if they would be going through the bridge about 0930 but they were staying there, but said that they would raise the bridge for us, so we were off. The canal ran very close to the River Don (Dutch River) and the railway. The water had loads of rubbish in it but I suppose that is from the winter rain washing everything in to the canal. There was emergency work on the bank between the canal and the River Don with a floating crane and loads of shuttering. The other bank was littered with old factories and pits and with the mist softening everything it was quite a nice run to Long Sandall Lock. The new lock could obviously take the large Humber Princess tanker but the old lock was still there used as moorings. Helen made short work of pushing the buttons on the automatic lock. It is best to keep clear of the upper gates as the water comes wioth a bit of a rush despite only opening one paddle at a time.

Helen watching the indicator lights on the control panel for Long Sandall Lock.

After passing the extensive Strawberry Island Boat Club moorings we arrived at the visitor moorings right next to the Doncaster Minster. We tied up about 1200 and the sun came out! After a bite of lunch we set off to explore the town.

 The Corn Exchange tea rooms, Doncaster.

There is extensive markets here on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, spread between Food Hall, Fish Market (with a fantastic display), Goosehill Market, Open Market, Wool Market and the Irish Middle Market. We bought one or two things and then headed for the Frenchgate Centre and then the Colonnades area too. We managed a cup of coffee and a beer at a Weatherspoons too.

Doncaster Minster.

There are visitor moorings for about 6 boats here and permanent mooring inside for about 16. It is a really handy spot and you can stay here 72hrs. There is a Farmers Market and Antiques/Second hand market tomorrow so we will pop back ashore for a look see before setting off again. All in all a good day.

Doncaster Lock is just out of sight in the distance with an old coal shute and warehouse next to the moorings.