,

THE EXTREME NORTH EXPEDITION

3rd - 10th September 2011

The Intrepid Crew, Neil, Ron and Alan after bearing almost 8 weeks on land were becoming restless and are desperate to test their narrowboating skills even further.  Despite being warned against it, they plan to attempt to reach the most northerly part of the English canal system.  "Yes - the infamous Ripon Canal".   Cran has kindly agreed to make the 'Stealth' narrowboat available to the brave crew and they plan to board it on Saturday where it is currently moored at Kildwick near Skipton.

To reach their destination their will have to negotiate the Bingley 5 rise and Bingley 3 staircase locks, travel through the heart of Leeds, passing 2 giant power stations to join the dangerous tidal Ouse at Selby.  From here, god willing, they will attempt to travel northward eventually reaching York and Boroughbridge, before joining the Ripon Canal.

Again success is far from guaranteed, but the crew in their characteristic bold adventuresome are prepared to 'Give it their All !!!'

Saturday 3rd September (Bright at first with spots of rain later on)

• The crew met at Alan's House at 9am, where they were whisked silently to Morrisons in Alan's new electric car, carefully selecting only the most healthy provisions for their latest journey.  They limited their purchases, bearing in mind the available space within Peter's car, who had kindly agreed to transfer them to pick up the narrowboat which had been moored at Kildwick ready for their arrival.
   

  The crew, quickly located the narrowboat, cunningly bringing it forward under a giant rotating swing bridge to the loading position where their belongings could be transferred safely onboard with minimum stress.   Peter assisted with the difficult loading process, whilst Alan took photographs for Cran and Neil supervised.

   

• The crew quickly familiarised themselves with the enhanced facilities on board, noticing new curtains, cushons and other improvements.  After checking the coolant water level, the engine had started promptly
   

  Once everything was on board they bid Peter farewell and whilst the crew fought with duvets and pillow cases, Ron quickly prepared a strength promoting Pork Pie Salad, with pickled onions, except Ron & Neil. Fully refreshed they set off at the start of another Epic voyage hoping to reach Riddlesden for the evening

  DISASTER OCCURRED - When Ron realised that he had failed to bring a towel with him!!!  The crew studied their maps and cunningly planned to make a rapid stop at Silsden to seek out towel shops.  However, although the stopping procedure was successful, Ron returned very dismayed having been unable to locate a towel.
   

• Carefully the crew took the narrowboat onwards towards Keighley passing numerous hand operated swing bridges.  However, the crew soon realised that other narrowboats were following and gaining the advantage of the crew's immense strength by stealing the lead.  Neil cunningly dropped back at the penultimate bridge forcing the other boats to swing the bridge for them, thus allowing 'Stealth' to regain its leading position.  The other boats accepted this outcome with resigned reluctance.
   
•  The crew arriving at Riddlesden were amazed to find that the locals had cleared a complete stretch of canal for the narrowboat to moor, which they did in the shelter of a giant mill building.  The quickly set off to discover the delights of the area and to walk into Keighley in search of towels and entertainment.
   

  SUCCESS Ron proudly shows off his towel purchase at a bargain price of only £7-99.  He is comforted that his brave actions have saved the mission on the very first day!!

   

• The crew continued into the very heart of Keighley efficiently locating "The Livery Rooms" a Wetherspoons establishment, where they felt it necessary to test the Abbott Ale.  They soon found this to their liking and quickly relaxed into a calm state knowing they latest mission was on track.  They partook in Gammon dinners (except Alan) before walking back to the boat.
   
• In order to get a flying start in the morning they walked up to inspect the next giant electrically operated swing bridge, cunningly making clever adjustments to the mechanism to enable a quicker opening in the morning.  Ron looked fondly at the adjacent "Marquis of Granby", whilst Neil recalled a previous meeting he had with Cran nearby. They all felt an urge to try one pint of their ale, before returning to the boat.
   
• The relaxed crew studied the maps to survey the following day's journey.  They knew that the most dangerous Bingley 5 Rise and Bingley 3 Rise lock systems lay ahead and this caused them much concern.  They retired to their bunks, at an early hour, in quiet contemplation fearful of the day ahead.

Sunday 4th September (Cloudy but dry with occasional sunshine)

• The crew awoke at an early hour, rising to Neil's pensive, but practical porridge.  The set off at 8:30am knowing that many swing bridges lay between them and the feared Bingley 5 Rise Locks.
   

  Numerous giant electrically operated swing bridges lay in the path of the narrowboat, but these presented little problems for the experienced crew.

  With Ron's advanced analytical skills he quickly mastered the complex hydraulic machinery, enabling the narrowboat to pass.

  In an incredible time, Neil brought the narrowboat to the top of the Bingley Five Rise Locks where they consulted with the lockkeeper.  He recommended that the crew took a break before attempting the dangerous lock flight, so the crew immediately ordered nourishing bacon and egg butties from the adjacent Five Rise Locks Cafe and consumed these with gusto!!

  Ron surveys the mighty 5 Rise locks and while  the others think he is dozing, he is really finalising a master plan for a record breaking descent.

  As the record descent began, the lockkeeper rushed to warn the crew of the dangers, but seeing their competence, stayed to learn tips from the crew on how best operate the machinery.

  The crew tried to ignore the crowds of spectators desperate to see the famous narrowboat passing through the impossible obstacle.

  As the crew passed the giant thermal underwear factory, they knew that they had successfully accomplished the Bingley 5 Rise lock system and instinctively knew that the Bingley 3 Rise lock around the corner would be easy to conquer.

  With the stress of the Bingley Staircase locks behind them, life became idyllic on board and Coffee with Hob Nobs comforted them greatly.   However, it was not long until Alan reminded them of the dangerous Dowley Gap Aqueduct!!

  Neil steered the narrowboat directly towards the aqueduct fearing the worst, but no disaster occurred..

   

• With the extreme stress of the staircase locks and aqueduct behind them, Ron was quick to prepare a healthy Smoked Mackerel salad, which was enjoyed by the crew and accompanied with Orange juice and sparkling Harrogate Spring Water.  The crew were grateful to Ron for the nourishing meal.
   

  The crew marvelled at the giant 'Salts Mill' as they passed through Saltaire.

   

• Against all odds the narrowboat reached 'The Field 3 Locks' before the cut off time of 3:30pm and arrived at a very quiet and pleasant Rodley where the crew selected a splendid mooring spot, close to the Railway pub, but away from the noisy Leeds Ring Road.
  
  DISASTER OCCURED - When Alan and Ron visited the 'Rodley Barge' and 'The Owl' public houses, they were alarmed to discover that they both stopped serving food at 3pm!!!   Would the crew have to go hungry again!
  
  Whilst Alan searched desperately for take away food in the area, Neil consulted with the locals who spoke rumours of large pub restaurants being located in a neighbouring village.  The crew using their advanced analytical skills, realised that this could be the Calverley Arms and after showers, set off across fields in search of food and drink.  On reaching the main road they instinctively knew which way the establishment was situated and arrived to partake in a number foaming pints of Mahseer IPA, to the liking of the crew, outside on the veranda.
   
• The crew later enjoyed fish pie suppers, except Neil, in the restaurant.  Although the establishment was considered good by the discerning crew, they were perturbed to find that all supplies of Ale were exhausted when they came to order their after dinner drink.  After expressing their concern to the Manager they left to visit the 'Railway' for a final pint before returing to the boat for small portions of Cheese and Biscuits.
   
• The crew were satisfied with the progress on the mission to date and knowing that only a short journey to Leeds the following day was required, retired to their bunks confident that nothing could now stop them!!

Monday 5th September (Some rain during the day, with high winds at times, but with occasional sunshine later)

• The crew rose to enjoy Neil's precisely proportioned protein positive porridge.   They set off rapidly, in good spirit, passing  numerous swing bridges heading for the Newlay 3 Rise lock system.
   

  DISASTER OCCURRED

  All passage through the lock was halted by a motorcycle dumped by vandals the night before. Could this spell the end of the Mission!!!

   

• Whilst other narrowboaters stood in despair not knowing what to do, the ingenious and intrepid crew sprung into action.  They first stopped and prepared toast and marmalade (except Alan), whilst they formulated a rescue plan.
   

  Ron quickly and daringly attached a rope around the handbars and the crew with the immense strength hauled the heavy bike to the top of the lock and then onto the grass, much to the amazement of the BWB staff who gazed on with horror. The crew then quickly refilled the lock and courteously allowed another boat to share their passage through the lock, much to their eternal gratitude.

   

• The crew were now able to continue their incredible journey onward toward Leeds in heavy rain at times.  Several more double and triple locks were passed effortless until they arrived at the 'Oddy 2 Rise Locks'
  
  DISASTER OCCURRED - Water levels at this lock were flooding the banks, due to a blocked calvert.   Water was pouring over the lock gates and when other narrowboaters tried to fill the lock they found that the water pressure was too great to allow the lock gates to be opened.  As Alan had only just served strength releasing coffee with extra Hob Nobs, Neil and Alan set about using their immense strength in an attempt to open the gates.  Cunningly they concentrated on one gate only and creaking and groaning the gate slowly opened realising vast quantities of water flooding downsteam and solving the problem.
   

  Having solved all the canal problems the crew shared locks with another narrowboat with inexperienced crew sharing their vast knowledge with the grateful crew.

  Before long the sights of Leeds came into view, but the crew were only too aware that fresh water levels onboard were dangerously low.

  With incredible skills, the crew located fresh water supplies just before "Office Lock", which was cunningly hidden and not shown on the Pearson Canal Guide (Pennine Waters Edition).  Whilst the tanks were filling, Ron obtained food supplies from a nearby Tesco store and the crew then enjoyed a nourishing Pork Pie salad.

   

• The crew were only too aware that the next lock, known as 'River Lock' was the only thing keeping them from the full force of the River Aire!!   The accompanying narrowboat declined to go further, knowing the danger, but the crew were determined to reach 'Clarence Dock', adjacent to the Royal Armouries Museum, despite the near impossible conditions.
   

  Alan guided the narrowboat along the fast following River Aire, making the turn into the Dock with great skill.  A excellent mooring was selected on a pontoon next to the Royal Armouries.  The crew, eager to improve their specialist battle knowledge, hurried to visit the museum until closing time

   

• On retuning to narrowboat the crew showered and readied themselves for a night of entertainment in Leeds.   They set off in good spirits admiring the new revitalised canalside areas of Leeds.  Neil took them past the now defunct giant Tetley Brewery to reach "The Adelphi" public house where they were delighted to sample Timothy Taylors Landlord at £3-30 per pint.  After only 2 pints they left in search of chinese food.  Alan directed them towards Vicar Lane where two establishments were located.  Neil's superior guidance lead them to "Ho's Restaurant" where they observed that they were probably the only non chinese persons eating.  They feasted on Crispy Duck and other delectable dishes, accompanied by a light chinese beer.
   
• After a tour of the finer areas of Leeds riverside they returned to the boat unable to partake in any further ale or cheese and biscuits and enjoyed coffee, whilst listening to the wind whistling around the boat.
  
  DISASTER OCCURRED - When during the middle of the night, gale force winds caused the crew much concern.  Gallantly Ron elected to get dressed and bravely went on deck in an attempt to lash down the boat.  The others hid inside in fear, but Ron was successful in his mission to lash down all the loose items on deck.  Ron returned to a hero's welcome and Neil prepared a very early 6:30 am breakfast of potent, perfectly prepared porridge.

Tuesday 6th September (Gale forced winds during the night and all day with some light rain)

• After the excitement of the night and the early start the narrowboat was effectively turned with the help of the high winds and was pointed toward the exit into the fast flowing River Aire.
   

  ANOTHER DISASTER OCCURRED When the crew found their path blocked by a German U-Boat.   Instinctively the crew swung into action and using the skills learned the day before in the Armouries Museum the threat was neutralised.

  After the traumas of the U-Boat, Ron collected his thoughts and guided the narrowboat into the unmanned, but mechanised Leeds Lock.  Alan quickly mastered the complex hydraulic machinery and they efficiently passed another obstacle.

  Alan imparted the secret lock operating skills to Neil thus enabling rapid transition of the giant Aire & Calder Navigation locks

  The crew showed no fear, as they were dwarfed inside the giant Lemonroyd Lock.

  Despite the boards warning the crew not to proceed NO DISASTER OCCURRED

  The crew experienced impossible conditions on joining the River Aire from the relative safety of the Aire & Calder Navigation, but they showed little fear!!

  DISASTER OCCURRED A giant "Sand Barge", with inexperienced crew, forced its way into Bulholme Lock without using the correct signals.  The crew were forced to watch the craft 'steal' their lock, but vowed to get their own back later.

  Although the crew showed no fear whilst passing the giant Ferrybridge Power Station, they were relieved to find that Network Rail had again stopped all trains on the East Coast Main Line to minimise any further stress.

   

• The later sections of the River Aire proved to be both exposed and extremely windy, however, the crew spirits (except Alan) were lifted when they spotted an Otter.
   

• After a tiring section of the river, West Haddersley, with its impossible turning into the Selby Canal, came into view.  Although the turning was executed with precision, the crew were alarmed to find no mooring places available and were forced to travel onward towards Selby.  The next selected stopping point near to the village of Burn proved ideal, but the crew were alarmed to find out, after a telegraphic communication that the 'Wheatsheaf Inn' in the village only served food on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings!!   The crew collapsed in despair!!!   COULD THIS BE YET ANOTHER DISASTER!!!
   

• However Neil, using his advanced food searching abilities, avoided a disaster by suggested a cunning plan, that the crew should walk to the Wheatsheaf Inn and order a taxi to Selby and could relax, enjoying a pint, whilst it arrived.   The others agreed with his plan and showered and readied them themselves for a night in Selby.
   

• On arrival at the Wheatsheaf Inn, the crew delighted to find Timothy Taylors Landlord on offer at £2-74.  Tim the congenial Landlord and the friendly locals, efficiently arranged for a taxi to collect them an transport them to the suggested eating and drinking establishment - "The Londesborough".   The friendly taxi driver from Dagenham, recognising the exceptional skills of the narrowboaters, chose to provide the crew a tour of the canal system through Selby, much to their great appreciation.
   

• Immediately on entering 'The Londesborough' the crew were delighted to find Bombardier on offer, but were horrified to find that it was "OFF".  COULD THIS BE YET ANOTHER DISASTER!!!   Although no hand pulled alternatives were on offer, the food appeared excellent value.  The crew tucked into Gammon Steaks with Egg, Pineapple and mini Corn on the Cob.  Due to the poor ale on offer, the crew cunningly chose a bottle of Merlot at a mere £5-95, which complemented the food well, as they watched the England Wales match on a large screen TV.
   

• As the available drinking establishments failed to please the crew, they returned to the taxi rank to obtain a lift back to the Wheatsheaf Inn, for a further Timothy Taylors, before setting off for the ½ mile walk back to the boat.  No coffee or cheese and biscuits were taken on board and the tired crew contemplated their successes of the day.

Wednesday 7th September (Rain during the morning, but the high winds seem to have subsided)

• The crew awoke early, only too conscious that Alan had already pre-booked their passage onto the Tidal River Ouse at 3:30pm.  Neil's purring progressive porridge puzzled the crew for a while, but well satisfied, they set off towards Selby in good spirit.
   

  To the absolute amazement of the crew another intrepid narrowboater passed them (The first since the start of the adventure)

   

• The crew stopped at the Selby Boating Centre to re-fuel with 90 Litres of Diesel (80:20), pump out both toilets and fill with fresh water.
   

  In order to gain entry into the Selby Lock Basin, Ron opened the giant swing bridge to holding up 13 cars, to the amazement of the locals.

  The crew moored in Selby Lock Basin awaiting their fate at 3:30pm when they were booked to enter the feared Tidal Ouse

  The crew, with a number of hours to spare, before the fateful hour, returned to the Londesborough for a final breakfast together and also made other incredible cost saving purchases.

  DISASTER OCCURRED As the crew inspected the Selby Lock they found it jammed solid with silt and weed as no boats had attempted this dangerous route for many years!!!   The crew with their characteristic endeavour set about clearing the lock in record time, amazing the locals which were watching with great interest.

  
  DANGER AHEAD - The lockkeeper warned the crew that the river was in flood being over 1 metre higher than normal and pleaded with them not to proceed.  He advised them that Naburn Locks were flooded and that the lockkeeper there was in grave danger.  The crew were alarmed to hear this, but felt obliged to rescue the brave Naburn staff.

  Therefore, against the lockkeeper's advice, they set off into the fast flowing River Ouse battling with the strong tidal currents!!!!!

  Reports of sightings of the narrowboat are filtering through as the brave crew battle onward in the impossible conditions of the flooded River Ouse through the night.  The locals know that the only hope of rescuing the Naburn Lockkeeper and his staff are the crew of the Stealth Narrowboat.  Nobody else could cope with these terrible conditions.

  
  STILL THERE IS NO OFFICIAL WORD FROM THE NARROWBOAT!      The locals know that without supplies of Real Ale and Pork Pie, survival is most unlikely!!!

Thursday 8th September (Rain at times through the heavy at times, but sunny intervals later)

• SUCCESS

  Massive Crowds built up to welcome back the Heros from the dangerous flooded River Ouse after their successful rescue of the lockkeeper and his staff from Naburn. The crowds knew that only the experienced and intrepid crew of the Narrowboat Stealth could have achieved this incredible task!!

   

• The crew took this all in their stride, knowing that they had willingly given up a night of ale, although they had been able to enjoy curry dinners, with Poppadoms and Mango Chutney.   On arrival back at Selby Neil quickly prepared proud and phenomenal porridge, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the crew.
   

• Knowing that missions further up the flooded River Ouse would put strain on the narrowboat, the crew modified their plans and set off back towards Leeds, leaving the crowds of grateful locals in Awe.
   

  Network Rail again halted all trains into Ferrybridge Power Station in recognition of the major achievements of the crew of the narrowboat.

  DISASTER NARROWLY AVERTED Only the quick thinking actions by Neil, saved the narrowboat when the Sand Barge "Battlestone" came round the corner at high speed on the wrong side of the river!!!!

  Staff from Ferrybridge Power Station risked their lives to get a view of the narrowboat and its famous crew as it passed beneath.

  The narrowboat was dwarfed in the Aire and Calder Navigation and its giant locks, but the brave crew were unperturbed.

   

• Despite all odds the narrowboat completed the non-stop journey from Selby through to Leeds, when they made the difficult turn into Clarence Dock at 5:30pm.  Although all the visitor moorings were full, one of the locals, recognising their dilemma, directed them into an unused mooring pontoon mooring position, where they tied up and immediately filled with water.  The locals spoke of stories of an ancient long lost pub called the "Grove Inn" hidden away between the massive new office and flat complexes.  The crew vowed to locate this for the locals and immediately showered and prepared to hunt down the establishment.
   

• The cunning crew using their advanced pub search abilities quickly located the pub, which has been hidden behind the tallest building in Leeds, Bridgewater Place.  They tested some Moorhouses "Pride of Pendle" ale, which met with the crews approval, before setting off in search of a chinese buffet.
   

• DISASTER OCCURRED - when on arriving at Maxim's they found a sign saying that it was closed through unforeseen circumstances.  The crew were alarmed by this, but Alan knew of a second restaurant in a secret hidden location and set off to find it.   On arriving they were disappointed to find the place very empty, but soon tucked into the available chinese food.  Afterward they returned to the boat unable to take any further ale or cheese and biscuits.  They retired to their bunks knowing that only a short journey the following day was required to reach the ultimate destination.  Surely no more disasters could possibly occur now!!  Sleep came easy to the weary crew (except Ron).

Friday 9th September (A splendid sunny and warm day)

• They awoke slightly later than usual, due to the peaceful surroundings.  Neil prepare penultimate predictably pleasant porridge after which Alan reversed the narrowboat out of the mooring position and turned it toward the entrance on its final stage of their adventure.  The River Aire was flowing particularly fast, making the exit onto the Leeds Liverpool canal more tricky than expected.
   

• The skilled crew encountered no problems as they expertly and swiftly operated all the various locks.  They admired the remains of Kirkstall Abbey as they passed towards their destination for the evening at Rodley.   Soon however, they knew that they would have to pass Newlay 3 Rise locks where a motorbike had been dumped, caused grave delays at the beginning of their mission.
   

  On arrival at the infamous Newlay 3 Locks they found a lockkeeperess in distress, desperately trying to cut a tyre in half using a blunt hacksaw.  Gallantly the crew took over and using their immense strength and skills completed the task in a very short time.

  To minimise distress, the crew took it in turns to open numerous giant rotating swing bridges that were blocking their path.

  The cunning crew found an excellent mooring spot by a swing bridge close to "The Rodley Barge" and quickly prepared a nourishing Hot Dog salad lunch, with fresh fruit salad.

  The crew set about the task of thoroughly cleaning the boat ready for the next narrowboater, John, who was due to join the boat in the morning. Neil risked life and limb to ensure that the outside gleamed!!

   

• Knowing that the mission was now complete, the crew were relieved that there had been few disasters on the trip.   They spent some time contemplating their successes, but were secretly planning a further daring missions.
   

• The crew looked forward to their last night of ale and food, before they were collected by Peter in the morning.
   

  The crew enjoyed excellent Fish Dinners in the Railway to celebrate yet another successful narrowboating mission.

  Ron declined further entertainment as Alan & Neil decided to "Hit the Town" of Rodley.  After a walk they called in at "The Owl" where they enjoyed live music by "The Jacks"

Saturday 10th September (Light rain in the morning)

• The crew enjoyed popular, pleasing, but pre-parting porridge, before packing their bags and awaiting the arrival of Peter to take them home to their loved ones after another testing narrowboat mission.

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