Tidal Trent part 1

Yesterday I just had a short hop along to Keadby lock which provides access to the tidal Trent. Although only 10 miles the trip was interesting, not least for the rather impressive cloud formations.

The canal runs alongside a railway line which seems to have only two types of train.  The short, two carriage, local commuter trains and very long freight trains delivering fuel to Drax power station.  At one of the swing bridges there is a lovely example of a traditional gated level crossing and signal box.  The signal man has to swing the gates by hand.

The railway has one more surprise which is, I believe,  the only sliding rail bridge in the UK. The sliding section is on the right and, as the name suggests, it slides across the canal to complete the rail bridge.

Keadby did provide a splendid sunset.

After a quiet night at Keadby I headed onto the Trent at 8:30 for the 24 mile cruise down to Torksey.  I noticed that the forecast was much the same, 10c and sunny but didn't notice that the wind speed was gusting to 30 mph.  I arrived in Torksey around 4 hrs later and have just about got the feeling back in my ears.  The tidal Trent is very wide but not particularly picturesque so not too many photos.

You can tell it's a quiet day when a line of sheep rate as a photo opportunity.

And on arriving at Torksey lock the boater is greeted by the unusual sight of a collection of tea pots displayed on the lock gate.  This is an inner gate and is not usually used so the pots can rest undisturbed by passing boats.