New Junction Canal

Another lovely day with the only clouds being created by the three power stations I can see.

Not sure which one this was

 

Of course the power stations need coal and just down from where I was moored is Kellingley Colliery.

It is one of the few remaining deep mines in the country and the largest, employing about 800 people. The two shafts, one for people and equipment, the other for extracting coal, are 800m deep.

The coal used to be taken by canal as well as road and rail.  Unfortunately it is now only the latter two, with a constant stream of lorries feeding the maws of the nearby power stations. Output is over 1 million tonnes per year.

It is a very open and flat stretch, crossed by the Edinburgh to London railway line.  One of the few interesting buildings on the landscape - Pollington Hall

The very straight New Fleet Drain.

Pollington Lock is attractive.

 

With a very attractive former lock-keeper's cottage

I consider travelling up to the large docks at Goole, where there is a waterways museum and all the gravel barges are laid up, together with other boats.  It is a major junction with the River Ouse but would be a trip up and back as, although it is possible to get on to the Trent (where I am heading) by continuing, travel on the Ouse requires VHF radio and at least two crew (and a narrowboat is not really suitable for the navigation).  I decide against and turn into the New Junction Canal and a very nice mooring.  The evening is spent sharing a few "nippie sweeties" with another Alan and chewing over our similar philosophical views, although sufficiently different to make for an interesting discussion.

9 miles; 2 locks

TOTAL:  560 miles (235 miles broad, 66 miles river); 289 locks (156 broad); 62 moveable bridges