Monday 3rd July

Castleford to Dewsbury

Awoke to find that the water level had gone up overnight due to the thunderstorms last night. A sand barge set off at 8, so we followed him up to the flood lock, expecting it to be in use as a lock, however it was open. Although the level in the river was in the amber section of the strong stream warning board, the level was dropping. So we proceeded through and up the river Aire.

The barge we had followed out of Castleford we found later unloading at Whitwood Wharf. We arrived at Woodnook lock to find another boat waiting to come down as there was no mains power to the lock due to the thunderstorms last night. After only a short delay power was restored.

Passed through the old aqueduct over the River Calder at Stanley Ferry, then stopped briefly at the sanitary station.

Moored near the residential moorings in Wakefield. Went into town to find the Fernandes Brewery Tap, however this is not open most lunchtimes, so went on to the Six Chimneys (Wetherspoons) to eat. Then we went to the Talbot & Falcon, but that was closed today. We then went to find Harrys Bar, which is tricky as it's down an alley, but that doesn't open at lunchtime either. We then went back to Wetherspoons. On the way there we I bought a new airbed at Argos, and some short sleeve shirts in Marks and Spencer to cope with hot weather.

After our long lunch break we carried on to Dewsbury where we moored at the end of the arm. There were no BW moorings here but the boatyard here were happy to let us use one of their vacant berths.

Had our first pint in the Leggers Arms which is at the the basin, then on to Wetherspoons to eat. After that we went to the West Riding Licensed Refreshment rooms at the station. There was a quiz on so we sat on the platform.