Location: Tarleton
Rivers: Douglas and Ribble
Canal: Lancaster
Heading: North
Weather: Grismal drizzle and fog
Visibility: Poor
I walked up to the river lock gates and gazed over at the muddy banks of the River Douglas. It looked like it was going to be a while before the tide came in enough to let boats out onto it. Sure enough our departure was delayed an hour or more from the stated time and we were told to be ready to go at 11.30. Probably just as well as the weather cleared during the morning and by departure time the rain had stopped and the visibility had improved dramatically and there was only a light breeze so the crossing shouldn't be too choppy. The lock gates opened and we were out onto the Douglas. The tide was quite strong but the river relatively calm so we made good progress over the 4 mile distance to the Ribble whose broad waters opened before us as we made the turn at the Asland Lamp aka The Five Mile Perch. Do NOT cut the corner, you will hit a submerged wall! Do NOT turn left, you will end up in New York!
If you don't turn left and go to New York there's another 3 mile to chugg up the Ribble before the turn into Savick Brook which is marked by a lamp. If it's shining green you can proceed into the brook but if red then you will have to carry on towards Preston dock. You are still against time and tide until you're through Ribble Link Rotating Sea Lock 9, so best not hang about as the water level in the Brook is dropping fast by the time you get to the lock. Once through it's champagne time as you've made it safely to the Lancaster Canal and you musn't forget to give your engine a nice drink of oil and a pat on its rocker cover for not blowing up during the crossing. Also give the crew an extra tot of rum or three.
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