York

Our worry today was whether we would find a mooring in York.  The reconnaissance on Friday suggested that it would be unlikely where we wanted to be - near the railway station because I have to go to Wales on Monday afternoon.   Pat will be on the boat with dog and needs to be secure.  Intelligence gathered from a boater we met earlier who returned from York yesterday gave us hope of some alternative possibilties, but as a final failsafe I telephoned York Marina and asked about possibilities there.  They promised to ring back.  So we set off at 9:00 in sunny weather with strengthening wind.  The river initially took on a look we are familiar with from the Thames, beautiful houses and manicured lawns running down to jetties, but then deterioated into a long line of permanent moorings with riverside shanties.  After about 90 minutes we reached York and the reach we were interested between Scarborough Bridge and Lendal Bridge.  Nothing.  However, just as we were planning on turning back to tie up lower down between Blue Bridge and Skeldergate Bridge where there are no rings, but at least an accessible bank, a boat peeled off in front of us and with the assistance of a boater who offered to move a few feet, we were in.  Talk about good luck.   So now a good chance to do a bit of touristy things, the first of which was Sunday Lunch at the Crosskeys near the Minster.  And the marina did ring back and would have been able to help us.  In the event unnecessary.   Wind is now getting up and gales forecast with rain tomorrow.  Better bring the plants in off the roof.  Damage is threatened.