The end of the season

Wye Invader Two in Sharpness docks on a cold November day, on her way to join the queue to be lifted out onto hard standing for the winter.

On this day - 29th November 2012

Wye Invader at Holm Lacy bridge and Ballingham Weir.

Biggsweir Bridge

We were now on the non tidal River Wye, a 3 mile straight leading up to Redbrook, ahead were 3 large boulders at about half mile intervals in the middle of the river and several fishing concrete walkways out into the river, all of which I had marked on my large scale map the prevoius year.

At 4pm we were about 100 metres below Redbrook Bridge, adjacent to the left bank looking up stream, we could not go any further, the amount of flood water was too much, I had phoned the NRA’s river flood line and there was a large wave of water on its way which would be clear by the morning. Although we didn't know at the time, this was to be the last rain we had for 7 months and the start of the 1989 summer drought. I spoke to the crew and at 6pm we secured Wye Invader to several large trees, put the gangplank ashore and walked the 100 metres to the Boat Inn for what turned out to be a rather long night!

Sharpness to Saul Junction

A late Autumn run out with Wye Invader Two to Saul Junction for a fuel top up.