The June Rose

Today we had a walk into town to buy some provisions. Then we caught the little ferry that crosses from our side of the river over to the other and went to see Brunel's ss Great Britain which is one the most historic ships in the world. She was originally launched in 1843 and was the biggest, strongest ship ever built, fitted with a steam-powered propeller. The ss Great Britain Trust was established in 1970 to conserve the ship - it's been done really well and was well worth a visit

Dinner on board and an early night.

This week's view from the deck.

As you can see the sun is still not shining - what happened to summer!

The side entrance to the Cathedral, unfortunately I couldn't get far enough back to get it all in!

The stern of ss Great Britain

Wow that's a big propeller!

They've even put water above us!

Bell!

The young lad on the left is getting ready to climb the rigging.

us from the deck of ss Great Britain!

That'll be me then!

The Promenade Deck

The surgery.

And the barbers

who's that hiding in the bunk!

A convenient room!

The butcher.

Four berth bunk - and people say the beds are small on a narrowboat!

Beds as far as you can see in this part of the ship.

can you see the rat in the cupboard...

Steve's favourite counter - deserts!

And the bakery.

Down in the engine room.

First class dining saloon.

The bow.

And a ferry ride back to the other side - it goes from here to there!

If you are ever in Bristol - it is well worth a visit.

No seagulls this morning but have you ever heard a moorhen? It sounded like a little yappie dog barking constantly – so much so that I had to get up and look out to see what was making all the noise! I’ve decided that I love wildlife just not at 6am!

We made our way to Bristol today. We had to wait until 12ish before we could leave Keynsham (pronounced Kanesham hey Dad?!) as we had to go on the tidal bit of river and had called ahead to the Lockkeeper at Netham Lock where he said he would get the gates open for us so we could go straight through as at a certain time the tide causes the level of the river to be the same both sides of the lock.

We got through Hanham Lock where it said you were leaving/arriving at the Kennett & Avon so not quite sure where the River Avon turned back into the Kennett & Avon!!

We were now travelling with the tide and it’s a strange feeling we were doing hardly any revs and the boat was just being carried along. The river is lined by woods on both sides for most of the way so you can’t see what lies beyond but it was a peaceful trip downstream other than the odd lump of floating tree and burst dingy!

Once we were through the open lock we had to stop to buy our license as the River now comes under the jurisdiction of Bristol City Council. John the Lock Keeper at Netham Lock – what a lovely guy, very funny and very generous – when we said our boat was 17 metres long he told us it was 14 metres long saving us money on our licence for the week, he was very informative about where to moor and what facilities there were.

As we arrived in Bristol it was a bit like being on the Thames – not from the current point of view but the fact that it was wide with ferries and tourist boats buzzing around. We found a great mooring right in the centre of town opposite SS Great Britain and with electric hook up – bonus!

Managed to get some essential washing and ironing done then went for a drink in the evening followed by a Chinese and a night cap in a blues and jazz bar where it was open mic night.