Departure : Farewell to Hartlepool

The weather forecast wasn't the best we could have hoped for; cold with a contrary wind, but we felt it was time to start moving. All along, the intention was to do a few short hops initially, so a passage plan for Whitby was worked through. I settled the final bills at the marina and then called for a 'lock out' just before 9-00 am on Monday 23rd April.

Approaching the inner lock gate.

'NJ' in the lock.

Lock Office from the lock.

Lock gates opening.

Farewell to Hartlepool, and.......................

.................... Hello North Sea.

The blast furnace at Redcar has just been re-started by it's new Thai owners, providing about 800 much needed jobs for Teeside, with the promise of more to come - a bit of good news in this gloomy financial climate.

We are finally underway, and at least the sun is shining - 

Now the adventure begins !