Riverboat Ride at York

 Wednesday 28th May 2025.              Riverboat Ride at York

For today’s adventure as the title suggests, it would be 8 of the Lads that would experience the pleasure of cruising along the river Ouse that flows through the city of York. Those boarding the riverboat would be Malcolm, John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin, Glenn and Mark, all travelling to the city by train from either Leeds or Wakefield. The group all gathering just a few minutes before 11:00 am in the station concourse here in York. 

After a brief moment of discussion etc, the lads set off in the direction of the river embankment and to the Kings Staith where the Riverboats are moored. A suitable craft was about to leave, so it was Ahoy Shipmates has we clambered on board, we took up our vantage point at the stern which gave us great views of the riverbank scenery and the city beyond etc. We cruised along at a steady rate of knots, first heading upstream as far as Clifton Bridge before returning downstream towards the distant Millennium Bridge. As you can well imagine various conversations were taking place between all of us along with the customary wave to fellow travellers on both shore and other water craft, all with good fun and cheers. Some 20 minutes later we had reached Millennium Bridge and our riverboat captain steered us in the opposite direction and headed back towards our mooring point at Kings Staith.

Our cruise lasted just over an hour, so it was about 12:40 when we set foot on dry land again having all enjoyed the experience etc. It was now time to head in search of or lunchtime venue, a couple of options were put to the test, the city was rather crowded with the many visitors to this historic city so accommodating 8 hungry lads proving difficult, we did eventually stumble upon a suitable establishment courtesy of Mark, it was a cafe on the upper floor of an antique emporium that was able to accommodate our gang. We took up our seats and viewed the lunchtime menu, only a small selection of meals to choose from, but nevertheless the young girl was able to satisfy our culinary preferences albeit a rather time consuming chore. 

While we awaited our meals the conversation turned to upcoming events etc and the prospects of being short handed so to speak throughout the month of June due to holiday commitments. Who would steer our adventuress group and lead them in the right direction, the choice is theirs, Ha,Ha.

Now with our lunchtime meal consumed we had decided to take an earlier return train heading homeward bound, so it was back to the station in order to accomplish this, one train leaving before 3:00 pm the other a few minutes after 3:00pm. Luckily for us it was just a light rain shower that was falling as we walked along, the rest of the day had been a little kinder with the odd glimpse of the sun to brighten up the day.

Upon reflection this visit to York was not what we originally intended but nevertheless proved both enjoyable and good fun for all.

Cheers Everyone.