SUNDAY.
The 2008 journey thus far: 224 Locks & 334 Miles & 26 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Pauline and Duncan took their leave this morning; they have less time than us to travel across to Wigan. We walked back to Field 3 rise locks and spoke to the Lockie, the same one as yesterday. The middle lock leaks a lot at the bottom gate and it was easy to see the bottom of the chamber, 2/3 of which is still made of wooden planks. We learnt a lot about the locks and the canal in general. Concerning the lack of maintenance, I could not reveal all that we had learnt, it is vital in these days of the fight against International terrorism to protect one’s source of information.
We moved off into a strengthening wind and made our way to Saltaire. We arrived at the visitor moorings to be met by a lifebelt failing its initial flying lesson and landing in the water. It was retrieved by use of the boathook and returned to NB Mr Kite. The lifebelt was in the same colours as the pole and plank, so I hope that it originated there! I also removed the two buckby cans from the roof and placed them all in the semi trad area. So, if you are the owner of that boat and had a panic attack when returning owing to the cans not being visible, then I apologise.
The strength of the wind made the canal between the two mill buildings seem like a very effective wind tunnel, with white capped waves in profusion.
We visited the Shipley Glen Tramway, a cable operated Victorian wonder operated by volunteers at weekends. A good small museum at the lower station; and in our opinion, very good value at £1 for a return trip up the hill.
http://www.glentramway.co.uk/
We moved along the canal and moored before Hurst Lock, opposite a gap in the trees; already one branch had been blown down and we did not want Martlet to support any others. It was very windy, but we managed to sleep through the night.
Weather very strong gusty winds, a few rain showers.
