TUESDAY.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 337 Miles & 29 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Onwards and upwards today, three sets of staircase locks finishing with Bingley 5 rise. Hirst lock with its attendant swing bridge was soon left behind as the journey continued. It is good to see the towpath so well used; today the first joggers passed us about 7am.There was a lockie at Dowley Gap and I was chatting to him as Myra took the boat through.
On to Bingley 3 rise and we had to wait in company with a Silsden hire boat. We had met them yesterday and helped them at Hirst lock. The elderly gentleman steering had been the owner of two boatyards on the Clyde; previously he had travelled to work in Glasgow by paddle steamer from Craigendoran. Nostalgia is not what is used to be.
Myra was on the boat and I assisted the lockie on one side whilst the other crew did the other. Released from the 3 rise and swing bridge I was allowed to steer to the foot of the 5 rise.
Then I was put ashore as Myra followed the hire boat into the bottom lock. Barry Whitelock, MBE, the 5 rise lockie was on duty and was his usual helpful and friendly self. He watched both boats like a hawk, giving Hamish (hire boat crew) and myself our instructions for just the right amount of paddle operation to ensure a smooth ride for the boats. We had a pleasant time chatting to them all and said our goodbyes as we were mooring just above the locks. The afternoon was spent chatting to Nigel on the boat moored in front of ours.
Sunny, light winds, later overcast light rain after dark.
