FRIDAY. At High Gate Swing Bridge No.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 352.5 Miles & 50 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 20
We awoke to the reassuring sound of rain on the roof. The Met Office digital rainfall predictor (a length of seaweed) has again proved its worth. On looking across towards Gargrave, the hill was missing - as was the rock face edge above Thorlby. The mist only cleared as the rain became heavier. We had planned to move about one mile along to the next swing bridge if the rain stopped, otherwise we had good books to keep us occupied. The temperature fell during a heavy shower and hastily convened quorum voted in favour of lighting the fire. Well, it is only July after all. It was snug and wonderful, I did not mind if the rain set in for the rest of the day.
In the event, the rain stopped at about 4pm, we prepared to move off, waited for a hire boat to pass and followed them. They were having a bit of trouble getting used to steering and ran aground. We came up to them and advised them to use a lot higher revs in reverse. They did and their boat came off the mud as we passed them. We moored up before High Gate bridge with stunning views all around, closing the covers just as the rain began to fall. The hire boat passed by when heavy rain was falling, both members of the crew were smiling and waving; they could end up as boaters!
Weather – Rain, rain and more rain. One interval of about one hour.
