MONDAY. At Barnoldswick
The 2008 journey thus far: 250 Locks; 361 Miles; 51 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 20
Rain delayed the start of play today, we intended to moor at East Marton and call in at Abbott’s Harbour Restaurant for tea and a slice of cake. On our previous visit six years ago, we were entertained by the 5 year old son of the owners. He had a pail, with some water in the bottom and a load of frogs which he insisted that we should look at, ‘pick one up if you would like to’. His younger sister was trying to scoop one up but was stopped each time by her brother. They made our day, their innocence and eagerness was very moving.
We enquired if a repeat performance was available, but were told that he had grown up (naturally) and was currently camping on the coast with his school. She remembered his fascination with frogs and the fact that the gardener was forever catching them, only to have them released by the lad.
We took tea on the terrace; well, outside, chatting to a teacher in his late 20’s walking the Pennine Way. A large breakfast was set in front of him, and for a moment or two I wondered if I had made the right choice. Our tea and (to be shared) gooey chocolate and cream cake arrived and after the first taste, my decision had been correct; it was wonderful!
The teacher was raised in Wirksworth, now working in Bilbao and a very keen hillwalker. He had a tent for emergencies, but was using pubs for accommodation and meals whenever possible. Such planning! We had lunch on Martlet and moved away for Greenberfield where we would stop and have a shower (yes, we have a shower on board, but there is more room in theirs!) in the BW facilities block. Facilities block; hmmmph. I suppose that toilet block is not sufficiently PC anymore, but at least in pre PC days you knew where you stood – if you take my meaning.
We were going to moor above the locks, through the bridge hole where we moored six years ago. Guess what, yet again BW have removed casual moorings and replaced them with long term ones.
So much for eliminating or reducing bankside moorings. Never mind the visitors, think of the revenue!
We had a telephone call soon after we tied up for the night, from a Sussex based friend who is in Castleton for a few days. He was hoping to see our new home; he may call on us when he is using his motor home later in the year.
Weather – Overcast, a few sunny spells, moderate wind.
