SATURDAY. At Priest Holme Aqeuduct
The 2008 journey thus far: 241Locks & 355.5 Miles & 51 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 20
A fine drizzle was falling outside as I lit the gas under the kettle. By the time that the water had boiled, the drizzle had stopped and a few sun rays could be seen. We had a leisurely breakfast, moving off with a bit of difficulty as the wind was blowing onto the side. I had been forbidden by Myra to push the boat until my back was back to normal, she had gone to open the swing bridge. I was right across the very shallow canal before I could regain steerage way and move forward.
The sun was now bright and it was a pleasure to be boating, the scenery was beautiful. We had three locks to do before topping up with water and for Myra to go shopping in the village. The landing for the first lock was fitted with very small bollards. I hope that the price was right as they were useless. The rope slipped off no matter which way it had been led around. I can only hope that they are not to be the new standard BW bollard.
At the second lock we were met by a very cheerful BW seasonal lockie, who helped us with that and the next one. We topped up the tank, had a shower each and on her return with a Gargrave pork pie and the saturday paper, we had lunch before moving off to Priest Holme Aqueduct where we would stop for the night. Myra was chatting at the next lock to a couple from Norway. They had seen canals before, but not a narrowboat. They came on board Martlet, rode up to the next lock as Myra gave them the guided tour. They stayed for the ride up the lock and had their pictures taken at the tiller. Their company provided a pleasant interlude on our journey. The seasonal lockie arrived at the last lock as we did and helped us through, we chatted for a while and then moved away to moor for the night.
Weather – Dry, few sunny spells, strong wind.
