WEDNESDAY. At Cowling sing bridge Br191
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 343 Miles & 37 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
We were intending only to move a short distance today, having started up, we found a wonderful view about a half mile from our starting point. An interesting time was had by all as we charted the canal bed entirely free on behalf of BW. It was about 18 inches from the surface for at least 300 feet in length, and extending some five feet from the bank where it would have been nice to moor up. We gave up and headed for Silsden for a look around the village. Before the road bridge, there is an area of concrete were the boat was right into the edge; ideal for mooring, had it been provided with rings or bollards. We tied up through the bridge hole, a few hundred yards along where of course we could get the front in, but the back was a way off the bank.
Silsden is a village with an interesting stream in the centre. It appears disappearing and reappearing in a delightful way, none more than when there is a weir that has been made a feature with seating and grassed areas on the main street. Some good buildings with fine tracery on the front of the Methodist church. We bought some sausages and corned beef slices from a local butcher and returned to the boat. Moving off, we began looking for a mooring where we could get into the bank; this proved more difficult than our last visit some six years ago. We eventually tied up opposite some permanent moored boats, just before Cowling swing bridge where we had both ends fendered against the piling and securely tied. There were distant hills to be seen all around, and late in the evening owing to the heavy rain clouds, the remains of a vivid sunset were visible.
Weather hot, and dry, some heavy rain showers in the evening.
