TUESDAY. At Skipton
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 349 Miles & 46 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 18
A decision was taken yesterday evening to the effect that today, we would visit Pateley Bridge by bus, requiring a change of bus at Harrogate. Arriving at Skipton bus station 10 minutes early for the bus, we saw the long queue. In direct consequence of our meticulous planning and painstaking research, we have chosen to travel to Harrogate on the first day of the Great Yorkshire Show. ‘Where is this show located’ we hear you ask. ‘The showground at Harrogate’ we would reply. We managed to get a seat, there were three empty as the bus pulled out.
Nearing Harrogate, we passed RAF Menwith Hill with the similar large golf ball buildings that used to be on the moors near Goathland. Almost opposite was a site with five large wind turbines and another one, possibly two in construction. What a lot of effort for a system that produces power for 30% of the time and ruins the views of unspoilt countryside for miles around. I have a suggestion for locating
the proposed new wind farms in Palace Gardens, Westminster, St James Park and Hyde Park. Thinking about it, the area around the Royal Observatory at Greenwich would be ideal. Then ask how many people would not mind living close to them, I think that you might obtain a different answer.
We caught the Pateley Bridge bus and once out of Harrogate, the scenery was beautiful. We had not visited this area and we enjoyed the journey, although the destination was smaller than we had expected. There was a riverside walk, what a shame that the height of the trees prevented lovely views of the River Nidd and the beautiful stone bridge. Local council to note please.
The rain started, we took refuge in a nice stone built shelter and had a picnic looking at the bridge from the other side.
We walked around but I found it very difficult to take any photographs of the lovely buildings without the intrusion of all the road signs.
We returned to Skipton and enjoyed a fish supper from Bizzie Lizzie’s very close to our mooring.
Weather today - Scattered showers, and bright intervals.
