Thursday. No tea in bed today, as it was sunny with a few clouds building, we moved off to make the most of the weather. We decided to go as far as Battyeford, so Myra had switched on the bread maker, which would leave some battery charging time when the bread was finished. I had topped the batteries up last night, they were very thirsty having been neglected again. They are not easy to get at, and require the use of a mirror and a torch to check the electrolyte levels. The locks on the Calder and Hebble are not easy, but having found a proper local windlass, which is nearly twice the length of a standard windlass, they were easier than previously. They seem to be suffering from lack of basic maintenance, with some only making a level with all upper ground and gate paddles open. Thornhill double locks were prettily situated at the end of a deep cutting which crossed by a high bridge a few hundred yards away. They have a short lozenge shaped pound, interesting as there is an angled turn between them. Good for boating practice. The scenery is becoming interesting with fine stone buildings and mills, nicely weathered and stained with the smoke from times before the clean air acts took effect. Between areas of industry, there are nice interludes of large open weirs and green river banks with some really lovely bridges. The valleys are closing in, but only slowly at the moment. Again, we were the only boat moving for most of today. Tied up between South Pennine Boat Club and Battyeford flood lock.
Boats seen moving – Private 3, Hire 1
Weather – mostly sunny, cloudy with chilly strong east wind.
The 2008 journey thus far: 106 Locks & 247 Miles & 18 Swing Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 4
