Monday 30 June 2008
You are old Father William.........
SUNDAY. At Riddlesden
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 340 Miles & 32 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
I sat around reading and getting fed up with back problem. Myra went off visiting Alex and wee Ian and looking at their house. She then went to East Riddlesden Hall. Chatting to various canalboat neighbours. Including Nigel from Slo Moshun 6, from 5 rise top who had come to visit his mate on ‘David Lloyd George’ which was moored in front of us.
Weather Bright and breezy, a few light showers.
MONDAY. At Riddlesden
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 340 Miles & 32 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
I sat around reading and getting more fed up with back problem. Myra went off to Bingley by bus and later visited the front door of the music shop at Riddlesden. The shop was closed on Mondays.
I walked to Puffer Parts in the afternoon as my back is easing slowly. Chatted to new neighbours, as there were now 9 boats moored here. A rumour was circulating the Moore swing bridge was broken. It was, but for a change for pedestrians, and was open for boats. Wandered along towpath after supper and saw two BW signs which I just had to include on the blog.
Weather Dry, sunny spells but windy.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 340 Miles & 32 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
I sat around reading and getting fed up with back problem. Myra went off visiting Alex and wee Ian and looking at their house. She then went to East Riddlesden Hall. Chatting to various canalboat neighbours. Including Nigel from Slo Moshun 6, from 5 rise top who had come to visit his mate on ‘David Lloyd George’ which was moored in front of us.
Weather Bright and breezy, a few light showers.
MONDAY. At Riddlesden
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 340 Miles & 32 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
I sat around reading and getting more fed up with back problem. Myra went off to Bingley by bus and later visited the front door of the music shop at Riddlesden. The shop was closed on Mondays.
I walked to Puffer Parts in the afternoon as my back is easing slowly. Chatted to new neighbours, as there were now 9 boats moored here. A rumour was circulating the Moore swing bridge was broken. It was, but for a change for pedestrians, and was open for boats. Wandered along towpath after supper and saw two BW signs which I just had to include on the blog.
Weather Dry, sunny spells but windy.
Saturday 28 June 2008
Friends old and new
FRIDAY. At Riddlesden
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 340 Miles & 32 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
We moved from 5 rise top to Riddlesden, as it is not possible for me to pass a chandlery without looking inside. At Puffer Parts I was asking about LED lights. I did not buy any, but I did buy a 3kg tin of waterproof grease. (see first sentence above) We remained at Riddlesden as we were awaiting a visit from Alex, the eldest daughter of our best man. We had not seen her since and her husband, little Ian (to avoid confusion with the writer) when we were boating here 5 years ago. They now have two lovely girls, Isabelle and Sophie that we met today for the first time. Little Ian called in on his way back from work as a Ranger in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We enjoyed their company and had a good chat; a further reminder of the passing of the years, as I can well remember seeing Alex when she was but a few days old herself. After they had gone, my back had decided to remind me that I should not have been pulling ropes with swimming heifers on the other end. I will be hitting the Ibuprofen for a few days; that should sort it out.
Again, showers, and a few bright intervals.
SATURDAY. At Riddlesden
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 340 Miles & 32 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Myra went off to fetch the newspaper as we were remaining here today. I relaxed reading the paper at length; staying behind this afternoon as she went to visit East Riddlesden Hall.
Dry, but windy.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 340 Miles & 32 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
We moved from 5 rise top to Riddlesden, as it is not possible for me to pass a chandlery without looking inside. At Puffer Parts I was asking about LED lights. I did not buy any, but I did buy a 3kg tin of waterproof grease. (see first sentence above) We remained at Riddlesden as we were awaiting a visit from Alex, the eldest daughter of our best man. We had not seen her since and her husband, little Ian (to avoid confusion with the writer) when we were boating here 5 years ago. They now have two lovely girls, Isabelle and Sophie that we met today for the first time. Little Ian called in on his way back from work as a Ranger in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We enjoyed their company and had a good chat; a further reminder of the passing of the years, as I can well remember seeing Alex when she was but a few days old herself. After they had gone, my back had decided to remind me that I should not have been pulling ropes with swimming heifers on the other end. I will be hitting the Ibuprofen for a few days; that should sort it out.
Again, showers, and a few bright intervals.
SATURDAY. At Riddlesden
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 340 Miles & 32 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Myra went off to fetch the newspaper as we were remaining here today. I relaxed reading the paper at length; staying behind this afternoon as she went to visit East Riddlesden Hall.
Dry, but windy.
Friday 27 June 2008
Come on in - the water is fine
THURSDAY.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 337 Miles & 29 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Today, we made up for our failure to ride on the North Yorks Moors Railway at Pickering by travelling on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. We took the bus (naturally) to Keighley and arrived in plenty of time for the 11.35 departure to Oxenhope. We arrived almost 30 minutes late at Haworth, this resulted in a shorter wander around the town after I had taken photos of the engines on shed. We caught the 2.03pm to Oxenhope and as it was raining heavily, remained on board whilst the Ivatt 2-6-2 tank 41241 ran around the train. We were allowed 20 minutes at Oakworth to look around the station and chatted to a man who worked for the Northern Lighthouse board; he had worked in some beautiful and very exposed places during that time. We returned to Keighley and took the bus back to the canal.
After supper, I was taking a telephone call when a large pair of eyes looked at me through the window. The heifers had got out of the field below the canal. One had horns, so Myra went to shoo them away from our nice new paint job. They wandered off and a few minutes later, we heard a splash and saw waves across the canal. Yes – one of the heifers had fallen in, between our boat and the one moored behind us. It was pouring with rain, I put on my waterproofs and removed our centre mooring rope from the boat. The man on the boat behind us was telephoning the Fire brigade as I arrived with the rope. The heifer had swum around his boat and was heading for the swing bridge and the top gate. As she arrived and was stuck by the ground paddle, I managed to get the rope around her head and turn her back to the shallower water. She swum back to the edge near the boats and I managed to get the rope around her head and a turn around a bollard, so she was standing in the canal and not going anywhere. She was a bit shaken, but seemed to be calming down when she shook her head, backed up and neatly turned around. The fire brigade arrived and as they took hold of the rope, she began swimming back to the swing bridge. She went along between a BW wide boat and the towpath getting stuck for a while before she pushed and got away from the rope. Under the bridge she went before a fireman got the rope around her head and pulled her to the concrete by the bridge. She got her front legs onto the concrete and was pulled out by the firemen and laid on her side resting. She had a few cuts to her legs, but hopefully they would be checked by the vet that had been called out by the fire brigade. They were deciding how to get her up the two big ledges to the road when she stood up and climbed them herself before being led back to her field and the rope untied. Most of the rest of the heifers had gone down the towpath past the 5 and the 3 rise and arrived being driven back by a jogger as the firemen were replacing the pieces of the jigsaw of pallets that had been unsuccessfully masquerading as a gate. All the beasts were put back in the field just as the BW emergency team, in the form of the Dowley Gap lockie arrived.
Showers, some very heavy, a few bright intervals.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 337 Miles & 29 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Today, we made up for our failure to ride on the North Yorks Moors Railway at Pickering by travelling on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. We took the bus (naturally) to Keighley and arrived in plenty of time for the 11.35 departure to Oxenhope. We arrived almost 30 minutes late at Haworth, this resulted in a shorter wander around the town after I had taken photos of the engines on shed. We caught the 2.03pm to Oxenhope and as it was raining heavily, remained on board whilst the Ivatt 2-6-2 tank 41241 ran around the train. We were allowed 20 minutes at Oakworth to look around the station and chatted to a man who worked for the Northern Lighthouse board; he had worked in some beautiful and very exposed places during that time. We returned to Keighley and took the bus back to the canal.
After supper, I was taking a telephone call when a large pair of eyes looked at me through the window. The heifers had got out of the field below the canal. One had horns, so Myra went to shoo them away from our nice new paint job. They wandered off and a few minutes later, we heard a splash and saw waves across the canal. Yes – one of the heifers had fallen in, between our boat and the one moored behind us. It was pouring with rain, I put on my waterproofs and removed our centre mooring rope from the boat. The man on the boat behind us was telephoning the Fire brigade as I arrived with the rope. The heifer had swum around his boat and was heading for the swing bridge and the top gate. As she arrived and was stuck by the ground paddle, I managed to get the rope around her head and turn her back to the shallower water. She swum back to the edge near the boats and I managed to get the rope around her head and a turn around a bollard, so she was standing in the canal and not going anywhere. She was a bit shaken, but seemed to be calming down when she shook her head, backed up and neatly turned around. The fire brigade arrived and as they took hold of the rope, she began swimming back to the swing bridge. She went along between a BW wide boat and the towpath getting stuck for a while before she pushed and got away from the rope. Under the bridge she went before a fireman got the rope around her head and pulled her to the concrete by the bridge. She got her front legs onto the concrete and was pulled out by the firemen and laid on her side resting. She had a few cuts to her legs, but hopefully they would be checked by the vet that had been called out by the fire brigade. They were deciding how to get her up the two big ledges to the road when she stood up and climbed them herself before being led back to her field and the rope untied. Most of the rest of the heifers had gone down the towpath past the 5 and the 3 rise and arrived being driven back by a jogger as the firemen were replacing the pieces of the jigsaw of pallets that had been unsuccessfully masquerading as a gate. All the beasts were put back in the field just as the BW emergency team, in the form of the Dowley Gap lockie arrived.
Showers, some very heavy, a few bright intervals.
Thursday 26 June 2008
BP 130/80
WEDNESDAY.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 337 Miles & 29 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Myra needed to have her blood pressure taken, as her doctor gives her enough tablets to last for the boating season provided that she has it checked half way through. Barry the lockie gave us directions to the surgery, so away we went. No problems there at all, an appointment was made for one hour later, her pressure taken and was well down. We bought some very tasty Cornish Pasties from a local independent bakery.
After lunch, we played dodge the showers and looked around Bingley. There was a small exhibition, by the local historical society in the library about the mills in the area with some aerial photographs. These showed the original line of the canal below the 3 rise which was closer to the railway line before the opening in December 2003 of the Bingley relief road. Some 150 metres of canal on a new line was built, one pedestrian tunnel and one bridge required removal, this was one of the most expensive parts of the overall £47.9 million cost.
We wandered around alleys and cobbled side streets to the river. Walking into the church, we were impressed by the glass, a leaflet informed us that one was by Burne Jones and William Morris. Unfortunately, the location of the organ made it impossible properly to see the window from the interior. Some intricate carvings above the choir stalls were nicely executed. A stroll back to the canal took in the new footbridge across the relief road which joins the towpath at the 3 rise bottom end.
Showers, some very heavy, clearing early evening with long sunny spells.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 337 Miles & 29 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Myra needed to have her blood pressure taken, as her doctor gives her enough tablets to last for the boating season provided that she has it checked half way through. Barry the lockie gave us directions to the surgery, so away we went. No problems there at all, an appointment was made for one hour later, her pressure taken and was well down. We bought some very tasty Cornish Pasties from a local independent bakery.
After lunch, we played dodge the showers and looked around Bingley. There was a small exhibition, by the local historical society in the library about the mills in the area with some aerial photographs. These showed the original line of the canal below the 3 rise which was closer to the railway line before the opening in December 2003 of the Bingley relief road. Some 150 metres of canal on a new line was built, one pedestrian tunnel and one bridge required removal, this was one of the most expensive parts of the overall £47.9 million cost.
We wandered around alleys and cobbled side streets to the river. Walking into the church, we were impressed by the glass, a leaflet informed us that one was by Burne Jones and William Morris. Unfortunately, the location of the organ made it impossible properly to see the window from the interior. Some intricate carvings above the choir stalls were nicely executed. A stroll back to the canal took in the new footbridge across the relief road which joins the towpath at the 3 rise bottom end.
Showers, some very heavy, clearing early evening with long sunny spells.
Tuesday 24 June 2008
Going up in the world...........
TUESDAY.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 337 Miles & 29 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Onwards and upwards today, three sets of staircase locks finishing with Bingley 5 rise. Hirst lock with its attendant swing bridge was soon left behind as the journey continued. It is good to see the towpath so well used; today the first joggers passed us about 7am.There was a lockie at Dowley Gap and I was chatting to him as Myra took the boat through.
On to Bingley 3 rise and we had to wait in company with a Silsden hire boat. We had met them yesterday and helped them at Hirst lock. The elderly gentleman steering had been the owner of two boatyards on the Clyde; previously he had travelled to work in Glasgow by paddle steamer from Craigendoran. Nostalgia is not what is used to be.
Myra was on the boat and I assisted the lockie on one side whilst the other crew did the other. Released from the 3 rise and swing bridge I was allowed to steer to the foot of the 5 rise.
Then I was put ashore as Myra followed the hire boat into the bottom lock. Barry Whitelock, MBE, the 5 rise lockie was on duty and was his usual helpful and friendly self. He watched both boats like a hawk, giving Hamish (hire boat crew) and myself our instructions for just the right amount of paddle operation to ensure a smooth ride for the boats. We had a pleasant time chatting to them all and said our goodbyes as we were mooring just above the locks. The afternoon was spent chatting to Nigel on the boat moored in front of ours.
Sunny, light winds, later overcast light rain after dark.
The 2008 journey thus far: 235 Locks & 337 Miles & 29 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Onwards and upwards today, three sets of staircase locks finishing with Bingley 5 rise. Hirst lock with its attendant swing bridge was soon left behind as the journey continued. It is good to see the towpath so well used; today the first joggers passed us about 7am.There was a lockie at Dowley Gap and I was chatting to him as Myra took the boat through.
On to Bingley 3 rise and we had to wait in company with a Silsden hire boat. We had met them yesterday and helped them at Hirst lock. The elderly gentleman steering had been the owner of two boatyards on the Clyde; previously he had travelled to work in Glasgow by paddle steamer from Craigendoran. Nostalgia is not what is used to be.
Myra was on the boat and I assisted the lockie on one side whilst the other crew did the other. Released from the 3 rise and swing bridge I was allowed to steer to the foot of the 5 rise.
Then I was put ashore as Myra followed the hire boat into the bottom lock. Barry Whitelock, MBE, the 5 rise lockie was on duty and was his usual helpful and friendly self. He watched both boats like a hawk, giving Hamish (hire boat crew) and myself our instructions for just the right amount of paddle operation to ensure a smooth ride for the boats. We had a pleasant time chatting to them all and said our goodbyes as we were mooring just above the locks. The afternoon was spent chatting to Nigel on the boat moored in front of ours.
Sunny, light winds, later overcast light rain after dark.
A day of contrasts
MONDAY.
The 2008 journey thus far: 224 Locks & 334 Miles & 26 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Another day practising to be permanent moorers (only joking- we still wave and talk to people).
We walked back along the towpath to Saltaire and looked around the model village. Sir Titus named the streets after his family. It is, perhaps, as well that he did not plan a city, as he would have required the services of a full time mill manager.
The quality of the buildings always gives us pleasure. Whatever your views may be concerning workers housed by mill owners, very handy to his mill and his shops; he could have built the houses with inferior materials at less cost. He did not. The streets of solid, no nonsense houses look just right, set out according to plan. The hospital was built in 1856, closely followed in 1859 by the Grade 1 listed United Reform Church, a real gem. It comes as a welcome surprise that Saltaire was designated as a UNSECO world heritage site in 2001.
We caught a bus to Shipley and walked around the town centre. I feel that a UNESCO heritage site designation is unlikely here; evidence is all around of a planning department headed by Rip van Winkle. I have discovered something this year about Yorkshire towns. I must tread carefully here. Myra was born in Yorkshire of Yorkshire parents. I would never have described them as careful with money, tight or mean. So why has everyone at council level become so mean that you are charged 20p to urinate safe from the gaze of others?
I wanted to see the railway station, as it is located in the centre of a triangle with platform faces on three sides, not unique, but fairly rare. We then walked back along the towpath to Martlet at Hirst Lock.
Weather light winds, overcast with sunny intervals.
The 2008 journey thus far: 224 Locks & 334 Miles & 26 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Another day practising to be permanent moorers (only joking- we still wave and talk to people).
We walked back along the towpath to Saltaire and looked around the model village. Sir Titus named the streets after his family. It is, perhaps, as well that he did not plan a city, as he would have required the services of a full time mill manager.
The quality of the buildings always gives us pleasure. Whatever your views may be concerning workers housed by mill owners, very handy to his mill and his shops; he could have built the houses with inferior materials at less cost. He did not. The streets of solid, no nonsense houses look just right, set out according to plan. The hospital was built in 1856, closely followed in 1859 by the Grade 1 listed United Reform Church, a real gem. It comes as a welcome surprise that Saltaire was designated as a UNSECO world heritage site in 2001.
We caught a bus to Shipley and walked around the town centre. I feel that a UNESCO heritage site designation is unlikely here; evidence is all around of a planning department headed by Rip van Winkle. I have discovered something this year about Yorkshire towns. I must tread carefully here. Myra was born in Yorkshire of Yorkshire parents. I would never have described them as careful with money, tight or mean. So why has everyone at council level become so mean that you are charged 20p to urinate safe from the gaze of others?
I wanted to see the railway station, as it is located in the centre of a triangle with platform faces on three sides, not unique, but fairly rare. We then walked back along the towpath to Martlet at Hirst Lock.
Weather light winds, overcast with sunny intervals.
Monday 23 June 2008
Boat handling refresher day
SUNDAY.
The 2008 journey thus far: 224 Locks & 334 Miles & 26 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Pauline and Duncan took their leave this morning; they have less time than us to travel across to Wigan. We walked back to Field 3 rise locks and spoke to the Lockie, the same one as yesterday. The middle lock leaks a lot at the bottom gate and it was easy to see the bottom of the chamber, 2/3 of which is still made of wooden planks. We learnt a lot about the locks and the canal in general. Concerning the lack of maintenance, I could not reveal all that we had learnt, it is vital in these days of the fight against International terrorism to protect one’s source of information.
We moved off into a strengthening wind and made our way to Saltaire. We arrived at the visitor moorings to be met by a lifebelt failing its initial flying lesson and landing in the water. It was retrieved by use of the boathook and returned to NB Mr Kite. The lifebelt was in the same colours as the pole and plank, so I hope that it originated there! I also removed the two buckby cans from the roof and placed them all in the semi trad area. So, if you are the owner of that boat and had a panic attack when returning owing to the cans not being visible, then I apologise.
The strength of the wind made the canal between the two mill buildings seem like a very effective wind tunnel, with white capped waves in profusion.
We visited the Shipley Glen Tramway, a cable operated Victorian wonder operated by volunteers at weekends. A good small museum at the lower station; and in our opinion, very good value at £1 for a return trip up the hill.
http://www.glentramway.co.uk/
We moved along the canal and moored before Hurst Lock, opposite a gap in the trees; already one branch had been blown down and we did not want Martlet to support any others. It was very windy, but we managed to sleep through the night.
Weather very strong gusty winds, a few rain showers.
The 2008 journey thus far: 224 Locks & 334 Miles & 26 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Pauline and Duncan took their leave this morning; they have less time than us to travel across to Wigan. We walked back to Field 3 rise locks and spoke to the Lockie, the same one as yesterday. The middle lock leaks a lot at the bottom gate and it was easy to see the bottom of the chamber, 2/3 of which is still made of wooden planks. We learnt a lot about the locks and the canal in general. Concerning the lack of maintenance, I could not reveal all that we had learnt, it is vital in these days of the fight against International terrorism to protect one’s source of information.
We moved off into a strengthening wind and made our way to Saltaire. We arrived at the visitor moorings to be met by a lifebelt failing its initial flying lesson and landing in the water. It was retrieved by use of the boathook and returned to NB Mr Kite. The lifebelt was in the same colours as the pole and plank, so I hope that it originated there! I also removed the two buckby cans from the roof and placed them all in the semi trad area. So, if you are the owner of that boat and had a panic attack when returning owing to the cans not being visible, then I apologise.
The strength of the wind made the canal between the two mill buildings seem like a very effective wind tunnel, with white capped waves in profusion.
We visited the Shipley Glen Tramway, a cable operated Victorian wonder operated by volunteers at weekends. A good small museum at the lower station; and in our opinion, very good value at £1 for a return trip up the hill.
http://www.glentramway.co.uk/
We moved along the canal and moored before Hurst Lock, opposite a gap in the trees; already one branch had been blown down and we did not want Martlet to support any others. It was very windy, but we managed to sleep through the night.
Weather very strong gusty winds, a few rain showers.
Saturday 21 June 2008
What fuel crisis?
SATURDAY. We have needed to obtain some diesel for a while now, but suppliers within reach of Leeds are almost an endangered species. Passing boaters had suggested to us that Calder Valley marine at Apperley Bridge was the best place for miles. We stopped there and whilst waiting for the 10am opening time, emptied the PortaPotti and chatted to other boaters. We paid 76p /litre, only slightly more than we paid at Thorne two months ago. It was drizzling on and off as we negotiated the swing bridge and Dobsons locks with the help of Pauline and Duncan. We moored well above the lock to enable us to have showers. The moorings, according to the notice ‘only whilst using the facilities’ were full - occupied by three BW workboats and one private narrowboat with a TV aerial erected. It had obviously been there overnight as we were tied up when it passed us yesterday afternoon. Further proof if needed that today, there are some selfish or thoughtless (possible both?) people on narrowboats. They do not deserve to be called boaters. After all four of us had showers (I should add – individually) then the cleanest boaters for miles around moved off to Field three locks. We were assisted up them by one of the friendliest and helpful BW men we have met. He was cheerful and professional and it was raining hard all of the time. Being of hardy stock, we tied up both boats soon after the locks and battened down the hatches, we might move tomorrow if it has stopped raining by then.
Weather two light showers, then continuous rain.
The 2008 journey thus far: 224 Locks & 334 Miles & 26 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Weather two light showers, then continuous rain.
The 2008 journey thus far: 224 Locks & 334 Miles & 26 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
The return to manual locks
FRIDAY. The journey continues. In company with ‘Miss D’Mina’, we left Clarence dock at 7.25am in a light breeze, as Metcheck promised us a strengthening wind from midday. Arriving at river lock, the massive development at Granary Wharf will soon dwarf everything in the area, it would be good if visitor moorings could be included, but then I stopped believing in Father Christmas a long time ago. The hoadings around the site were covered in old photos of the area, which were very good. BW ‘assisted passage’ was in place for the locks up to the Newlay staircase which we cleared with only a couple of very light showers. We passed seven boats on the move, five passed us after we had stopped for the day. Passing through Rodley, we moored before the pipe bridge at Calverley.
We had finished lunch when two narrowboats approached from Bingley direction and moored in front. The leading boat had Mike and Julie that we had met at New Junction in early May. After supper, they joined Duncan, Pauline and the authors for an evening chatting about everything and nothing. Another late night.
Weather two light showers, wind building up after lunchtime.
The 2008 journey thus far: 219 Locks & 332 Miles & 23 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
We had finished lunch when two narrowboats approached from Bingley direction and moored in front. The leading boat had Mike and Julie that we had met at New Junction in early May. After supper, they joined Duncan, Pauline and the authors for an evening chatting about everything and nothing. Another late night.
Weather two light showers, wind building up after lunchtime.
The 2008 journey thus far: 219 Locks & 332 Miles & 23 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Friday 20 June 2008
Doctor who?
THURSDAY. A morning day of larder re-stocking was declared, two rucksack bearing pensioners could be seen heading over the new footbridge towards BW Leeds offices. A large yellow notice attached to their wall announced ‘Offices to Let’. Could it be that the new Leeds office is readily accessible and heaven forbid, right next to a river capable of navigation by BW licence holders?
We visited Morrisons and the Leeds market as two heavy rucsacks would verify. We have plenty of moveable ballast for the foreseeable future. A visit to the Royal Armouries was made; they have a large collection of – well – armour and plenty of weapons. Unfortunately, the exhibits were arranged in such a fashion that we found it difficult to pick up their pattern and sequence. In retrospect, we think that we cannot have been that interested in armour or weapons. For those of you that are; there can be no doubt that the collection is large and easily seen. However, a visit to the small satellite Menagerie court building and the collection of Birds of prey made the day for us. The Falconer was a friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable of his subject. We thought that the best marked one was the Perlin, a Peregrine/Merlin hybrid; but all of them looked good.
We spent the evening with Pauline and Duncan on their boat, which is a triumph of layout design, a true floating Tardis!
Weather showery, very strong wind (again!)
The 2008 journey thus far: 206 Locks & 332 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
We visited Morrisons and the Leeds market as two heavy rucsacks would verify. We have plenty of moveable ballast for the foreseeable future. A visit to the Royal Armouries was made; they have a large collection of – well – armour and plenty of weapons. Unfortunately, the exhibits were arranged in such a fashion that we found it difficult to pick up their pattern and sequence. In retrospect, we think that we cannot have been that interested in armour or weapons. For those of you that are; there can be no doubt that the collection is large and easily seen. However, a visit to the small satellite Menagerie court building and the collection of Birds of prey made the day for us. The Falconer was a friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable of his subject. We thought that the best marked one was the Perlin, a Peregrine/Merlin hybrid; but all of them looked good.
We spent the evening with Pauline and Duncan on their boat, which is a triumph of layout design, a true floating Tardis!
Weather showery, very strong wind (again!)
The 2008 journey thus far: 206 Locks & 332 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Good companions................
WEDNESDAY. Clarence dock was quiet until we arrived at 7.45am. The curtains were pulled back a small amount on ‘Miss D Mina’ and Pauline waved to us. We tied to one of the short finger pontoons and I later telephoned BW Leeds office to check where to moor up. We moved to a longer pontoon to which Martlet was buffeted by the strong winds. I put a tape sling around the circular pile at the pontoon end to which I retied the front having removed the rope from the pontoon cleat. We were still moved about, but were moving a lot less than was the much lighter pontoon. We dusted off the Passes and headed for the bus station. Our chosen destination was Harrogate. Arriving as the rain started to fall, we found shelter under various canopies and the rain soon stopped. We stood outside the Royal Baths, a more apt description would be the Royal Building site owing to the shuttering plywood blocking the main entrance and the materials lying around. I found plenty of other interesting buildings and as per usual, fired off too many photographs. The approaching clouds warned of heavy rain fairly soon; we headed for the bus station and travelled to Knaresborough. As we alighted, the rain stopped to be closely followed by a hot sunny spell. We browsed around the market stalls in the square, I bought a couple of spring loaded karabiner clips for £2.80, a lot cheaper than chandleries. The clips will be used with chains to moor against the canal piling. We then re-visited the castle after an interval of about 40 years and I took photographs of the railway viaduct over the River Nidd. We took tea in the Castle tearooms before retracing our bus journeys to Leeds. An enjoyable evening was spent with Duncan and Pauline on board Martlet.
Weather showery, very strong wind.
The 2008 journey thus far: 206 Locks & 332 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Weather showery, very strong wind.
The 2008 journey thus far: 206 Locks & 332 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Leeds on MacDuff
TUESDAY. Leeds was our destination for today. We wandered around browsing in the shops and looking at the buildings. There are four shopping arcades, each of them rewarding your time taken in looking at all of the beautiful embellishments. The Leeds City Market covers a large area with a lot of decorated cast iron vaulting and pillars. It was built as an indoor market and has remained in use for this purpose to this day, so many towns are replacing these wonderful buildings with modern monstrosities or like Matlock, with no market at all. We returned to Woodlesford and moved off in the late afternoon. We moored overnight at Thwaites Mill, intending to moor in Clarence dock early next day.
Weather generally overcast, some bright intervals.
The 2008 journey thus far: 204 Locks & 330 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Weather generally overcast, some bright intervals.
The 2008 journey thus far: 204 Locks & 330 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Tuesday 17 June 2008
I must go down to the sea again..........
MONDAY. We made yet another journey by bus today; this time from Leeds to Whitby. We can recommend the Yorkshire Coastliner service; the seats, on which we spent 3 hours, are comfortable and with the exception of the front row, there is sufficient legroom for anyone with a 36” inside leg. I know, I have tested this on three journeys now. We had been previously to Pickering, but on from there and especially from Thornton le Dale through Goathland to Whitby; the scenery was spectacular. From the upper deck of a bus, 270 degree turns, hairpin bends and 25% hills (1 in 4 to us of a certain vintage) were a new experience for us. The skill of the driver made our journey enjoyable, my foot did not reach for the brake pedal once.
Goathland is a pretty village and was heaving with visitors examining the various locations used in the ‘Heartbeat’ TV series, a large number were going in and out of Scripp’s garage. I was more interested in the steam loco at the railway station. It was a Southern Railway S15 class 4-6-0, designed by Richard Maunsell; I could not see the number clearly, but it looked like 825. (BR 30825).
Having breasted the hill out of Goathland, the new shape of the radar installation at RAF Fylingdales looked like a gigantic crystal on the skyline, but I think that this is preferable to the golf balls, the concrete colour does blend in better than white. The rain arrived as we rejoined the main road and was heavy for about 10 minutes, stopping as we arrived in Whitby.
We crossed over the swing bridge and through the streets to the foot of the 199 steps leading to St. Mary’s Church and the Abbey. We climbed to the top and looked over and around the Abbey, which was magnificent. I have a watercolour of the Abbey by Alfred Powell, who was my great great uncle. His was a faithful reproduction of the many differing colours of stone for me, form part of the appeal of the building. I have taken some photographs from nearly the same location as he must have used for the painting. We subsequently discovered that St Mary’s church was locked up at 3.30pm. This seemed a little odd as the Churchyard had a lot of visitors walking around; obviously the church here is not in need of donations, in contrast with all the other churches that we have visited. The journey back to Leeds was made under some very interesting cloud effects which seemed to compliment the scenery perfectly.
Weather overcast and one heavy shower, some bright intervals.
The 2008 journey thus far: 203 Locks & 325.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Goathland is a pretty village and was heaving with visitors examining the various locations used in the ‘Heartbeat’ TV series, a large number were going in and out of Scripp’s garage. I was more interested in the steam loco at the railway station. It was a Southern Railway S15 class 4-6-0, designed by Richard Maunsell; I could not see the number clearly, but it looked like 825. (BR 30825).
Having breasted the hill out of Goathland, the new shape of the radar installation at RAF Fylingdales looked like a gigantic crystal on the skyline, but I think that this is preferable to the golf balls, the concrete colour does blend in better than white. The rain arrived as we rejoined the main road and was heavy for about 10 minutes, stopping as we arrived in Whitby.
We crossed over the swing bridge and through the streets to the foot of the 199 steps leading to St. Mary’s Church and the Abbey. We climbed to the top and looked over and around the Abbey, which was magnificent. I have a watercolour of the Abbey by Alfred Powell, who was my great great uncle. His was a faithful reproduction of the many differing colours of stone for me, form part of the appeal of the building. I have taken some photographs from nearly the same location as he must have used for the painting. We subsequently discovered that St Mary’s church was locked up at 3.30pm. This seemed a little odd as the Churchyard had a lot of visitors walking around; obviously the church here is not in need of donations, in contrast with all the other churches that we have visited. The journey back to Leeds was made under some very interesting cloud effects which seemed to compliment the scenery perfectly.
Weather overcast and one heavy shower, some bright intervals.
The 2008 journey thus far: 203 Locks & 325.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 14
Monday 16 June 2008
Sunday 15 June 2008
Water power
SUNDAY.One of my presents was a box of Turkish Delight. On opening, a selection of Rose and Lemon flavours met my eye; they were cut into cubes of about ½ inch which I had not previously seen. We were impressed as we find the usual size a bit big. Having eaten a few, we untied Martlet and moved through Fishpond lock heading for the Thwaite Mills Waterwheel Museum where we breasted alongside NB ‘Carpenter’ which was unoccupied. We had met the owner before and knew he would be happy about the arrangement. There would have been space alongside on the mooring for two boats, but it was prevented by the overgrown bush and tree.
The museum was well worth a visit. It is very interesting and the staff are friendly and their knowledge and passion for the Mill come across easily. It was interesting to learn that a lot of the putty needed in London for repairs during the blitz was made in this mill and that they were one of the places developing the mastic sealant in widespread use today.
Most of the original mill machinery is still in place and a lot of it is working, I was particularly impressed with the workshop large lathe and milling machine; it was good to hear that they are in use making replacement items for the wheels and other gear when needed. It is a small museum well run by Leeds City Council; let us hope that they continue to support their excellent staff by the allocation of sufficient funds for the future restoration projects.
Weather overcast and a few showers, not many bright intervals today.
The 2008 journey thus far: 203 Locks & 325.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 13
The museum was well worth a visit. It is very interesting and the staff are friendly and their knowledge and passion for the Mill come across easily. It was interesting to learn that a lot of the putty needed in London for repairs during the blitz was made in this mill and that they were one of the places developing the mastic sealant in widespread use today.
Most of the original mill machinery is still in place and a lot of it is working, I was particularly impressed with the workshop large lathe and milling machine; it was good to hear that they are in use making replacement items for the wheels and other gear when needed. It is a small museum well run by Leeds City Council; let us hope that they continue to support their excellent staff by the allocation of sufficient funds for the future restoration projects.
Weather overcast and a few showers, not many bright intervals today.
The 2008 journey thus far: 203 Locks & 325.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 13
The day before Father's Day
SATURDAY. Martlet remained tied up today. Our son Alastair arrived from afar (well, Southport) bearing fathers day and birthday presents. At lunchtime he took us both out for a meal and afterwards, a wander around the Ford main dealer almost next to the pub. I wanted to see how my 6’6” frame would fit in the driving seat of a Focus C max. The answer was easily; the position was excellent for me as the seat was high off the floor and I had room to spare above my head. There was also enough room for my left leg clear of the centre console and my left foot clear of the clutch pedal. These things are important when your feet are a good English size 12! I was reminded of how comfortable it was for me to drive our 1965 Morris Oxford. We returned to Martlet and all sat around, chatting, drinking and eating cake. Wonderful. I spent an hour in the evening chatting to Rick whose boat was now next to ours; he now has a repaired engine and gearbox and is a very happy bunny.
Weather overcast and heavy showers, a few bright intervals
The 2008 journey thus far: 201 Locks & 320.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 13
Weather overcast and heavy showers, a few bright intervals
The 2008 journey thus far: 201 Locks & 320.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 13
Friday 13 June 2008
Well; it was Friday the 13th..............
FRIDAY. Bus passes again today. Scanning the weather forecasts last evening, Pickering seemed to be a good bet; being forecast slightly less rain than the alternatives. We went by train to Leeds to enable an earlier start from the bus station. Arriving at Malton, We had 30 minutes to spare before the Pickering bus arrived, so we had a look around. A nice homely feeling about the market place and plenty of interesting ‘ginnels’ (alleys) leading off between the town centre buildings. We bought an irresistible pork pie from a family butcher in the square. We returned to the bus station for our bus. It was 20 minutes late owing to York races.
We arrived in Pickering with less than five minutes to spare before the 1300 train on the North York Moors Railway. We didn’t make it. The end result was that only one return trip would be possible with a long wait at the other end; we thought that the price was a bit high for one trip. I settled for taking lots of photographs of BR No.63395, an LNER Q6 0-8-0 introduced 1913 to a design by Sir Vincent Raven.
A mooch around Pickering then followed with a purchase of a reduced sale price Paramo jacket for Iain, and a packet of four chocolate caramel slices for us both.
The church spire was visible above the buildings of the main street and required us to climb some stone steps leading to the churchyard. The wide porch led to a wide door and on entering the nave, we were stopped abruptly by the incredible medieval wall paintings. They extended the full length of the nave on both sides and were the most beautiful, complete paintings that we had ever seen. The guide book informed us that they were probably commissioned in 1450 and completed in the following decade; that they also form one of the most complete set of their kind in Britain. The church also had a Saxon font, a triple cedilla, a well proportioned Hepplewhite pulpit and a modest but well crafted screen.
Back on the bus, our arrival in Leeds was 25 minutes late owing to the races and the collection by our bus of some passengers from one which broken down.
Weather overcast and showers, a few bright intervals
The 2008 journey thus far: 201 Locks & 320.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 13
We arrived in Pickering with less than five minutes to spare before the 1300 train on the North York Moors Railway. We didn’t make it. The end result was that only one return trip would be possible with a long wait at the other end; we thought that the price was a bit high for one trip. I settled for taking lots of photographs of BR No.63395, an LNER Q6 0-8-0 introduced 1913 to a design by Sir Vincent Raven.
A mooch around Pickering then followed with a purchase of a reduced sale price Paramo jacket for Iain, and a packet of four chocolate caramel slices for us both.
The church spire was visible above the buildings of the main street and required us to climb some stone steps leading to the churchyard. The wide porch led to a wide door and on entering the nave, we were stopped abruptly by the incredible medieval wall paintings. They extended the full length of the nave on both sides and were the most beautiful, complete paintings that we had ever seen. The guide book informed us that they were probably commissioned in 1450 and completed in the following decade; that they also form one of the most complete set of their kind in Britain. The church also had a Saxon font, a triple cedilla, a well proportioned Hepplewhite pulpit and a modest but well crafted screen.
Back on the bus, our arrival in Leeds was 25 minutes late owing to the races and the collection by our bus of some passengers from one which broken down.
Weather overcast and showers, a few bright intervals
The 2008 journey thus far: 201 Locks & 320.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 13
Thursday 12 June 2008
It is good to have friends
THURSDAY. According to Myra, is washing day. As the engine would have to be running in order to produce hot water, we moved to Lemonroyd where the washing was finished. The airer went out, but needed to be tied to a towpath seat owing to the gusting wind.
We chatted to a man fitting out a wide beam boat, then later to the owner of a lovely wooden boat. It was built for the Humber Conservators as a survey vessel, and has a Gardiner 6LW engine – an impressive combination.
Owing to the changes imposed on our online banking system, I needed a new PIN number which could only be posted within 3 working days to our home address. This could have been a real problem, with no online access until we returned home. Enter Jessica, our neighbour who will check our post and read out to us, the required PIN. The first PIN was posted on 21st May and had not arrived by 5th June. I requested a new PIN on that day, thereby cancelling the undelivered 21st May PIN. On 6th June we had a call from Jessica – the 21st May PIN had arrived! Finally, she kindly telephoned today with the new PIN and Bingo! - We are back online for banking.
This has been a major concern for me, as just before we left home, an attempt was made to remove £970 from our bank account. I noticed the balance difference and queried it with the bank before the money had left our account. I can revert to normal breathing.
We are planning our next bus trip; it looks like a visit to York as the forecast is better than that for Whitby.
Weather overcast in morning, then long sunny intervals.
The 2008 journey thus far: 200 Locks & 319.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 12
We chatted to a man fitting out a wide beam boat, then later to the owner of a lovely wooden boat. It was built for the Humber Conservators as a survey vessel, and has a Gardiner 6LW engine – an impressive combination.
Owing to the changes imposed on our online banking system, I needed a new PIN number which could only be posted within 3 working days to our home address. This could have been a real problem, with no online access until we returned home. Enter Jessica, our neighbour who will check our post and read out to us, the required PIN. The first PIN was posted on 21st May and had not arrived by 5th June. I requested a new PIN on that day, thereby cancelling the undelivered 21st May PIN. On 6th June we had a call from Jessica – the 21st May PIN had arrived! Finally, she kindly telephoned today with the new PIN and Bingo! - We are back online for banking.
This has been a major concern for me, as just before we left home, an attempt was made to remove £970 from our bank account. I noticed the balance difference and queried it with the bank before the money had left our account. I can revert to normal breathing.
We are planning our next bus trip; it looks like a visit to York as the forecast is better than that for Whitby.
Weather overcast in morning, then long sunny intervals.
The 2008 journey thus far: 200 Locks & 319.5 Miles & 19 Swing\Lift Bridges
Journeys using bus pass: 12
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