Sunday 18/9 Skipton to mile post 37 before East Marton

Just for Rhonda - the lads chewing the fat last night

We tried for an early start this morning and managed to cast off at 8.20am to cruise less than 100 metres to the first sb. Once through that we moored up almost immediately to take on water. After which Tim and I walked another 100 or so metres where Tom was instructed on the operation of manual sb's.

It was misty this morning and very still and quiet.

Tim off to do his first solo sb

Tim showing how easy it is

Lawrence, checking the stern, waiting for Tim to close and lock the bridge.

Walking over the bridge across the River Aire (follow it and you will come to Leeds) in Gargrave on our way to the Masons Arms for Sunday roast. Before heading off to lunch we did another waterfill as I had had a shower as we went along and Mike and Tim showered as we filled.

Except Tim and Mike opted for Vesuvius aka steak and kidney pudding. 

Lawrence and I went for the roast. A nice pub and a filling and satisfying lunch.

Gargrave village

An hour after leaving Gargrave and with 2 locks under our belts it was time to really start working off our two hour lunch. Seven more locks to go; one single and the Vank Newton flight of six.

The scenery is picture book England

And again, just before Stegneck Lock

At Stegneck Lock

At the lock before Stegneck we waited for another boat to catch up with us and we did the rest of the days locks together which halved the workload for Tim and me. Coming out of Stegneck Lock, just ahead the railway bridge which carries the Settle to Carlisle line over the canal.

The views

Just slipping in some sheep

The view from our mooring tonight

We are moored just in front of the Lockie that helped the two boats up the Bank Newton flight. He suggested back at the locks that we moor here, and it is wonderfully quiet and the views are stunning.

Mike made us tea and we rewarded our hard work with some of Jean's (Mike's Mum) scrumptious scones lathered in jam and cream. Just the reviver needed as we were pooped. Nigel, the lockie was very helpful tonight, telling us of safe moorings in the bandit territory that we will be heading into in the next couple of days.

7 1/2 miles, 12 locks, 5 sb's, 9 hrs 25 mins (but that includes 2  water fills and a 2hr lunch)