We went for an early morning walk
To find the Claverley Packhorse Bridge over the River Aire in 1775.
It was a bit of a disappointment because we couldn't get down to the river to admire the bridge and instead had to admire the river from the bridge
The street beside at the end of which we were moored
We departed our mooring a little before 9.00. Chas, who's decided to stay in Rodley for a few days, kindly opened the sb in front us and we waved goodbye.
Just after the 2nd sb of the day
At the 2nd swing bridge another boat quickly cast off to get through the bridge open bridge. Another single hander has latched onto us to help him through the locks and sb's.
The 3rd sb, normally open was closed as we approached however as we drew closer we could see a farmer opening it again after putting some of his cows across it into a field on the other side of the canal.
Speaking of cows, Danny (of River Trent fame) used to work for a dairy farmer and has remained close to the family. From what he said, the dairy farmers over here are being screwed just as badly as the ones in OZ, but it has been going on for a lot longer over here and they've had no Chinese market to to shield them from the supermarkets milk price wars.
Passing through Apperley Bridge
The first locks of the day were the Dobson 2 rise which we had to work on our own. The front of our boat got a thorough drenching from leaky top gates, happily I'd had the forethought to shut the front doors and windows and the drain holes in the well deck which aren't very big coped with the deluge. Still it was quite scarey.
After a further 2 sb's we arrived at the foot of the Field 3 rise Locks at 12.30. The single hander (never did get his name) on NB Amelie said that the lockies came on duty at 1.00pm. Well, let me tell you, I needed no persuading - 'a good time to have lunch' I said. To show his appreciation of opening and closing 4 sb's and working the Dobson 2 rise, Lawrence made a delicious gourmet snags for lunch. We had only just finished when the lockies arrived and in no time had set the locks for us.
We've now risen to the top of the bottom lock
Exiting the bottom lock into the middle chamber
Look, it's my gorgeous Lockkeeper from yesterday, hello again
Exiting the top of the Field 3 rise, the water level in the canal was and still is, quite low and we've had to stick to the middle of the canal as much as possible. We've had to reverse off something once and slid over a unknown objects a couple of times, this doesn't bode well for the 16mile long summit pound which is 11 locks away.
Shaded spots were a welcome relief today
You can see the moors away in the distance
And another
Coming into Shipley, which, we discovered, is on the outskirts of Bradford 😟
Another reminder, that even in a dodgy area, travelling on a canal is far less stressful than driving on a road, especially in England.
Shipley Wharf and old barge loading chutes
Old industrial buildings
And another
Another old building
This sign makes me think that the UK is starting to feel the effects of climate change - cooled offices are more important than parking.
We left NB Amelie in Shipley and continued on to Saltaire
A quiz question for you. Who built Saltaire and why? When was it built and what was made there? A unique prize will be given to the first correct answer. Sorry UK readers, you are not allowed to answer.
We moored up just past Saltaire, both of us having had enough sun for the day and feeling rather fried. Never thought to pack a sun hat - got beanies and scarves tho'!
It took awhile to find somewhere where we could get to the side to moor. As it is, our backside, or for the nautical among you, our stern is hanging out and we are on a bit of a list. Will have to loosen the bow. Rope before bed or I am going to roll right out.
A thunderstorm has just hit, rain pelting down, but still quite warm. Normal for Bermi, but very weird feeling here. So we will be eating in tonight.
7miles, 5 locks, 9 sb's, 6 1/4 hours.
Margy it seems you have become very accomplished Lockie yourself, be careful you may land yourself a job. Great photos. Stella has commented on the heat on several occasions recently.
ReplyDeleteWeather in Gippsland cool to cold and wet.
Saltaire another textile village and mill? - either you have asked us this before or have heard about them on the Antique Roadshow.
Unfortunately, two calves have died one a still birth, half the herd calved now.
Graham has been offered a construction management job, which he is considering.
From Google
ReplyDeleteSaltaire Village is near Bradford in West Yorkshire, England. It is named after Sir Titus Salt who built a textile mill, known as Salts Mill and this village on the River Aire. Designed by architects, Lockwood and Mawson, Salts Mill was opened on Sir Titus Salt's 50th birthday, 20 September 1853.