Setting off to Shire Cruisers
Back when these warehouses were in operation boats moored up under the arches for loading from above.
Lump of wood in hand we returned to A.B. and slipped our moorings at 10.05 pass the boat belonging to the old guy from whom I got my (bargain) long handled windlass last night. He is a single hander but no alone. On board with him are his companions, a Swiss Sheperd (great bit white dog), a Tea Cup Yorkie (rescued from a hellish and cruel home) - looked just like Scruffy and Pip and a Chihuahua, with the last ruling the roost.
The junction of the Rochdale Canal and the Calder and Hebble Navigation. We will be turning to the right.
We had a little trouble negotiating the turn. The gusting wind kept pushing the bow of the boat to the left into the far bank. After 3 attempts L managed to get us heading in the right direction. The other side of the Sowerby Bridge basin and yet more warehouses.
We had a mile or so of lock free cruising (up here in the Pennines that is really appreciated).
The Copeley Train Viaduct
Here we, putting the spike into action on the very awkwardly placed top lock of the Salterhebble flight of 3. Figuring out how to use the spike took a bit of time - no instructions anywhere.
Having filled the lock and opened the gates, L was just walking back to the boat when another boat arrived on the lock landing behind us. I walked back to tell them that unfortunately they couldn't come down with us because we were too long - 57' being the maximum boat length for the C&H looks and we are 58' and would have to angle the boat across the lock to fit in. The boat was crewed by 4 experienced blokes who know these waters well so we offered to let them go before us. However they said they were in no hurry and were happy to wait and help us through the lock. While doing so, one of he blokes dished out lots of handy hints and useful advice on getting a longer boat through the C&H locks.
Having got through the top lock safely, L brings A.B. into the the second lock of the flight.
The last lock had a guillotine bottom gate
(I have just being out for a fag, it's 6.00am in the morning and I saw a deer mooching along the towpath - until it saw me and then it took of up the embankment into the trees.)
The view down the canal from Long Lees lock
The River Calder ha been keeping the canal company since Todmorden. Sometimes it wanders off, but then is soon back beside us. Otters have been spotted in the river in recent times. Another animal driven very close to extinction.
Long Lees train viaduct
L bringing A.B. into Woodside Mill Lock
As we were coming into Elland this swan repeatedly flew at us and attacked the back of the boat
and biting the the stern fender
We soon realised why - his mate was nesting on the bridge footing
Now he has seen us off his territory, he retires chuffed and triumphant
We pulled in, actually it was a rather difficult manouvre in the wind and took us about 10mins to get onto the visitor moorings, at 1.00pm intending to go to the Barge and Barrel for lunch only to discover it is now a micro brewery and doesn't serve food. So it was back to the boat and while Lawrence was cooking up eggs and bacon with all the trappings, the 4 blokes on the boat behind us moored up and in no time at all disappeared into the brewery. At 2.15 we started off again, the wind blowing us off the mooring and out into the canal as soon as we loosened the ropes.
Now I'll try and explain why these locks are so tricky for us. When the lock is full and A.B. enters, the bow is over the top of the the bottom gate platform. In order to shut the top gates L has to angle her across the lock as much as possible. Once the boat is in and L is ready I very carefully and slowly start to open the bottom paddle. There is a very real danger now, that either the bow could get hung up on the front gate or the stern on the cill under the water. When the water level has dropped enough so A.B.'s bow and button fit under the gate platform, L can bring her a foot or so further forward which then allows the stern to clear the cill, but there is still only inches to spare. It is only when the stern is below the cill that I can open the paddles fully. It is all rather nerve wracking.
Here she is with her bow tucked in under the gate platform.
The other thing we have had to perfect is getting her out of the lock once it is empty. Having her nose stuck in the corner means I can only open the opposite gate. L doesn't have enough room to back A.B. and bring her nose across. So when I've got the gate open, L walks through to the front of the boat and tosses me up the bow rope which I use to haul A.B. backwards and her bow across to the open gate. Meanwhile L has returned to the stern and and soon as the bow is lined up with the open gate L drives her out and as he does I toss the rope back down into the well deck.
We just fit.
And the goongoozlers loved the show.
A theme nautical for this backyard
Both of us feeling the strain of the super concentration required for these locks, we passed thisidyllic, albeit illegal, mooring about 3.30pm. We looked at each other, said nothing, and L slowed A.B. and reversed her back up the canal
And here we are tucked up far away from the maddening crowd, well not so far, we are in England after all.
We kept ourselves gainfully occupied, with Lawrence listening to Fran Bailey and doing route planning and as for me, I did some much needed washing - clothes, body, hair.
About 5.30pm the blokes behind us puttered by, bound for Brighouse having, they said, spent much longer in the micro brewery than intended.
After sitting in the last of the sun, drying my hair and reading it was time to cook dinner - my first foray into the galley since stepping on board!!
Good luck today Australia. Gawd I hope the people make the right choice.
4 1/2 miles, 7 locks, 5 1/2 hours
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