Not sure if we made the right decision to move. Yesterday the moorings at Gargrave filled very quickly with the majority of boats all facing our way. Knowing how popular Skipton was and wanting to at least have a chance of finding a mooring, we set our alarm for 6.30am. The shrill of that dammed clock awoke us from our slumber all to soon and throwing open the curtains we were greeted by a dismal, dank, overcast and drizzly morning. Hmmmm....should we hang fire until the rain stops. No was the answer because Ian checked the weather for our region which showed this was in for most of the day. Nothing for it but don waterproofs and set off as planned. That constant drizzle got into everything, and it wasn't long before parts of us were well and truly soaked. Three locks to do, 5 swing bridges and at least 4 miles. Not wanting to arrive at Skipton to early, allowing those moored time to move off, a slow cruise it was then to the first swing bridge.
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| Eshton road lock |
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| You wouldn't believe it was summer! Stirton Aqueduct |
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| Holme bridge lock On the left gate, Super high way, Super wet way. On the right gate, Super slow way, Super dry way. |
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| Yes there is a swing bridge coming up on the left. |
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| And another. |
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| Not the only us mad idiots travelling in these conditions. |
Meeting a boat coming toward us and me going through the bridge first, I was able to ask about moorings in Skipton. They had vacated one the other side of the mechanised swing bridge, oh goody....a space for us but as we arrived every place had been taken. Thankfully we found the only space available just before the Swings Branch but right on a bend, not ideal but at least we had a mooring. So yes I think we did make the right decision even though we did get drenched. Lots of boats have since come by and had to carry on their way. May stop for a day or two, go see the sights and the castle. With any luck tomorrow will be a better day.
And on route,
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| It's a Lapwing |
And the wildlife on this very wet day,
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| Loads of Lapwings, Oyster catchers and Turnstones. Shame the weather was just too bad for me to keep the camera out. |
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| Bedraggled Swallow |
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| Oyster catchers |
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