A very long day yesterday, with a number of canal-related issues. There was a 3h wait at the Bingley staircase locks. Then, they are so leaky, the boat was repeatedly flooded by the leaking water onto the back deck. Then, in the 3-rise lock, the paddles were so leaky it took a very long time and massive effort, to get the lock to empty (the lock gates above leaked) and finally, the pound (area between locks) was drained by all this leakage, we ran aground repeatedly. An hour to bail out the engine room. Not the most fun way to experience what is supposed to be a ‘wonder’ of the canal system.
However, good company and great weather made up for all that and we certainly had lots of time to chat! We also met up with our friends Nick and Chris again, and found another great mooring in the wooded countryside. I think this will be our last meeting for a while as they need to move along, and we are going to explore the area. Too bad: it has been fun to share meals, beverages, and lots of stories with them. Chris is a master quilter, and is preparing a show in the National Exhibition Center.
All good as we are on the way to Leeds
