Well yesterday we conquered the UK’s deepest lock at Sowerby Bridge and it did not disappoint. To enter it we had to go through a tunnel which had a bend in and then we were assisted through the lock by two lovely CRT chaps. See below video and pictures so you can get some idea of the height. Thank goodness we didn’t have to climb out!
We then travelled around 5 miles and 7 locks to Hebden Bridge which is the most beautiful place. It is also where Happy Valley was filmed.
To get there, we had to go through another tunnel which seemed to go on for ages. Whilst in this tunnel we realised that our light isn’t positioned correctly, as you can probably hear us discussing. Paul was very excited to use his horn though.
Hebden Bridge is known as the lesbian capital of the UK, which we did not realise until we got here! We had fun spending a good hour or so people watching with a pint of cider for me and beer for Paul, trying to guess who was straight and who was not!
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebden_Bridge#:~:text=Culture,-Hebden%20Bridge%20Picture&text=Hebden%20Bridge%20is%20known%20as,lesbian%20capital%20of%20the%20UK%22.: Tunneling to Hepden BridgeIt really was a quirky place to stop and had lots of hippie shops selling joss sticks and flowery cushions and throws etc. I was in my element and Paul was equally delighted with the number of local ales that were on sale.
We are currently travelling with Julie and Gary who have been boaters for 9 years, It is definitely much easier doing locks with another couple. Their boat is also around 57 foot so the two boats get wedged in together, which means that Paul is not being thrown around. It also means that we get through the locks in half the time as Julie and I operate one side each. If one paddle is a bit stiff, we put both our windlasses at opposite angles and then both use our strength at the same time.
The weather has been absolutely beautiful and my heart soars when I see all the wildlife along the way – especially the little baby ducks that look so soft and furry and the Canadian geese who often swoop in just above our heads and then land in front of us.
The Rochdale canal is also stunning. Plenty of romantic hills and little stone cottages with beautiful flowers in the garden. I could definitely imagine living up this way, although we are really starting to get the appeal of being travellers – moving on to somewhere new every few days.
We have just moored up in Todmorden which is where we plan to stay for a few days. It will give Paul lthe opportunity of touching up Daisy’s scratches (of which there are plenty) and I need to give her a good clean and visit a laundrette.
Here are a few valuable lessons I have learned along the way:
- Don’t bother trying to blog or use my phone whilst cruising – it is a shame to miss the scenery going by
- Scan the area for dog poo before jumping off or mooring up
- People absolutely love to chat to boaters and are fascinated by the lifestyle
- Our water tank can stretch to us having a shower each every day so there is no reason not to shower
- Similarly, it is not really necessary to stock up on food as shops are a plenty
- There is no rush
Zak is now doing amazingly well as a ‘boat dog’. He jumps off with me at each lock and he now knows and understand the routine. If he can’t cross the lock (because you have to climb over it) then he will patiently wait at the other end until I make my way back over. He has also stopped chasing cyclists down the towpath so it means I don’t have to worry about him.
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