Where have we been?

We've been enjoying ourselves, that's what we've been up to! 

On Sunday we went to church in the morning at Holy Trinity, and they got full marks for their welcome and the friendliness of the congregation. We even had a chance to meet the ringers and have a go on their bells. After the service, through to the cafe (hall) for refreshments. 

After that we walked along the footpath behind the castle. 

We followed a circular walk that eventually brought us back to the canal basin where there is a statue of Fred Trueman. 

We had a quick lunch of fish & chips on the boat while we waited to see if any visitors would arrive. Just as we finished watching Andy Murray winning the final, a friend from the Dengie peninsula, who now lives in Skipton, turned up. After she had left, Pauline and Kevin from Australia arrived in time for a glass of sherry. (Very English!) We met Pauline at the church in Lesmurdie when we visited in March. 

After that, time for supper of roast chicken and then to bed. 

Monday, we had the morning free so we went round Skipton visiting Poundland and the butchers. Lovely thick pork chops, pork pies, Barnsley chops and other delights! Back to the boat to cram everything into the freezer. Then we waited until 3 o'clock for our Australian friends and their folk band to turn up on their hire boat, Caraway. We then went with them back to Gargrave for supper in the pub and then a folk session back on their boat. The group had a mandolin, flute, two accordions, spoons and vocals. 

A tad cosy but it would have been even cosier if their drummer, and founder member, had been able to come along as well. 

Tuesday, an early start as we saw them safely through the first lock. 

Well, I say safely but it nearly wasn't for me! I was whizzing round and round on the ground paddle when I tripped over and nearly went head first into the canal. Luckily I was hanging onto the handle and I described a graceful (more likely graceless!) arc and ended up sitting on the side of the lock. Whew! 

After they had gone on their way we then had to reverse back along the canal to the winding hole - not an easy task since the boat doesn't steer too well in reverse. Never mind, we made it, scooted the boat round and headed back toward Skipton. Luckily, another boat was going our way and we shared the locks with them. 

At Holme Bridge Lock there was nearly a very nasty incident. A member of a hire boat crew at the first lock on their journey, fell about 8ft from the top of the lock into the well of the boat. He fell backwards and (luckily, although falling itself isn't being lucky!) landed on his back in the well deck, missing the side of the boat and lockers. Again, luckily, a volunteer lock keeper was on hand and an ambulance soon arrived. The chap seemed OK since he sat himself up and walked into the boat and we left him being checked over by a paramedic. 

Further down, a gathering of swans with half a dozen in the field nearby. 

Several swing bridges and we stopped in Skipton again to top up with diesel. After we set off, an horrendous sound from the engine room. Brigid immediately stopped the engine and we drifted into the bank to investigate the problem. What was it? Silly me, when filling the diesel reserve can I popped the mobiles on the shelf out of harms way. We always charge them up in the engine room while travelling. But I didn't put them back in the right place and they had fallen down into the alternator. Luckily (how many times have I used that word?) they were on their charging leads and I could pull them out. Mind you, mine was in 3 pieces and a bit scratched on the back but it still works. 

On to Low Snaygill where we moored up near to the Aldi store. More shopping! What an eventful day! 

Wednesday and off to Silsden. But more about that in the next entry.