A Gathering in Gargrave.

 Tuesday 24th May 2022 in Gargrave.

We were a tad late arriving at the"Dalesman" this morning so our planned breakfast ended up being a "take away" on the bus! We called in at M&S in Skipton for the usual "few bits" then joined Richard and Annette on their boat moored next to the bus station.

The sky looked ominous as we set off but the forecast was only for an occasional shower, so fingers crossed...

These old mills in Skipton have been converted into very attractive aparments overlooking the canal. There was also plenty of available mooring alongside on rings for when we come back into Skipton on Thursday.

Richard was in his element at the helm and the sky was brightening up. Will the rain hold off???

R opened and closed the interminable swing bridges; five in just four miles!

But it seems that we spoke too soon; the heavens opened and it started to pour with rain. The really heavy rain arrived just as R was on the other side of the canal opening a swing bridge, so he couldn't get back to the shelter of the boat until Richard had gone through and R had closed the bridge. He got very wet indeed!  R had lent Richard his waterproof and so had don M's "girlie" waterproof! M was a bit miffed as, based on the weather forecast, she had pegged out the washing on MM before we left. Two rather drenched figures still managed a wave to M on the front of the boat...You can see the next band of rain sweeping in from behind.

As we approached the first of the three closed locks, the sun finally came out and we moored up just behind  this boat. The plan was to walk into Gargrave from here, a distance of about a mile. It was a lovely walk and we saw curlews in the fields beside us.

As we started to walk into Gargrave, we passed this notice, presumably from the "Anal & River Trust"? Says it all!!!!

The two dogs, Bella and Zak led the way as we walked down the towpath towards the broken lock. Zak was particularly enthusiastic!

At the broken lock, the workmen were laying turf along the lockside. This is now just the cosmetic finishing touches, which bodes well for tomorrow morning and they assured us that it will indeed open tomorrow..

In Gargrave, the four of us went into the Dalesman for some lunch - and to warm up and dry out! Later, we were joined there by Jenni, Ed and Jenni's friend Liz who had all driven up from Huddersfield to see us. It was really lovely to see Jenni and Ed after so very long and to meet Liz for the first time.

Jenni very kindly drove Richard, Annette and the dogs back to their boat then returned to MM to collect Ed and Liz for the drive back home.

Tomorrow, we anticipate quite a traffc jam as the locks finally re-open after eight months and everyone tries to get through in each directon. We shall sit, watch with interest and wait. It may turn out to be quite a pantomime!!