On the move again.

We had a lovely day on Sunday at Nicholas' baptism, he was his usual happy self, even the priest chucking water over him didn't bother him. I was most impressed with the train fare from Hebden Bridge to Leeds, Family Day Rover, less than £9 return for the two of us.

The proud family on Sunday!

Chris arrived back with us yesterday evening so this morning it was all systems go, off to finish the Rochdale. We had spotted a big Tesco at Sowerby Bridge when we came through on the train so the plan was to stop off for essential supplies like beer. All went well except for my usual moan about the lack of water, the canal appeared to be about a foot below the normal level. When we got to Sowerby Bridge there was little chance to moor before the Tuel Lane locks and tunnel but I had a word with Rob, the very friendly lock-keeper and he said we would be OK on the lock moorings for a couple of hours while we shopped and he went for his lunch.

Talking canals with Rob

Tuel Lane lock is the deepest on the inland waterway network, it is also unusual as it has two sets of bottom gates, one pair make it a 60ft lock, the others make it a full length 70ft plus lock. Using it as a short lock except for long boats saves a lot of water.

It doesn't look too bad from here

Going down!

But it's a long way down!

Free at last!

Rob was very knowledgable about the canal, a real advert for BW. After we had gone down through the lock and the tunnel he helped us with the last two locks on the Rochdale and showed us where there were some good moorings and even helped us moor up.

My brother did suggest when I was complaining about too much water on the River Nene that I should get a submarine type vessel, perhaps this is what he had in mind!

We are hoping to fuel up and then get a good day of cruising in tomorrow.

Today's journey 5.6 miles, 8 locks and 2 tunnels.

So far we have travelled 287.2 miles, 323 locks, 12 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 9 tunnels.