Swing bridges and more swing bridges!

We both woke early this morning  and were on the move before half past eight, five minutes later we were at the first swing bridge of the day. This one is more interesting than most as there is a memorial to the Polish Air Force crew of a Wellington bomber that crashed near it during the second world war.

It was another gloriously sunny day today and we cruised along the canal enjoying the solitude,at times feeling as if we were the only people about. It was relaxing drifting along with only the cows and sheep for company,feeling sorry for the people rushing to get somewhere in their cars in the distance. We only met four other boats on our journey,two of which had perfect timing for them as they approached a swing bridge just as I was opening it.

We stopped just short of Riddlesden as from there to Bingley it looks as if there is housing beside the canal all the way, not good for the cats! By lunchtime we were moored up by the woods west of  Riddlesden. We spent the afternoon rubbing down some of the paintwork on Morgana and attacking the rust spots, the joys of boat ownership!

Today's journey 6.1 miles and  10 swing bridges

So far this year we have travelled 392.6 miles, 232 locks, 25 swing bridges, 1 lift bridge and 11 tunnels



In 2011 we travelled 461.4 miles, 444 locks, 3 swing bridges, 34 lift bridges and 15 tunnels


During 2010 we travelled 740.3 miles, 642 locks, 53 swing bridges, 4 lift bridges and 25 tunnels


Since Ray retired we have travelled 1594.3 miles, 1318 locks, 81 swing bridges, 39 lift bridges and 51 tunnels