Gargrave to Bank Newton with Miles (the man, not the distance)

This lovely stone home, with a lean to added later, was built in 1791 by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Corporation and was used as a lock keeper's home at the bottom of the Bank Newton flight of locks.  It has been maintained beautifully over the centuries.  I, for one, wouldn't mind living in it today.

   

The locks from Gargrave to Bank Newton had what, for us, was an unusual way to open the ground paddles to allow water into and out of the locks.  One had to be strong enough to pick up the wooden "handle" to open the paddles and this was no small feet since you were working against the force of a large amount of water.  Once the lock had filled or emptied as needed you needed to remember to close the ground paddles before opening the lock gates or the gates would break the ground paddles.  Not good.


  


 


    

Above are some beautiful scenes of the area countryside that we passed through.  I dare you to look at such beautiful countryside and not feel the cares of the day slip from your shoulders.

We did nine locks yesterday through this idyllic countryside aided by Miles, a new employee of Canal and River Trust.  I have to say they made a wonderful choice in hiring him.  He is personable, friendly and very helpful.  He walked from Gargrave to Bank Newton to be there to help us (and others we met along the way) navigate the locks.  When we were done for the day he had to turn around and walk back to Gargrave.  It was now past 3:00 and his lunch was in Gargrave!  So, I sent him on his way with a couple cheese sandwiches and some fruit.  Can't have him passing out from malnourishment now can we?

Miles, along with Edward, were the two employees who supplied us with some firewood in Gargrave.  Miles also discovered a stash of some in the hedgerow yesterday.  We now have the top of the boat full of wood again thanks, in part, to these two nice and thoughtful men.  Whatever happens we will be warm. :-)

Today is a nice stretch of canal without locks.  I think I will just sit in the cockpit and crochet and be a lady of leisure.  What an appealing thought.