We had a lazy weekend moored up just beyond the troublesome swing bridge which is close to Shipley, where we walked for some shopping.  Several boats passed through with varying degrees of difficulty but the local boats clearly knew the techniques for getting through and managed easily.  One hire boat didn't manage it at all and reversed for what sounded like miles, presumably to a turning point and to go back the way they came.  Found some good dog walks over the weekend and in spite of the towpath being really busy had a good weekend.  Can't believe how busy the towpath is, loads of folk just out and about, cycling, jogging, dog walking and families just out doing whatever.  Thought everyone was too busy inside or in cars these days!  On Sunday our kettle sprung a leak, possibly as a result of being boiled dry a few days before.  Had to manage with a saucepan until Monday when we went into Shipley again and eventually managed to find one in Argos.

Weekend mooring near Shipley

Truly enjoying the sun

After stopping in Shipley for more shopping and a new kettle we eventually got underway travelling a grand total of four miles, six locks and four swing bridges.  All locks and bridges mostly behaved, although several locks had broken paddles, which makes for slow going.  We shared the two lock staircase with a hire boat called Milly Moo.  It was their first time out and only their first lock without an instructor.  However we worked slowly through and everything was good.  Although I lost my BW key at the locks and in spite of going back could not find it.  Luckily we have a spare.  The plan was to moor up at the bottom of Bingley 3 Rise flight, however on arrival the lock keeper talked us into going up and mooring in the pound between the 3 Rise and Bingley 5 Rise.  This was a good decision as the mooring spot was much better.  Shared the locks with Milly Moo again and thanks to the lock keeper had an easy trip up.  While we were mooring up one of the lock keepers told us that our keys had been picked up and he would return them to us the following day.  Brilliant news!  Had a wander up the flight, some lovely views up here.

Jeanie Deans and Molly Moo in the top lock of a 2 staircase.   Showing the gate paddle winding gear that is common on the Leeds and Liverpool.

Ground paddle winding gear.  These can be hard to shift!

Top of Bingley 5 Rise flight

View of the Damart factory from the top of the flight

View down Bingley 5 Rise

Jeanie Deans and Molly Moo moored at the bottom of Bingley 5 Rise

This morning was a bit of a late start as we had to wait for 6 boats to come down the flight before we could go up.  But when we eventually got underway it was another easy trip up.  The lock keepers are brilliant and really help out.  Filled up with water, emptied toilets and got rid of rubbish at the top.  Milly Moo carried on but we came across them shortly afterwards with a load of rope wrapped round their prop, stopped to lend a hand as they had limited tools to do the job.

About half a mile from the top of the flight we were held up because Micklethwaite swing bridge, which had been re-opened this morning after a 30 hour closure, had broken again.  The CRT guy who was there managed to open it and let us and another boat through.  Not sure whether it had to close down again after that though.

Micklethwaite swing bridge!!

We have found a good mooring for this evening and are not too far from Skipton now.  This is supposed to be an interesting and picturesque place so I expect we will moor there for a day or two to have a look around.