End of the Rochdale.

So we're off the Rochdale. This evening moored in the basin of Shire Cruisers at Sowerby Bridge technically on the Calder and Hebble. Shire Cruisers were so helpful and even though they were really closed, they were so willing to serve us with diesel, pump-out, water etc. I can't congratulate them enough. We set off this morning to be greeted by a boat slewed across the cut that had come adrift of its moorings. Onwards to a demonstration of wonderful mooring!

And on through Hebdon Bridge where the first sunny day for ages combined with a Sunday afternoon and a vintage vehicle rally made the waterside, locks and the boats a very crowded attraction! It is interesting to note that miles of continuos moorers have already begun to invade this lower section of the canal, in one instance making mooring for the lock a physical impossibility. Is anything going to be done I wonder, to stamp this out early on or will the Rochdale soon become just anothe K & A?
The deepest lock in England soon beckoned! At around 20 foot, apparently this lock was built especially to be a few inches deeper than the bath lock and so, depending on exact water levels, can claim to be the deepest lock - anyway; we have the brass plaque that says so!

On through lock 1 and bridge 1 and off the Rochdale to our final mooring for the night.

A very pleasant evening was had meeting with 'Farmer James' and his lovely family. I used to work with James in my farming days and have kept in touch ever since. We have met up several times and his business 'St. Leonards Farm Park' in Esholt near Bradford is thriving and winning many tourism awards. It was lovely to meet up with them briefly for the evening.
Tomorrow - shopping and onwards.