Fri Jun 20th - 4 miles, 5 furlongs, 24 locks - Todmorden to
Littleborough
Total cruising time 8 hours 15 minutes.
Yesterday I wrote that an early start would be required to get to the
top in time. An early start it was as I set off up the remaining locks
at 4.15am! Steady progress to the top, being ready to leave the
appointed lock at 8.40am some 10 minutes late (which I didn't think was
at all bad considering). A 30 minute interlude while I waited for the
lock keeper, during which I walked up to the top lock.to wait. I
spotted a cruiser and a NB coming along the summit so I opened the top
gates of the already full lock ready for them. The lock keeper was with
them as he had hitched a lift on the NB. I was soon in the top lock and
by 9.30am was busy crossing the summit chatting to the lock keeper who
had hitched a ride back across the summit. He helped me down the first
nine locks, making sure each one was set ready for me to go straight in
and closing the gates up behind me. Out of Sladen lock by 11.35am. Got
talking to a woman who was out walking her dog. She was a boater, and
offered to help me down the remaining locks to Littleborough. She
looked vaguely familiar, and during conversation she mentioned that she
was often in the Braunston area and that she played folk music. The
penny dropped - "Braunston Pickle?" I asked. She seemed very pleased
that someone knew of and remembered them. Tied up below Littleborough
Lower Lock for the day at 1.00am. It does seem at little early to be
mooring for the night, but the lack of sleep was beginning to get to me.
Terry Streeter
NB Arun - Littleborough
