The Lovely Lisa Narrowboat (but currently called Lucy Lowther): Margaret's visit

Margaret arrived safely at Barnoldswick and parked in the marina car park with no problems - I was slightly concerned there might not be room as a crane was coming in on Monday ruling out parking in some areas. It is good to see her again.

She gets on with the important tasks straight away.

We decide to stay put for the night and receive a late call from Margaret's daughter, Kathryn, that she is intending to drive down with her family the next day - an 8 hour round trip! They have tried to find a nearby campsite but everywhere is full. What a lovely surprise.

Saturday morning we head down towards Foulridge. There is a winding (turning) hole shown before the tunnel but I am a bit concerned it will be difficult because of moored boats. Another boater has told me of a possible winding before I get there - just after the old Yorkshire sign (the boundary has since been changed). He says to watch for a holly bush and head my bows for it. I spot a likely point with a stream coming in over a small waterfall - should be plenty of depth ther. No - I go aground. She comes off OK and a second attempt has the same result. Margaret goes up to the bows and says there is no sign of a holly bush. We go on a little bit and I spot the holly bush and turn round with no problem. Moor at the Anchor Inn, Salterforth ( from Salters' Ford) and phone Kathryn to suggest they come there, where they can leave the car for the afternoon.

The kids waste no time starting to play on the chute!

The real kids, Callum and Cameron enjoying themselves - I was in a strict advisory role.

We have a very nice meal at the Anchor - an historic building. When the canal was built the water levels were too high so a new pub was built on top of the old one. The old pub is now the cellar, with the original packhorse road running through it with lots of stalactites and stalagmites.

The new skipper

Margaret has not forgotten how to work the locks.

It is a lovely stretch of the canal

All too soon the family have to leave for home and we moor at the Cross Keys, East Marton and partake of some refreshment. There is quite a large wedding party (the church is very near) and the bride and groom have been transported by decorated narrowboat and Land Rover.

After a night at the same spot as I moored with Andrew and Michelle we reach Gargrave where this sign amused us. Margaret's brother, David and his wife Anne who live nearby, are coming for the day and will take Margaret back to her car. We catch up on a few years news over a meal at the Old Swan (under very new management). Margaret and I ate here the night before and the food is good quality and value. Thanks for lunch David.

Anne cannot resist buying a lovely carved bowl from a trading boat whose name I did not note and Margaret got a carved toadstool for the garden. Very nice guy and it was good to give him some trade.