Having returned to the boat last afternoon, we continued our journey today aiming for Castleford. We quickly got used to the many swing and lifting bridges on the New Junction Canal, including the bridge at the lock.
To the unfamiliar, this one is a puzzle until one realises that the key has to be inserted into a solitary pedestal by the bridge and the bridge operated before the lock can be used. Then in reverse when finished. Joining the Aire & Calder Navigation we were, of course on massive locks, although there is mostly a smaller section for self service operation.
We encountered a large opposite direction sand barge here, but with no discernable consequence. The canal narrows at Knottingley and I remarked how meeting such a barge here might be exiting. Blow me we did, right in an admittedly large bridge hole! The moorings at Castleford were busy and we were forced to tie up at the "commercial end" on a rather high wharf. No real problem though apart from the dog needing a bunk-up to get off.
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