Just after going to bed at Castleford, we heard a boat go sputtering by, all lights blazing, and lots of singing. Hmm. Ok night night.

Next morning on our way to Leeds along the River Aire, who did we come across ???  one battered old boat, 5 blokes and a small lad looking a bit sheepish. They said that they got stuck on a mudbank, I established that they had been there all night, !!!!!  so we attached a rope and pulled them off. Loads of thanks, that we were life savers, etc etc. What did they owe us???  They said summat about a bottle of scotch, which made Mick’s ears prick up, but as always, we said, just pass this on, and help another boater. The owner said, that his boat was a bit of a wreck ( yes) and need a lot ( yes) doing to it,but at least they were boating.  They left it in the Armouries, amongst all the rather nice boats, and cleared off to work, I assume. !  Oh well, they seemed harmless enough.

Had a nice time in Leeds, and then it was off towards Rodley and a BIG catch up with Chris and Mike.

Just got into pub at Rodley for farewell beers with John and Diana, when the phone went and Chris said "where are ya ???"  " in the pub, where are you?"  " by side of boat ".   whey hey, thats how close we are.

A place called Kirkstall, has always had a bad rep, and boaters told to pass through early in the morning, due to numpties and nobs drinking too much in the midday sun and then wanting to hammer seven bells out of anyone who looks at them a bit strange.  Now, during the summer hols, they have security guards with rottweilers patrolling and generally looking after the lockies who help at the locks.  Apparently, the kids from the estates, aged 2 to 20years, like to swim in the locks. They have no fear of rat’s urine and all the other unsavoury stuff in the water, but are terrified of weeds. !!!! Anyway, boats going “down” the locks and taking the water away( emptying the locks) get a hard time, as do the lockies.  Its just one or three that get absolutely sozzled and then they want to fight their own shadow and everyone else.  So, as is normal, these locks to be done early in the morning,  and no problem should ensue.

Tuesday and Mick has his BOLT CUTTERS . YEAH.  Purchased from Tool Station.   Great job. Chris and Mike collected us and took us for a spin around Bradford and various shops.

Moving up to Apperley tomorrow for 2 nights. That’s even closer to them. Sat night is big night out at Shama at Shipley !!!!  We will be having a sound curry. !

 Blind Bella the Bedlington..  This dog stole our hearts. Blind since birth, no-one wanted her, but the folks on this narrowboat did. !!  She has to jump up at you to have a sniff, and get to know, you.  She was just sooooo sweet. and her fur sooo soft. They fear that one of her eyes will have to be removed, as she knocks it, then it gets infected. 

  No, they haven't fallen out.......yet.  Diana was talking to Mike and John was talking to Mick. !!!

 These two have fallen asleep, as the landlord has been giving them bonios, crisps etc.   I wonder if they have had a slurp or two. in the Railway Inn, Rodley. Very nice.