Walk for Joe.

It is amazingly a whole year since we lost our dear friend Joe. (Husband of blipper Yorkshirebred) Today we had a walk in his memory.

Here we are setting out along the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Dowley Gap near Bingley. There were 19 of us and one dog, Buster, seen here leading the way. (I did take another shot straight after this one where I asked everyone to wave but Buster wasn't on that one so I've gone with this - sorry folks if you're not waving)

It was a 4 mile walk with a threat of rain here at the start but it didn't materialise, thank you Joe!
Great company and very pleasant with some interesting things along the way.

First we passed an amazing craft (can't really call it a barge - see link below ) It has and is being hand made and pulled along the canal. One of our number thinks it has been featured in The Times so maybe you have seen it. Looks a bit draughty.
Barges were going through and queueing for the locks, we don't see it like this when we walk early in the morning there are just manic bike riders on the tow path at that time of day.

We passed cricket being played at Hirst Woods and Wilsden Walker and Buster helped with the opening of the lock there - extra. Into Roberts Park we could here a band playing and it was a small troupe following a bride. At first we thought it was the bride and groom and wondered where they were going but seats were set out around the bandstand so we think it may have been the bride and her father arriving for the ceremony. Good job that rain held off!

More cricket in Roberts Park, must be summer and a regatta taking place on the River Aire at the Bradford boating club.

We climbed up to Milner Field where the remains of the 'doomed' house belonging to Titus Salt junior can still be seen if you are willing to climb fallen trees and fight your way through brambles. (More here if you are interested - http://www.milnerfield.co.uk )

Back along the canal we stopped at the Fisherman for refreshments. A great walk with friends and a tribute to a much loved friend. Last extra is Joe's family, with me taking it in the reflection.

Thanks Corinthian Column for organising, it was great to get away from the marking for an afternoon.

(Chris has just found this article on the man who,his towing his own barge from Liverpool to London and hoping to do it in under 25 years. It has apparently been in the Telegraph too! -http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/788720/man-pulls-piano-boat-liverpool-london-25-years-ben-cummins )