Once through the lock we crossed the short summit pound - despite reports of water shortages, there was plenty today, helped no doubt by the persistent rain for much of the day, although we did have one or two bright spells.
The scenery is generally typical moorland but there is plenty of wild flowers and trees to see - everything is fresh and green at the moment.
Between swingbridge 41 and lock 35 we passed from Lancashire into Yorkshire - with a suitable marker to let us know!
Lock 56 is unusual as it has a capstan-driven rack and pinion mechanism to open each of the bottom gates.
On his previous passage through the Rochdale Canal two years ago, Andrew stopped for lunch at a well-known chippy, Grandma Pollards. We were a little early arriving so there was, for once, a chance for a break from all the effort of working never-ending broad locks!
Lunch time and we went to order our food - the place was evidently very busy and lunches seem to be their main trade. We then went to find a table in the converted bus which forms the main part of their dining room!
Following a good portion of fish or pie and chips we set off once more and continued towards Todmorden. The railway is never very far away and a spectacular brick embankment wall lines one stretch. Shortly before, we spotted an unusual castellated railway bridge.
The lock in the centre of Todmorden and, presumably as a result of its proximity to a busy road, it was converted to have a guillotine bottom gate. Although the gate lift itself is mechanised, paddles in the gate have to be operated by hand. of course, the winding of the paddles is done from one side of the lock whilst the gate lift control is the other side!
Below the lock we stopped for a short while to use the services - Christine did have to point out to two ladies in one boat that they were moored obstructing the water point. It seems that having arrived earlier in the morning they were OK to stay there overnight! Water, elsan and a trip down to the weed hatch followed. The 'weed' proved to be a nasty, chewed up piece of plastic sacking!
By now it was raining very hard but we ploughed on - once wet it is impossible to get any wetter - or so we thought!
Lock 44 and we were still enjoying great countryside despite the rain. This lock has a special stone ramp to assist crew step up onto the balance beam - at least for those intrepid enough to cross over in the absence of a hand rail to provide a sense of balance!
The rain cleared and we continued to just short of Hebden Bridge where we plan to take a diversion to the shops and whatever else we might find.
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