| This Month's Totals and Average | |||
| 143.54 miles | 74 locks | 75.44 hrs | 2.88 lmph |
A cool but bright start to the day. Managed to get on the move for 09:30, and descended Wood End Lock. Continued round Wood End corner and along the straight to Shadehouse Lock. This section is in the shelter of the trees on both sides and the breeze was chilly. Descended Shadehouse and Middle Locks with assistance from CRT Volunteers, then passed Fradley Junction and descended Junction Lock with another Volunteer. Moored at the services berth for water, rubbish and loos, then crossed over to the visitor moorings (very busy) and tied up.
Walked round to the Laughing Duck café for lunch. Excellent meal as usual - sausage & egg baps - with a side carryout order of cakes for later. Walked back to "Paws" and set off again.
Left the mooring and continued downhill, descending Keeper's and Hunt's Locks, this time without Volunteers as they had gone for their lunch. Continued out, and down Common and Bagnall Locks into Alrewas village. Word reaching us was that moorings were busy, but we found a space just after the winding hole at Main Street Bridge 48 and moored for the remainder of the weekend. Cakes and juice for afternoon cuppie .
Dinner, as usual when in Alrewas, was from the Indian takeaway, Delhi Divan - again, excellent as usual.
| 2.83 miles | 8 locks | 2.52 hrs | 4.30 lmph |
 maps.uptake.notifying |
|||
Another sunny morning, although it hadn't got above the treeline onto the solar panels. Didn't overly rush to get going as we only had a short day planned. Finally let go at 09:50 and headed out of Rugeley, through the suburbs and Brereton to stop just east of the Ash Tree Pub at the water point.
Once the water tank was filled, we set off again through the Armitage 'Tunnel' (it used to be a tunnel, but the roof was removed and it now forms a narrow cutting with single-way traffic). Emerging at the other end, we passed the Plum Pudding Pub and continued through Armitage (with its factory making 'porcelainware'), Handsacre, Tuppenhurst and Bromley Hayes. A lovely day, pottering. Eventually arrived above Wood End Lock and moored up - we will attack the locks down to Alrewas tomorrow.
| 6.70 miles | 0 locks | 2.72 hrs | 2.47 lmph |
| caused.marble.mixes |
|||
Had a lazy morning, although the washing machine took the strain. Nice sunny morning. Pat took a walk up to Tesco and managed to get most of the items which were out of stock yesterday. Had a look at the planning for the next few days, but didn't make any decisions.
After lunch, Stephen & Gwyneth passed on "Chyandour" - they hovered midstream for a short chat then moved on. The sunny morning turned into a bright but cloudy afternoon.
In the absence of any decision, comment or instruction from the Admiral by mid-afternoon, executive decision taken by skipper that we were not going to be moving this afternoon - settled in for a quiet remainder to the day.
A night of intermittent rain, but nice and quiet (as usual at "The Taft"). Woke (late) to a bright morning. Once ready, walked up to the house and said our goodbyes to Peter & Julie, then let go and headed off into Rugeley. Passed over the Brindley Aqueduct (over the River Trent) and into Rugeley town, mooring on the 7-day section west of Leathermill Lane bridge. Got all cleared away before lunch.
After lunch, we walked up to Tesco with the trolley for a major storing. Sunny spells with showers of rain for the remainder of the afternoon.
| 2.07 miles | 0 locks | 1.08 hrs | 1.91 lmph |
| safely.firm.gained |
|||
Another sunny morning, and up and on the go promptly. Left our mooring and headed through the Wide (although it seems to be getting narrower with the encroaching reeds). At Great Haywood Junction, we turned right, but then reversed back to the services point - very busy. Once we'd finished, I reversed again, under the bridge and moored opposite the farm shop . Walked round to the shop and topped up our "fresh provisions". Being too late to catch their 'breakfast' menu with its Staffordshire Oatcakes, we elected to return to "Paws" for lunch.
After lunch, we headed off again, continuing south on the Trent & Mersey Canal. Descended Haywood Lock then on past the views of Shugborough Hall towards Colwich Lock. At Colwich, we found we were second in the queue, and the broken paddle still not mended. Took time (with a single gate paddle) to fill the lock, but finally got down, and continued to "The Taft" to visit Peter & Julie. Sighted another kingfisher as we passed through Colwich. Moored up, but Julie had had a bad morning and was still asleep so we waited until she rose.
Had about an hour with Julie & Peter over coffee catching up. Came back to "Paws" earlier than we would normally as Julie was tiring quickly - looking surprisingly well after her spell in hospital, and just as cheery.
The sunny day didn't last, unfortunately. Cloud slowly built over the day, and rain set in shortly after we came back from our afternoon chat.
| 3.83 miles | 2 locks | 2.90 hrs | 2.01 lmph |
| painter.confused.nurtures |
|||
A beautiful sunny morning greeted us when we woke today. Once ready, Pat took a walk up to the convenience store at Penkridge Lock for supplies, then we made ready to leave.
Once on the move, we headed northwards out of Penkridge and descended Longford Lock. The locks on this section are about 20-mins apart, continuing down Park Gate and Shutt Hill Locks. There is then a longer section (around 40-mins) through Acton Trussell to Deptmore Lock, then an even longer section (over an hour) round through the southern borders of Stafford (lunch on the move once clear of Deptmore Lock). Had two sightings of Kingfishers today, one on the south side and one on the north side of Stafford. Cloud had built a little by the afternoon, just taking the edge off the heat of the sun. Clearing Tixall Lock, we approached Tixall Wide and moored for the night on the southwest side.
| 9.02 miles | 5 locks | 4.83 hrs | 2.90 lmph |
| edge.ratty.beside |
|||
Up promptly, and finally on the move at 09:45. Descended Brick Kiln, Bogg's and Rodbaston Locks to complete the Gailey Flight, then continued generally northwards (roughly parallel to the M6 motorway) through the pretty avenue and down Otherton Lock to the outskirts of Penkridge. Descended Filance Lock and passed through the town, then descended Penkridge Lock and took a mooring along the straight. The wind had increased during the morning and it was difficult mooring up. By the time we had finished lunch, there was rain in the air. I remained dull and damp for the rest of the day.
| 4.99 miles | 6 locks | 2.45 hrs | 4.49 lmph |
| slurred.intention.scores |
|||
Woke to more rain (although the forecast said it would clear by lunchtime). Had a lazy morning and, having checked Penkridge Methodist's website to find no service there tomorrow, decided not to bother moving today. The rain did eventually die out early afternoon so we went for a walk back to the Round House shop (shop now being run by the daughter of the previous owner). While eating our ice creams, we ended up chatting to a hire-boat team just starting out. After their briefing, I walked down with them to their 2nd lock and assisted them through. It got busy at that point and I ended up staying for a further hour before returning to "Paws" for dinner.
Wild and wet overnight (the leading edge of Storm Lilian), but the wind had eased a little and the sun was out by breakfast. Over breakfast I checked the CRT Notices, no update to the one showing Gailey Elsan as off-line, so we let go at 09:15 headed for Gailey but expecting to have to continue to Penkridge to empty our cassettes.
We set off along the avenue of trees which screened the farmland behind, passing the Laches Wood Outdoor Education Centre on our way to Calf Heath where the old Churchbridge Branch turns off (it is now part of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust project). Continuing northwards, we passed through the Four Ashes chemical works and on to Gailey, mooring at the wharf. Phil, from the boat we have been calling "Balou" due to the artwork, told us that the notice had been withdrawn earlier this morning (must have been after I was on) and it was now usable. Took water and emptied all three of the cassettes
By the time we were ready, it had become very busy. We joined a queue of 2 to descend Gailey Top Lock, with 3 boats coming up and more joining the queue for our direction. Decided that, since the services had been done, we did not need to rush to Penkridge, but would moor in the pound below Top Lock. Finally, our turn to descend, then moored as planned, Phil had walked forward to assist us moor and we had a long chat with him. Lunch and a quiet afternoon in the sunshine.
| 4.88 miles | 1 locks | 2.15 hrs | 2.73 lmph |
| tests.bumpy.signified |
|||
In the expectation of the forecast rain this morning, we had a long lie and a lazy morning. The rain turned out to be a steady drizzle with occasional heavier spells, interspersed with periods of sunshine. We decided that we didn't want to risk getting a soaking and we have some time to spare, so eventually, after lunch, we pulled the plug on moving, settling for a quiet day. The cut was quite busy with traffic both ways. The sun came out more during the afternoon, although the wind started to rise, and the rain returned overnight.
Up slightly earlier than usual, and managed to get on the move by 09:00, heading southwards again on the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal (part of what is now known as the Shropshire Union Canal). A considerably chillier morning after a crystal clear night - ideal for viewing the rare "super blue moon" on offer last night. About an hour down the cut, having passed under the M54, we arrived in the Pendeford district and moored at Bridge 2. Walked to Morrisons to collect the last bit of my meds, and for shopping. On return to "Paws", we had lunch.
After lunch, we continued south for 10-mins and passed through the stop-lock, turning left, northwards, up the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal (the Staffs. & Worcs.). We were effectively running up the second side of the triangle that is Pendeford. We passed through the cutting - this was originally a tunnel but the roof was broken through to make a cutting. Opening out at the other end, we passed through a short industrial belt before going under the M54 again and into the countryside at Coven Heath. Continued through Cross Green and moored just north of The Anchor Inn mid-afternoon.
| 6.16 miles | 1 locks | 2.83 hrs | 2.53 lmph |
| once.jumps.boxer |
|||
Woken early by heavy rain hammering on the roof. Took our time getting up as meds would not be ready till late morning. Pat went into town mid-morning to catch the fishman, and do a few bits of other shopping, then collected the meds before returning to "Paws" for lunch.
It transpired that the pharmacy didn't have one item, and said they couldn't get it by Friday. They recommended phoning Morrisons (near Autherley Junction) and advising them I would be in tomorrow, so that they could get it ordered in advance. They were very unhappy about it, said they had to have a script (could be electronic, but Scottish GPs don't do electronic!), otherwise there would be a further 24hrs delay while they got it in. They finally relented and said they would get it for tomorrow lunchtime. Never had this problem before in our 10 years on"Paws" - where is our "joined-up" NHS?
Got under way and headed south to the moorings at Brewood Park to be nearer for a quicker trip tomorrow. Sun had finally come out and it was a very pleasant hour's traveling. Quiet remainder to the day.
| 1.84 miles | 0 locks | 2.72 hrs | 2.57 lmph |
| mass.large.diary |
|||
I had hoped for a quick start this morning, but it didn't happen! Finally managed to move over from our berth to the fuel point just after 09:15, and we got diesel and a gas bottle (diesel was only 89p/ltr for domestic, far better than the current £1.10 (ish) round the remainder of our area). Having finished feeding "Paws", we moved ahead to the services berth, topped up water, cleared loo cassettes and dumped rubbish. Had a brief chat with Chris & Di from "Ultreya" as they walked by towards Brewood.
Finally ready to go, we let go and ascended the only lock for the day, an easy job as a boat was just leaving the lock. Continued generally southeastwards towards Brewood. A kingfisher stayed with us for over ten minutes as it flitted from tree to tree, leaving us around Stretton Aqueduct (over the A5). Approaching Brewood Wharf, we caught up with Chris & Di on their walk. Pulled in for a ¼-hr and chatted, before continuing in to Brewood itself, mooring near the Bridge Inn just on 12:00.
Walked into town to collect the letter with our prescriptions, then to the pharmacy with the scripts. They should be ready tomorrow, so a night here, rather than the hoped run round onto the Staffs & Worcs Canal. Back to "Paws" for pasties bought at the bakers, then a quiet afternoon doing the diary and killing time. Decided to go out for dinner at the Brige Inn - plain pub food, well cooked, friendly service. No telly signal (sat or DTV) so quiet evening.
| 3.02 miles | 1 locks | 1.58 hrs | 2.54 lmph |
| refer.vowed.ditching |
|||
Another bright sunny morning but with a slight cool breeze. Found that the phone signal had dramatically improved, I got the diary and maps from yesterday completed. Set off around 09:15 for a day of embankments and cuttings, with bridges coming thick and fast (23 for the day). The first section took us to Norbury Junction where the Shrewsbury Canal used to connect, then on to Gnosall with lunch on the move. The final leg took us to Wheaton Aston where we had intended to service and get fuel, before moving on to Brewood. We had forgotton about Sunday shopping rules and that the garage would be closed. Finding this out, we decided to stay till tomorrow and do all that in the morning before our day's run. Moved over to the visitor moorings and tied up for the night just before 14:00.
| 10.91 miles | 0 locks | 4.58 hrs | 2.38 lmph |
| rejoin.puncture.seasonal |
|||
Although the morning started sunny, by the time we were ready to let go it had dulled over. We left Market Drayton, continuing south through the cutting, noting that the towpath was very wet. It was with difficulty that I managed to get Pat off at the lock-landing for the start of the Tyrley Flight. Once again, the first 2 locks were against us, but we took our time going up. Met a boat coming down at each of the next 2 and made good time up the flight. Leaving the flight behind, we headed into another cutting, this one showing a lot of evidence of rocks and trees falling due to landslip - a speed-limit of 2mph has been imposed to reduce erosion. After about 1½ miles, we emerged into the light again and the countryside opened up as we passed Cheswardine village in the distance and Goldstone Wharf with its caravan park. With mixed sunshine and cloud, we continued on past Knighton Wharf where milk products were collected for the Cadbury's factory at Bourneville. We then passed along the Shebdon Embankment. It must have been a feat of engineering to create such a high mound strong enough to take the canal along the top!
As it was now after 13:00, Pat decided to stop early rather than have lunch on the move - we will have to catch up the mile shortfall tomorrow. A quiet remainder to Saturday afternoon. Found that the phone signal was insufficient for tinternet, so diary late again.
| 7.78 miles | 5 locks | 3.97 hrs | 3.22 lmph |
| owes.committee.amends |
|||
Slept in (again!), on a fresh sunny morning. Eventually got "Paws" on the move after morning cuppie, leaving the Audlem Flight and heading towards Adderley. Beautiful countryside surrounding the 'cut'. Not overly busy, but some other boats on the move. Arrived at the Adderley Flight (5 locks) and started the ascent, with the first two locks against us. Met a boat coming down at Lock 3 so a good road from there on. Clearing Top Lock, we continued another hour, with lunch on the move, till we arrived in Market Drayton, going to the far side for a mooring nearer to Lidl. Moored up on the straight just after the private moorings on the offside.
Walked into town to Lidl for a storing, then hauled it back in our trolley (very heavy!). A quiet remainder to the afternoon, after completing the diary and maps for the day. A lovely sunny day throughout.
| 4.66 miles | 5 locks | 2.67 hrs | 3.62 lmph |
| sometime.sculpting.shrimps |
|||
Up early to try to beat the traffic and the forecast rain. Ready to leave by 08:00 and moved over the 20-yds to the service berth (never had to do all three cassettes at one time!). A cool breezy morning. Once serviced, on our way for the day (08:45), headed up the remainder (12 locks) of the flight. We knew there was at least one ahead as they had pulled away while we were servicing, so every lock was full and needed reset as we ascended. The boat ahead was keeping a steady pace, just right for us, but a hireboat ("Saffy") behind didn't appear happy at the speed - they caught up, then their locking crew came forward but didn't help (only lay down and relaxed on the bottom lockbeam). This continued until we were at Lock 4 and they swapped their teams around (they had 7 aboard!) and the new team found out about Pat's sciatica in conversation, and were "horrified" that the previous team had not sent someone forward. One of their crew joined us for the remainder of the ascent, and it eased the workload tremendously. They couldn't have gone faster anyway due to the boat ahead of us.
At the top, they went their way and we parted friends. We moored up at the start of the designated moorings and walked back to "Panda's Pantry" kiosk (honesty shop) at the Top Lock, buying pasties, cakes and scones, then we had lunch. The rain finally arrived shortly after, while I was doing the diary, and lasted until early evening.
| 1.32 miles | 12 locks | 2.92 hrs | 4.57 lmph |
| chugging.engraving.putts |
|||
The heavy rain cleared just after midnight (earlier than forecast) and the day dawned with high cloud and sun. After the morning routines, I nipped up to the Co-op to collect a parcel, and Pat started a chat with "Lagniappe" opposite. I ended up walking round with some paperwork for them and Pat did her shopping at the Co-op.
As it was getting near lunchtime, we decided to have lunch then set back for water and attack the locks afterwards. Then it got busy so the plan changed again and we elected to just move across to the other side (our 24-hrs was up on current berth) and stay till tomorrow (on 5-day mooring), servicing on departure. Only just managed to squeeze in before all the berths were used. Another chat, with the boat ahead, took us to lunch.
Very busy with traffic both directions until mid-afternoon.
Although sunny, it was a cooler morning, today. Only a short day planned so took our time again getting up. Finally on the move at 10:00, and heading towards Audlem. Wandered our way through the farmland to Audlem Bottom Lock and started the ascent - boats coming down at all three locks assisted our way. Had a chat with a family as we were coming up our 3rd lock and, intending to service, offered them a look round. Unfortunately, another boat got on the berth before we'd finished at the lock and we had to moor at the next section (intending to move back when he finished). The family went for a walk, coming back in about 30-mins for their visit.
Once they had finished, it was definitely lunchtime so we went to the Shroppie Fly . It had changed hands about 18 months ago, but the food was just as good as our last visit! Decided at that stage that we couldn't be bothered moving again so the services will wait until tomorrow and we cleared-away the ropes etc. I went for walk through the town, round St. James' Church, and into the Audlem Mill bookshop.
Surprisingly little traffic passing on the cut (considering the movements we have had over the past days in Nantwich and at Coole Pilate). Sky clouded over slowly during the afternoon and it became muggy again. Heavy rain arrived during the evening.
| 2.27 miles | 3 locks | 1.58 hrs | 3.33 lmph |
| gobbles.mows.user |
|||
With yesterday's decision, we took our time getting up. The heavy rain overnight continued until after breakfast, but the sun did eventually get through, creating a very muggy day. Pat got her request for a telephone consultation in straight after breakfast, then it became a waiting game until the doctor rang back. We both spent the day tidying up loose ends.
The doctor rang back just before 17:00 and Pat has been advised of what she needs to do/take. We move tomorrow, and a prescription is being arranged.
Took our time getting up on a warm sunny morning. Pat's sciatica still playing up so she stayed aboard, while I walked down into town for the service at the Methodist Chapel - a baptism, with Rev Robin taking the service. A good turnout of family and friends (of all ages) to support Mum & Dad. Coffee afterwards as usual - I said my goodbyes, before going to Morrisons for final supplies and to collect a parcel. Back up the hill to "Paws" for lunch.
After lunch, we got on the move as our 48-hrs was up, and headed southeastwards out of town. Continued back out to Coole Pilate and moored at the end of a very busy mooring. The team from the boat ahead gave us a hand mooring, and we chatted on for a while afterwards. A very hot afternoon with little breeze.
Discussed our plans for the next couple of days - we thought we remembered that there was poor signal in Audlem, maybe not best for contacting the doctor, I needed an item from Amazon and it could be collected there with an extra day's grace. Decided to have a day off, with the good signal, before moving on again.
| 5.01 miles | 2 locks | 1.92 hrs | 3.66 lmph |
| them.routine.exotic |
|||
Woke this morning to the news that Fhi had landed safely in Rome - she had brilliant sunshine and 32°, while we had overcast and 18°. Took our time getting going, then walked down to the town. Shopping at the fishmonger and a walk around the market was followed by a walk around St Mary's CoE church. A trip to the cheesemonger led us to an early lunch at Costa. It was very busy and the staff were quite slow today. It stayed dull for the whole morning, but drizzle arrived over lunch.
After lunch, we headed to Morrisons, calling in at the butcher on the way. By this time, Pat's sciatica was playing up and she decided to speak to the pharmacist in Boots in case there was something she could get - was told to contact her own doctor on Monday. Walked back up to "Paws" for afternoon cuppie. Interspersed with light rain, the cloud generally cleared during the afternoon. Owls were heard again in the trees to the north.
Up promptly to get Fhi to Nantwich station in time for her train. Occasional sunny spells but a moderate breeze made it a little chilly to start. On the move at 09:30 with Fhi having completed her packing, and headed southwards. Arrived at Nantwich and moored at the services berth for all the usual items, then moved on to try to find a mooring. Eventually found one half way down the southern section on the embankment. Early lunch for Fhi before she walked down to the station.
After our own lunch, I got on with some work I said I would do for Fhi, while Pat had a vacuum round to remove the grass that had found its way in over the past week. Put the boat "back to rights" after our visitor, and had a quiet end to the day. Great having Fhi on board again, and look forward to her next visit - but we always end up exhausted by the time she goes . Owls heard in the trees as we went to bed.
| Totals and Average with Fhi | |||
| 94.04 miles | 42 locks | 50.42 hrs | 2.70 lmph |
| 2.33 miles | 0 locks | 1.18 hrs | 1.97 lmph |
| factored.yard.unicorns |
|||
Another cool, cloudy morning. Up promptly and on the move at 09:15, heading eastwards again. Passed Wrenbury Frith Lift Bridge, letting a hire-boat through as well (they had come up our tale very quickly!). Passed Wrenbury Lift Bridge, this time Fhi got to insert her key and stop the traffic (great fun!). Continued to Baddiley Locks (3 flight) and descended, but had caught up with the same hire-boat, who appeared not to have any idea of how to work locks despite us having seen them several times over the past week. On again to Swanley Locks (2 flight) where we found the bottom gates of both locks had been left open (same hire boat!). Lunch on the move as we continued to Hurleston. Having decided to do these today rather than leave for tomorrow, we approached the locks, noting that the hire-boat had moored. Advised the lock-keepers of our experiences with the hire-boat for them to take it up with the hire company, then, with their help, descended the 4 in the Hurleston flight. Turned right ready for the trip to Nantwich tomorrow, but reversed back to the mooring to the north. As we came alongside, something got wrapped around the prop.
Once all tidied away, Fhi went down the weed-hatch and, after 1½ hours of pulling and hacking with a knife, we finally managed to clear the prop of what appeared to have been a fisherman's tent! After all that, I updated the diary etc, then we had a quiet evening for Fhi's last aboard - she leaves us tomorrow to head home. Rain arrived jusrt before dinner.
| 7.02 miles | 9 locks | 4.83 hrs | 3.31 lmph |
| swanky.sheepish.access |
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Nature called for the whole crew! Up early!
Ready to go early on a cool cloudy morning. Let go and moved forward to the service berth above the locks to clear another loo cassette, then (after a brief stop to collect cakes and coffee from the café) headed down the flight (staircase of 3, followed by 3 singletons) - staircase was set ready for us, and the remaining 3 had boats just coming out, so made excellent time. Continued on generally eastward, descending the four spaced-out locks (Povey's, Willeymoor, Quoisley and Marbury). Well ahead of our expected schedule, we arrived at Thomasson's Bridge 22 so decided to have a short day, moored, and had lunch once tied up.
Disappointed that the satellite antenna wouldn't pick up a signal in the one gap in the trees, but consoled ourselves that the DTV service had a reasonable signal. Phone signal, however, was again poor and the diary upload and maps will again have to wait until tomorrow. Fhi and I walked along to the garden-centre & café mid-afternoon and had coffee and a cookie each. The overcast cloud continued throughout the day and into the evening.
| 5.63 miles | 10 locks | 3.25 hrs | 4.81 lmph |
| searcher.oaks.fetch |
|||
A CRT Notice came in last night saying a tree had come down on our route for today, but I hadn't read the detail. Took our time getting up on a fresh sunny morning. Had a more thorough look at the notice this morning and found that the navigation was open, passable with care. With the poor phone signal, we let Liz know we would not be joining them for e-coffee this morning. Let go and winded "Paws" at the Basin before heading back out of the arm. Turned right and moored at the services for water and loo.
Once all ready, I reversed back to the Junction and headed eastwards, downstream through the tunnel and past the meres to the east of Ellesmere. Came to the point where the tree was supposed to be down but couldn't see any evidence. Continued on, with lunch on the move, passing the end of the Prees Arm at Whixall Junction - didn't take time to have the short run to the end and back. Said a brief 'hello' to John & Gill as they passed us inbound. On again, hoping to get a mooring at the Whitchurch Town Moorings, but no luck, all spaces taken. Continued round to the mooring we used outbound, just south of Grindley Brook Locks.
| 13.25 miles | 0 locks | 6.12 hrs | 2.17 lmph |
| squaring.ranged.pumpkin |
|||
Another dull start to the day, but it quickly brightened. On the move quickly with the intention of stopping at the 'station mooring' in Chirk to visit the shops. As we were letting go, one of the trader boats which had been at Pontcysyllte passed us and we ended up behind them - they were going very slowly. Approaching Chirk Tunnel, we found that the mooring was full, and the way up from the towpath to the road would be too steep for Pat. Continued on, still crawling.
Fortunately, once clear of the Chirk aqueduct, the crawler pulled in and we got moving. Just round the corner, at Monk Bridge 21W, we found another way onto the road and rapidly pulled in. Pat decided a 15 min walk was too long so Fhi and I walked into town. Visited the Teddy Bear Café (tearoom + woolshop) where Fhi got wool and some crochet patterns, then headed back. We then found a brilliant greengrocer and purchased some beautiful fruit and veg. Then we found a 'not-for-profit' outlet for local craft-people and I bought Fhi some items for her Christmas. We then did actually head back!
Letting go, we continued generally eastwards through the countryside, descending the 2 New Marton Locks (quite busy with traffic in both directions, but a queue hadn't quite formed). Passed the junction onto the Mongomery Canal and we returned to the Whitchurch Arm of the Ellesmere Canal. Eventually arrived at Ellesmere and headed into the Town Arm, expecting it to be busy - very few boats so a wide choice of moorings.
As soon as we were moored, Fhi and Pat headed to Tesco for shopping to last to the weekend. I got stuck into bringing the diary, stats and maps back up to date after the non-existant signal last night. A quiet remainder to the evening, after a day with sunny spells and short periods of light drizzle. The wind had picked up by late afternoon.
| 12.68 miles | 2 locks | 5.40 hrs | 2.74 lmph |
| socialite.schematic.hasten |
|||
Took our time today as the service at the Chapel was later than we normally get. Fhi and I walked down into town. An interesting service from their resident minister, but a wobble on the 'tech' caused a little confusion. Back to "Paws" for lunch.
As soon as we were finished lunch we got on the move, leaving the Basin and moving out to the service berth on the outskirts of town to clear the loo cassettes. A slight delay at the start of the narrows then we continued generally eastwards back along the side of the valley. Passed through the second narrows without a hitch and on to Trefor Junction. Turned right towards the aqueduct but found a log-jam with canoes and a hireboat. A slow run across the aqueduct, but we had a long chat with walkers along the towpath. Cleared the aqueduct and the liftbridge on the south side, and continued to the outskirts of Chirk where we moored just north of Whitehouse tunnel.
A generally dull day with a couple of short sunny spells and some short light showers. Back to communication problems - got the diary and stats written, but couldn't upload or do the maps - will have to wait (again!).
| 6.29 miles | 0 locks | 3.04 hrs | 2.07 lmph |
| argue.fixture.thickens |
|||
Very quiet night in the basin. Took our time getting going in the morning. Fhi and I walked back down to the town for shopping. Dropped in at the station, to find they were doing a 60's weekend with a historic diesel from the area working with the steam stock. Staff all in period dress, and some historic vehicles on site helped to set the scene. Back to "Paws" for lunch.
After lunch, Fhi walked down to get photos of the steam engine and have a walk round the stalls at the station. Pat and I joined her later for coffee and ice cream at the horseboat centre.
Back on "Paws" again, showers then topped up the water. Fhi on the cooking. A warm day but periods of cloud helped to reduce the temperature a little.
Up and on the move quickly for the last leg into Llangollen. Slightly cooler this morning. Continued generally westwards from Chirk, noting "Kairos" moored in the marina (we had heard Chris & Sally were not aboard). Crossed the Aqueduct and passed through the tunnel, then crossed the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct over the River Dee - amazing view and a fear-producing drop! This brought us to the Junction onto the navigable feeder from Llangollen at Trefor Basin (the intended original route of the Ellesmere Canal would have gone north from here to join the River Dee further on and thence to Chester).
The run along the feeder was very slow with the current against us, and I'd managed to pick up something round the prop. Beautiful view all the way along, looking out to the other side of the valley. Met the trip boat so ended up having to reverse a short distance in the narrows to allow him through. Arriving in Llangollen, we navigated into the Basin mooring and picked a spot for the duration.
Having moored, we got lunch, then Fhi and I walked down to the town for a look round and to pay our moorings. Back at "Paws", we connected up the landline (free with the mooring) and cleared the prop. Finally managed to get the diary and maps updated - sorry to our readers for the delay, lack of a signal. A light shower of rain just before dinner and a cloudy evening cooled things down. A quiet evening with Fhi catching up on some TV we noticed earlier that we thought she may wish to see.
| 8.40 miles | 0 locks | 4.87 hrs | 1.73 lmph |
| lately.loaded.occupations |
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There were supposed to have been thunderstorms throughout the night, but all we got was an hour of light rain! It was almost dry again by breakfast. On the move just after 09:00, moved up to the basin and winded, then headed out of the Arm, turning right. Stopped almost immediately at the services berth for all the usual culprits.
After servicing, we continued generally westwards through the Welsh countryside, with the bridges coming thick and fast (brick ones fortunately) - no lift bridges and only 2 locks today. Passed Frankton Junction, the connection to the Montgomery Canal. Continued on to the New Marton Flight (2 Locks), ascended, then had lunch on the move. The countryside opens up for a period here, giving lovely views across the valleys to the hills in the background. Arriving in Chirk, we found a mooring (albeit on stakes) just after "The Bridge" Inn. Unfortunately, the socially-challenged boaters were going past far too fast, threatening to pull our double-pinned stakes out.
Not sure what happened to the thunderstorms forecast for the whole day - we had no more rain throughout daylight hours, just more sun!
| 10.55 miles | 2 locks | 5.33 hrs | 2.35 lmph |
| cork.flush.decoded |
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