Monday 10th August

Fiona arrived at Chirk station on time at 11.50 am. We set off in reasonable weather which improved as we sailed along. The sun came out and all looked good for the journey across the Pontcysyllte. Fiona quickly returned to helming duties.

We were then overtaken by a mobility scooter but nothing to do with Fiona's speed!

Because the aqueduct has a footpath on one side we were able to get on and off the boat taking photos all the way across. It was very windy but as you are in a big tank of water we weren't going anywhere except straight ahead. Rather a long drop down on the other side.

No problems as we sailed along to Llangollen. We decided to use the linear moorings above the town as the marina looked quite full and it is very peaceful where we are with good views.

Forecast for tomorrow sounds good so we shall have a good look around. 

Sunday 9th August

After a very pleasant meal last night at The Poachers we set off only to see that 2 boats ahead had the morning papers. After asking where they had bought them we moored again and I walked up to a garage across the busiest roundabout. There were cars coming from 5 directions and the speed was very scary. No one would survive being hit at those speeds. 

Back on the boat it was an easy run to the Chirk aqueduct. Crossing over with the train viaduct on the side is excellent. As are the views through the arches.

Just before you enter the tunnel you pass into Wales.

After mooring, in a rather gloomy spot but very close to the station to meet Fiona tomorrow, we walked into Chirk, had a look round the church and then walked back over the aqueduct to have lunch at the Bridge Inn. We actually had Sunday Roast and it is many weeks since that happened. The terrace has a good view of the aqueduct and viaduct but it would help if the trees were cut back!

We returned to the boat after retracing our steps across the aqueduct and also through the tunnel. This gnome is apparently called Frank and always accompanies the family on holiday. They certainly need a large suitcase and hopefully don't need the bow rope in a hurry as that is how Frank is tied on.

A little further along the towpath we saw the young couple whom we had met on the River Weaver. They have been across The Pontcysyllte and he did sit in a tin bath as the crossed the aqueduct - the largest tin bath in the world!

Saturday 8th August

A quiet morning doing a bit of shopping in Ellesmere and then leaving about noon after winding at the end of the arm. A restored crane making a nice backdrop although the derelict canal building still needs to find a new role.

We passed the junction of the Montgomery canal where we hope to explore later next week. We heard later that there is a breach beyond Queen's Head so we shall have to make enquiries before we book to go down.

The two locks at New Marton seemed very isolated 4 years ago when we were in the middle of gale-force wind. They didn't seem very difficult this time and the presence of volunteers offering to work the second lock ( small donation to the Montgomery Canal society welcome) made our passage very easy. 

I thought that these trees had had an interesting pruning experience. 

We moored near a pub/family restaurant called The Poachers at bridge 19 and although the food was typical pub fare it was served quickly and was quite acceptable. The place was full with all moorings taken and the car park also full. 

This boat selling typical canal ware would probably do good business.

Off to Chirk tomorrow to find a mooring to allow Fiona to join the boat from Chirk Station.

Friday 7th August

We awoke to sunshine which lasted for more than 5 mins. Maybe summer has come back. It was lovely to be able to sail along without wearing fleeces and having to panic every hour to put on the raincoats. This is what summer cruising should be about.

We arrived in Ellesmere about 2pm and as it was Friday just had to have fish and chips for a late lunch.

It's good to know where we are in the country.

Four years ago we briefly stopped here on a one week hire boat holiday. It was good to have time to explore the town more leisurely and we headed for the visitors' centre at the Mere to start a sculpture trail around the Mere, adjoining woodland and back along the canal. The sculptures are a mixture of wood, metal and stone. Each had a plaque with the designer's name but it would have been nice to know what had inspired them to produce a particular piece of art. Some were more obvious than others.

This one is of the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct.

This couple did not seem to want to view the vista over the Mere ( but then it does seem a rather odd place to put a bench- the only time you can see anything will be in winter when the reeds die back).

Graham was rather alarmed when this notice caught my attention. I think that he was worried I had changed my mind about tonight's menu!

Thursday 6th August

After 2 very busy days at home we returned to the boat at lunchtime. Even as we arrived the showers started again! Luckily they were short lived and the sun even came out meaning that we could actually sail along in tee shirts and not cover up with fleeces and raincoats.

Before we set off we bought some gas and changed the oil using our new oil pump. It was a much cleaner job than the previous oil changes and we are all set for the second half of our holiday.

We are on our way to Chirk to meet Fiona on Monday. No need to hurry so we are looking forward to looking around Ellesmere tomorrow. Moored tonight in a quiet spot and the canal is not too busy although there are quite a lot of hire boats around as this is a very popular canal. The lady in the Marina where we left the boat was saying that they are very busy and the television programmes about canal journeys has helped boost the interest in narrowboat holidays.

Sunday 2nd August

Grindley Brook is a pinch point on the Llangollen Canal as it has 3 separate locks and then a 3 lock staircase. Three boats are allowed up and then 3 down. In order to avoid long queues we decided to just get up and go today rather than have breakfast first. We untied at 7.15am and by 9.15 we had done 2 locks and the Grindley Brook 6 and were filling with water at the top of the flight. The weather was good apart from a few drops of rain as we set off.

Nigel coming up the staircase.

There was a very convenient gap in the hedge where we moored for breakfast which gave a nice view.

A convenient bench allowed Graham and Nigel to repair the back boards. They have needed doing for a few weeks but we never had good enough weather!

For the first time this year (apart from the first week) it was warm enough to don the 'In the Mood' tee shirts. Nigel was awarded 'Gate Crasher' and 'Lock Labourer' badges and he awarded himself the accolade of 'Admiral'. (Actually he was very good at steering and didn't crash at all!)

It was so good to be able to wear summer clothes again! But as I write this at 9pm it has just started to rain. Hopefully a quick shower.

As we walked through Whitchurch, for Nigel to catch the train back to London, we found Fiona's shop.

This will be the last blog for a few days as we return home tomorrow to sort out a few things.

Saturday 1st August

Lovely sunset last night and we actually woke to some sunshine today although there was still a nip in the air. 

A quiet day sailing along to Wrenbury and a walk across the fields to the village shop. Found my boat in a lock! It is one of the Black Prince hire fleet which all have girls' names.

Obviously Nigel thought that he had reached Captain status as this was his third visit and was therefore keen to undertake all operational duties - steering the boat, controlling the traffic on a lift bridge and waving to the camera.

As can be seen in the final photo, father looked a little more worried! - (with very good reason!!)