29 May - Wrenbury to Platt Lane Bridge 43
Woke to pouring rain so started late hoping weather would clear. Steady rain but Hireboats still moving. Finally left around 11 in fine weather but soon got caught with cold hail showers but was well cleared by lunch time.
The Grindley Brook which is 6 locks was interesting to go through. I believe on a long weekend you can have to wait up to 3 hours to get through it. We had no problems.
We saw our boat from 2007 Fenris going down a lock - like seeing an old friend still doing what she does best.
Pushed through to Whitchurch and stopped for the day at Bridge 43. Bridge 43 leads to the Waggoners Inn about 400m up the hill to the left. After a quick tidy up off we went. Not only is it closed, its closed forever. (PETE IS STILL CRYING)
TOTAL - 12 miles - 10 locks - 7 moveable bridges and 2 small aqueducts
30 May - Bridge 43 to Hindford - Jack Mytton
Pump not working in shower bugger, have to bail out. We set off around 9.30 and cruised to Ellesmere, stopped for lunch and walked into town and did a small shop (wine and beer), chemist and deli. There is now a Tesco at the Town basin and new houses being built. Nice lunch at the Black Lion. Vicki gave her fish pie 9/10.
Coming out Ellesmere Tunnel
Our mooring partners caught up with us in Ellesmere and the plan was set to stop at Jack Myttons Inn - if it is still there. It is but not open. At least not demolished. Our new boating pals (Jane & John and Jeff & Caroline) arrived so we had drinks at the pub anyway on their table No. 9. After awhile the landlady arrived (Jo) to feed the ducks. She gave us a guided tour of the renovations and then called her partner and we partied on into the night.
Wishing the new publicans of Jack Myttons Inn all the best. Great night, great company.
TOTAL - 13 miles - 1 moveable bridge - 1 Aqueduct - 1 tunnel
31 May - Jack Myttons to Froncysyllte
Not very healthy this morning, up late and very slow trip to Froncysyllte. Meet many first time boaters going through locks who had no idea what to do. To busy helping them to take photos.
Travelled on over Chirk Aqueduct, weather still bitterly cold and now wearing scarves.
Chirk tunnel
Finally arrived at Froncysyllte and moored up at 3.30 and still with our new boating pals. Had a Nana Nap and off to the Aqueduct Inn for dinner - 4/10 but great company just not a late night or too much booze this time.
Under Aqueduct, wanted to walk to the bottom just didn't have the energy
Aqueduct Inn - Yellow building at top of hill definitely open just Sunday Roast was off.
TOTAL - 7 miles - 2 locks - 2 tunnels (Chirk & Whitehouses) - 1 major Aqueduct (Chirk)- 1 lift bridge
1 June - Froncysyllte to Llangollen
Decided on early start as weather report showed rain and high winds coming in late afternoon.
The three boats started off again together heading across Pontycysllte Aqueduct in beautiful weather but bitterly cold.
We got into Llangollen about 11am just as weather deteriorated and managed to get moorings for the 3 boats on canal just before wharf for the night - 6 pounds and power. Did a quick look around town before weather really got bad and now have heaters on and listening to the rain. Welcome to the first day of summer.
Llangollen canal is a dead end one and we will start our journey back tomorrow. Very pleased we have done it again, it has not disappointed, scenery is spectacular and we have had the pleasure of John & Jane and Jeff & Caroline - very accomplished boaters who have shared there knowledge and their journeys and have certainly helped us plot our next route.
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