Easter 2015 Cruise - Day 5

This morning the signs of another sunny day was in the making so at 8am we got underway full of anticipation that today we would definately do the aqueducts.

This stretch of the LLangollen gets better and better

 Shortly after setting off Chris spotted this loan sheep on the offside clearly content with its location.  Just past the cottage we spotted its kennel.  Clearly this was the owners pet of sorts and a sign on the pen stated "Do not feed me as I will bite"  We nicknamed the sheep Shaun and waited for Gromit to appear, alass he did not.

Shaun enjoying the morning sun

A little later on we came across Lion Quays hotel and restaurant.  Only one boat was on the moorings which looked inviting.  We resolved to stop here on our return to sample the delights of the restaurant.

The only boat on the moorings, dare we rik it on our return

Lion Quays hotel.

30 minutes later we arrived at Chirk aqueduct.  We had a couple of minutes wait for two boats to cross then we proceeded onto the aqueduct following a Viking boats hire boat.

Our first glimpse of Chirk Aqueduct

Pretty cottages just before the bend to the aqueduct

Waiting our turn to cross.

With the way now clear we get going again

A clear sunny day meant the views were great as we crossed

After the aqueduct the next installment is the Chirk tunnel.  With our Viking boat ahead doing a great path finding job we could relax and follow him into the tunnel.  At 459 yards the tunnel is quite narrow.  Mr Viking was giving his engine quite a work out to get through.  This made our passage tricky as the flow of water through the tunnel was disturbed by his wash.  Had he throttled back he would have made much better progress.

Our path finding Viking enters the tunnel

In the tunnel these runners did an about turn as she became quite scared

A hire boat behind silhouetted at the tunnel portal

We carried on past Chirk itself, the marina, and then through Plas-yn-Pentre.  A word of warning to the unaware.  Great caution is needed as you proceed through this stretch of the canal as one is at great risk of being attacked and boarded by pirates hereabouts.

Aaargh there be pirates..... but not today is seems.

Luck was on our side and we escaped unharmed as the pirates must have been ashore having lunch with their mum at this point.

Our next obstacle is a small lift bridge at Froncysyllte.  By now we had quite a convoy of boats ahead and behind us as Mr Viking was going slower and slower but for an obvious reason.

The lift bridge at Froncysyllte

The reason for Mr Vikings lack of progress soon became clear.  Ahead was boat chaos. On the last leg before Pontcysyllte aqueduct the sweet boat had parked up making progress of boats difficult.  There was little room to maneuver as the number of boats in either direction was growing by the minute as a result.  The sweet boat owner was clearly hoping to capitalise on this situation but all he got for his efforts was black looks, kurt remarks and, in one case, unprintable expletives, not from me I might add 

Chaos at the sweet boat,  four boats heading towards us out of shot
with nowhere to go.

The owner happily watches as his position creates havoc but got no customers
The boats ahead and behind him is are some of four coming towards us.

Now I'm all for supporting commercial enterprise via boats on the canals but it was obvious he was hoping to capitalise on others misery by holding everyone up in the demented hope someone will by his wares.  We had to squeeze into any space afforded as did others in our convoy so one by one boats heading towards us could get past. Working along was extremely tight so I did feel for the hirers whose novice helmsman skills were severely put to the test.

Finally, once clear, we made it onto the Pontcysyllte aqueduct and were not disappointed.  I had helmed across this back in 2002 so had to concentrate on steering.  This time, however, Chris was determined to steer which left me free to enjoy the views as we crossed.  I must say I'm proud that she braved taking the helm and did a great job too.

Doing a great job but clinging to the tiller for dear life I suspect

Umm a smelly landing if you go over the side me thinks

The river Dee 150 foot below

Enjoying every minute at the helm.

Once across I took the helm and made the tight left turn into the final leg of the canal toward LLangollen and beyond our last visit at Trevor.  New waters for both AmyJo, and now us.  

We continued with great trepidation as we were informed 2 foot 3 inches was the maximum draft navigable on this stretch.  So concerned were we AmyJo would be deeper that last night, using our boat pole, we measured AmyJo's draught to be sure.  At 2 foot 4 inches (roughly) we knew it would be literally touch and go.  Would we ground and if so would we survive the embarrassment?  What if we got stuck and could not move. With fingers, toes and legs crossed we crept on gingerly praying the gods had us in their favour.  Would we make it?

Trevor basin ahead and our turn off shot to the left

The turn onto the last leg

Sign in dictating how far we had left

 At times there is only one way working with passing places on route so its vital to send someone on ahead.  For us this was not necessary as Mr pathfinding Viking boat did the work for us.  We simply followed behind.  Here with the concrete banks and narrowness of the cut one could not help thinking we were on a giant theme park boat ride.  Slow speeds and boats ahead and behind added to that feeling. 

Theme park boat ride looking narrows

 That said the views one is presented with are breath taking making this one of the nicest stretches of the canal so far apart from the aqueducts of course.

After 2 hours of slow cruising we finally made LLangollen Wharf and the Marina.  We need not have worried about AmyJo's draught.  Only once did we ground and then only lightly, but, as we could see the bottom it was clear we only just got through.

Our mooring for the next 48 hours

Having made good time getting here we have a day or two in hand so decided to stay two nights to enable us to explore this lovely place.  I did, however, make a bit of a school boy error mooring up.  Can you see why from the photo above?  

You got it.  The jetties are only 30 feet long so 37foot of AmyJo was sticking out beyond into the basin.  Not normally a problem but when leaving AmyJo the only way to lock up and leave her is by the front doors.  OOPs!

Easter 2015 Cruise - Day 4

With the prospects of crossing the aqueducts today we were up at a sparrows f...  We looked out of the window and realised "we ain't goin nowhere".  The fog was so thick we could barely see the boats in front of us so there was nothing for it but to wait for it to lift.

We knew there was a bridge 'ole just behind that last boat.

We decided to take the opportunity to do a quick shop at the Tesco's as we needed bread and fillings for the fried corn flower tortilla's we do now and again.  As we left AmyJo I suddenly recognised the boat that had been moored in front of us last night.  It was fellow bloggers Gill and Graham on nb Armadillo (click).  We stopped and introduced ourselves and chatted for a good while.

nb Armadillo.  Any one worked out what the latin means yet?
Graham reckons no one's succeeded yet.  I won't give the answer just now

Once back from Tesco's the fog had almost cleared completely so we upped pins and moved all of a few hundred yards, turning left onto the services to top up with water.  nb Armadillo was just pulling off so we slipped in as they left.  The water pressure here is pretty poor and it took well over an hour to fill the tank.  Mean while we chatted with the hire boaters in front of us.  They were not enjoying their time afloat as much as they hoped as they could not cope with the cold of the nights.  Their heating was OK but the one bedroom was at the very back of their boat and a gale was blowing in through the gaps in the back doors and hatch.  Try as they might nothing they did could improve matters.  I know how cold our back cabin gets so I do feel for them.

By now it was getting on for 11:30pm so we pressed on.  Like yesterday several boats were on the move so progress as slowed at bridge 'oles as over cautious skippers wrestled at slow speed to line their vessels up to pass through. Some going so slow at times it was a wonder they had any steerage at all.  Still at least they were not ramming the structures like some we saw.

Chaos at a bridge 'ole as boats meet head on.This one narrowly missed being rammed by one boat going at speed.  The poor skipper apologising as he recovered his course afterwards as we passed.

Putting on a brave face for his son after their ordeal. 

 We passed the pretty entrance to Frankton Locks that mark the start of the Montgomery Canal that we'll be visiting next week.

Approaching the entrance to the Montgomery

The moorings where one waits for locking time.

The first of the Frankton locks

Once again the weather set fine with clear skies and warm temperatures.  Sadly my camera is now out of action as it seems to have acquired a squished resident behind the lens in the form of a tiny midge as can be seen from this photo.  How it got in there is a mystery as I cannot see how it could get past the first lens.  Luckily Chris's camera is a later version of mine so we'll use hers for the rest of the trip.

Not a UFO above the cottage but a tiny midge that got behind the lens

By now the day was wearing on and at New Marton locks a queue of boats was forming delaying our progress further.  In the middle of the queue on the lock moorings a father and son on a hire boat were happily fishing, ignoring the fact they were causing havoc around them.  Despite pleas from other boaters they steadfastly refused to budge arguing there are no fish other than at locks because of the flowing water.

Queuing at New Marton Locks

A boat navigates around the fisherman's boat behind AmyJo

My turn to lock wheel today

By now it was clear it would be far too late to cross the Aqueducts so we reluctantly pulled in at St Martins Moor for the night on a long straight stretch of moorings with lovely views ahead.  So sadly no aqueducts today but tomorrow will be a different matter.  

Our mooring for the night

Lovely views of the hills ahead of us

Another gorgeous sunset.  I never tire of seeing these.

Easter 2015 Cruise - Day 3

We had a peaceful night last night, so much so we did not wake until gone 8am.  We had a pleasant run past the Whitchurch arm in the company of John and his wife on nb William. We had several swing bridges to deal with so we opened them and cruised through then John would cruise through and close them behind him.

One of several lift bridges in the Whitchuch area

John's wife steers nb William through the bridge we just past through.

From here on in the canal meanders through endless rural countryside that whilst pretty much alike still gave us plenty to see in the form of birds.  Our bird book came in very handy to spot the breeds we saw.  Chris was becoming a dab hand a twitching each day.

At Prees Junction we resisted the urge to turn left into the arm today, perhaps on our return as we will have some time to hand.  

The most photographed house at the junction, instantly recognisable

Much more traffic after Press,  Boat after boat headed towards us.

Andy never told me Fernwoods were diversifying.

Turning right we headed towards Bettisfield.  According to the Pearson's there was a water point there and as we thought it prudent we sought to fill there.  This turned out to be impossible.  The queue of boats waiting would mean hours lost so we decided to press on.  Unfortunately we must have annoyed a trite lady on a boat in the queue as we proceeded on.  "Are you going for water?" she snapped to which politely I replied we were but as it was busy we would give it a miss this time.  "Well we're next and the boat in front is before us" She scowled, her husband edging their boat out from the bank on its center line as we passed them to ensure I would not take their place.  I chose to ignore them from then on.  If you are going to get uptight over a trifle like that and not take people at their word get off your boat and walk home, you'll find it less stressful.

After that the rest of the day was bliss in the warm sunshine.  We passed Cole Mere and Blake Mere with more of those fantastic views that the LLangollen serves up along its path.

Cole Mere

BlakeMere

Could sit there all day when I get the chance

Next was the 87 yard Ellesmere tunnel.  Nothing special to look at but exiting one is greeted with more lovely views.  A short run further and we pulled in to a great sunny spot right outside Ellesmere Marina.

Later we took the short walk on to the Ellesmere arm and the new Tesco for a shop.  As expected late in the day, no empty moorings were available in the arm but if one can find a spot here this is a great place to stop.

Ellesmere junction seen from the arm

The arm seen from the bridge at its entrance

AmyJo's mooring outside the marina

That night we walked into the village for a drink.  We came across across a pub called the White Hart where on entering we found a local folk night in full swing with the locals playing and singing.  We stay late into the night and found the evening absolutely fascinating.  A violinist joined the band during the evening and brought the house down with some deft bow work to many an Irish jig.  He even ad libbed at just the right time when other artists were playing or singing making some great music.  Apparently this was a regular function every first sunday of the month there.

The White Hart.  Landlord keeps an excellent Shroppy Gold ale

Our musicians for the night

This guy played the violin like a professional, fantastic!

Such a great night was had it was the early hours before we got to bed.  

Tomorrow we head on up stream now in new waters for AmyJo.  Will we reach the aqueducts?  Can't wait to cross the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. again.

Easter 2015 Cruise - Day 2

This morning was slightly better than yesterday as it was still grey and cold but at least the rain had gone away.  The wind was almost non - existent as we upped pins at 8:45.  We crept past the other Tattenhall boats and made our way to the Hurlston Locks and the start of our cruise on the LLangollen canal.

Two boats were working their way up when we arrived so the first two locks were against us.  As we were about to exit the second lock another boat came out of the one above so now that was in our favour.  Before I had chance to clear our lock and move to one side in the pound the other boat came out cutting off my exit.  He had to reverse back into his lock so I could get out of mine and work round him.  Eventually we passed and carried on our way.

Waiting for the bottom lock to be turned.

Hurlston Locks

Crossing over in the pound .  He was not going to wait for me to clear the
lock neither.  I'm sure he thought he could get in whilst I was still in it.

We then cruised on passed Swanley Marina and up  the two Swanley locks.  We made good time through the Baddiley locks despite them all being against us.  By now the day was warming up and the coats came off and jumpers stayed on.  It was here we saw our first clutch of ducklings this year.  Clearly mum had her wings full as the brood was quite a size.  We think they would only be a day or to old.

All the ducklings stuck to mun like glue not leaving her side.

We found the cut still very quiet with few boats on the move.  We usually stop at Wrenbury but when we got there it was wall to wall boats from the first lift bridge, and on past the Dusty Miller.  As luck was with us we had not planned to stop there this time and so as the sun was making an appearance we carried on.

Passing under Wrenbury's electric lift bridge

By now temperatures were feeling quite comfortable making the journey on to Marbury lock quite pleasant.  Mugs of welcome tea and Hot Cross buns became the order of the day but they did not last long.

On up Quoisley and Willey Moor locks.  Once again the Willey moor inn was closed.  Does it ever open we wondered?  Now the sun was out and the sky almost clear of clouds.  Seems the weather gods favoured us again and so off came the jumpers (sorry reader striptease is now over).

Next came some of my favourite locks, Grindley brook, hoved into view.  A bonus, they were in our favour and so with the aid of a dower faced lockie we were through in what seemed minutes.  Despite his looks the lockie turned out to be quite chatty though he never smiled once.

Entering Grindley bottom Lock, quite tight for AmyJo with millimeters to spare

Clearing the top lock

Time was getting on and the evening had the makings of turning out delightful.  We decided to pull in onto the visitors moorings just past the water points and found coal boat Mountbatten  moored for the night.  John and his partner have only been in business for a couple of weeks so I introduced myself and asked when we would meet them coming up stream.  Monday week was the reply so I hope to catch them for a top up of diesel then.

Coal boat Mountbatten

 As predicted the evening sun was warm and glorious and we sat out in our favourite spot on the boat, the cratch, with a drink or three at peace with the world.  The sinking sun gave rise to some superb colours on the scenery beside us, turning this tree into beautiful golden colours.

Lovely golds on the tree branches

Easter Cruise 2015 - Day 1

Been a while since our last post so its fantastic to be cruising again at last.  Thursday evening we got Amy Jo prep'd for cruising, stocking up on a few essentials like beer, food, Whiskey, logs, Baileys, Water, beer and Diesel, oh and I nearly forgot, beer.

We were keen to get underway so a little after 8:30ish we quietly slipped the lines and headed out of the Marina. The weather was not in our favour, cold damp and at times mizzly so the photos may look a little hazy I'm afraid.

Our destination this trip is Llangollen all being well.  We know its a Bank holiday so expected there to be loads of boats out and about and to queue at locks.  Strangely that was not the case.  There were a few boats about but the cut was strangely quiet for a bank holiday.  Perhaps the weather put every one off.

We got through Iron lock that was against us and at Stone lock a boat was just entering, luckily they waited for us.  Our lock mates turned out to be Paul and Chris on nb Patience who also moor at the marina.

At  Chas Harden Boats we came across working boat Sprey with butty Betelquise.  Sadly Spey's engine had blown a gasket and was currently stripped down to replace it.  They were moored immediately up stream of the lock landing making it difficult to get into the lock.  Considering their predicament we could not blame them.

We made good time through the remaining locks together, even Bunbury locks we clear and set for us to go straight in.  Despite the cold and wet conditions Paul and I were surprised to see a large gathering of gongoozlers as we entered the bottom chamber.  Another boat was coming down so the Bunbury shuffle was performed to the delight of the gongoozlers who took photos and videoed the whole maneuver. 

On parade for the gongoozlers

Just time for a quick cuppa as the lock fills.

We pressed on to Barbridge where, as the mizzle was getting heavier, we called it a day and moored opposite the Barbridge in.

Grey and murky conditions at Barbridge

Whilst tidying up when we moored our mooring neighbours Paul and Sheila arrived on nb Abbey Rose followed by David and his dog Meg on his boat.  Shortly after that Joe and Dave on nb Third and Final with Dave and Judy on their boat moored up.  With so many boats from Tattenhall present it went without saying a great night was had in the Barbridge in the evening.

One half of the group

and the other half.  Not sure what Joe's doing with his arm though