Easter Cruise Day 10 - New Marton to Cole Mere

We were having a lovely sleep until we were rudely awakened by a speeding boat passing us at 6:30am.  AmyJo lurched over alarmingly and came upright again.  The fenders screeched against the armco and twang of rope could be heard as AmyJo strained at her mooring lines.

By time I got out of bed the boat was disappearing into the fog that shrouded us.  They must have come down the lock and been in a hurry to meet a deadline to be back at the hire base which I doubt they could make.  It looked like one of the ABC Leisure boats from Wrenbury Mill.  Their boats have been a real pain all week.  Not one of them slowing down as they pass.  Oblivious of the consequences of their actions they just smile and wave.  One was going so fast he laughed as AmyJo lurched.  He got a right mouthful from me and he looked very sheepish as he carried on.  I'll be looking out for him down the line.

The fog was masking the lock from view.

 By the time we got underway the sun had burnt off the fog and a clear bright morning resulted.  Not as cold as yesterday the day warmed quicker and jumpers were not needed for the first time.

A quiet run down to Frankton junction passing the occasional hire boat.  No locking is allowed at weekends onto the Montgommery so no boats waiting there this time.

Deserted Frankton locks

 A bit further on we came across these clumps of grass.  They gave the impression of shaggy dogs drinking at the waters edge.  We don't know what type of grass they are but there used to be a lot more of them as I recall from previous trips.

Grassy humps along the waters edge

 We often see lots of boats with boater's gold piled all over the roofs but this chap clearly like things neat and tidy.  I've never seen wood cut and stacked so neatly.

Every log was cut to identical length and size then stacked ever so neatly

We pulled into the Ellesmere arm so Chris could do a quick shop at Tescos.  Whilst there I rang the marina to ask if we could diesel up aware Saturdays are busy turn around days for their hire fleet and was told yes they could help.  I expected to be told no but was asked to stop in the marina entrance which we did as there was no room to get fully in and onto to the fuelling jetty.   No one could come in or out of the marina with AmyJo in the entrance.  The staff were very accommodating and even helped when we reversed out of the marina entranced.

In fact the chap filling our tank, in conversation, confirmed our suspicion and told us bookings for the hire fleet have indeed shot up as a result of the Carry on Barging program.  All their boats were out last week and all were leaving today.  Silly season is well on the way now on the Llangollen canal.

At 3pm we stopped in our favourite mooring spot at Blake Mere but shortly after mooring we were invaded by fishermen who set up tents blocking any view of the lake and shot stabbing glances at us every time we made a noise, which only made us make more of course :-)

We took Smudge for a walk and found another nice mooring spot further on at Cole Mere so moved the mile downstream.

Fishermen starting to set up camp right outside

 Once settled on the new mooring we took a stroll around Cole mere and took a peek at the dinghies at the Cole Mere Sailing Club.

AmyJo on her Cole Mere Mooring

Lime Kiln Cottage marks the start of a circular lake walk.

The Cole Mere from the opposite bank

Cole Mere Sailing Club in the distance

 When we got back to AmyJo we found an ABC hire boat aground opposite.  He was trying to drive the boat forward to get unstuck.  When he dropped the revs  I called "try reversing off your only driving yourself further onto the obstruction".  I got a very nasty look and a kurt "I know Mate".   With my advise soundly rebuffed I said no more and sat watching the entertainment.  Eventually after 20 minutes he finally decided to do what I suggested and got on his way yelling at his poor wife who had done her best with the pole on the bow.  Seems it was her that put them aground in the first place.

Having worn the three of us out we sat in the cratch with a drink watching the world speed by.  Literally, every boat except one (all hire boats) passed at a rate of knots.  The one that did not, interestingly, is the only one helmed by a young lady.  (No I'm not going to start a sexist debate either!)  I swear if this continues I will do the same in future.  I know, that's not helping is it.  I'll still slow and show them the correct way to pass.

Eventual peace and calm.

Total distance:7.89 miles Elapsed time:4h02m19s Locks:0 Bridges:25 

Average speed:2.39 mph (2.39 lock/mph) 

Dya 9 Llangollen to New Marton Bottom lock

A long day ahead of us today.  We crept out of the wharf at 8am being only the second boat to leave.  

Chris had walked on ahead as scout but not long into the cruise, and in the narrow single way section, we came across a family of new born ducklings.  Then a few tense minutes as 3 of the ducklings got separated from the main brood with mum and dad ducks on the port side.  The 3 ended up on the starboard side.  I had to steer with precision as one mistake and I could have easily crushed any one of them and I was desperate for that not to happen. 

Fortunately mother duck finally held the rest of her brood back but the three errant ducklings insisted on staying alongside AmyJo.  Still they persisted chasing along with us risking being crushed or sucked into the prop.   To avoid this I had to keep putting AmyJo into neutral as they neared the back of the boat but that only helped the ducklings stay with me.   I had to wait until they were at last down by the back deck to use my hand to shoo them off and out of danger.  Eventually after trying to catch up they gave up and I could breath again.  I don't know what I'd have done if they were harmed.  I'd never forgive myself.

Safe at last but the 3 duckateers still chasing after us at the foot of the photo

The rest of the trip to the junction was uneventful, passing only 3 boats coming up stream.  By now the sun was out but still every cold so coats remained on.

Dappled sunshine all around.  I just love it when its this good

The  lack of wind made for some lovely reflections in the clear water

We made the turn at Trevor and with the aqueduct clear continued onto it.  We have been over the Pontcysyllte several times now but we still enjoy every minute of the trip and is why we do this every year.

On completion of the turn I line AmyJo up to go onto the aqueduct

Half way along the aqueduct Smudge decided he was going to get off and proceeded to walk alongside for a while.  As he was still on his lead a couple coming the other way must have thought we were using him to pull the boat along.  It certainly looked that way with Smudge pulling at the lead.  We got him back aboard before we left the narrows.

Dog drawn boat crossing the aqueduct

 Just as we left the aqueduct a hire boat could be seen starting to cross behind us.  When we got to the lift bridge at Froncysyllte there was no sign of them. We had, however, passed the sweet boat on our way so we're guessing they had succumbed to temptation.  I know we nearly did.

Waiting for the lift bridge and not sign of the hire boat

 With the flow now with us we made good time to the two New Marton locks and for the first time since we left Tattenhall we joined a queue of 3 boats waiting to go down.  The two lead hire boats were cruising together and their numerous crews made short time of locking the boats down so we did not wait too long.  They even offered to help Chris with the lock wheeling but she thanked them and let them on their way.

Waiting at the top lock in the warming sunshine.

 It was now 1pm and the sun was warming the day nicely.  First off came the coats and then the jumper.  I'm glad there was no need to strip off any further.

Never far away are the police training helicopters.  This one passing close, slow and low.

Having got through the locks we found a very nice sunny spot so decided to stop here for the night.  It got that warm we tempted fate and got the chairs out and did a spot of sunbathing on the tow path (not a pretty sight).  Smudge was so laid back he sprawled himself across the gunwale and dosed all afternoon.  Waking only to give the odd woof at passing boats before dropping of to sleep again.

Our first hot day so it would be rude not to chill and enjoy it

Mum and dad can work the boat I'll keep the gunwale warm for them.

Total distance:12.44 miles Elapsed time:6h19m52s Locks:2 Bridges:30 

Average speed:1.96 mph (2.28 lock/mph) 

Easter Cruise Day 8 Llangollen and Horseshoe Falls

Today as in previous years we made our pilgrimage to the Horse Shoe Falls, so named by Telford's navvies because of its curved shape.

This time we explored a little further as it gave us an opportunity to give smudge a good walk.  Sadly today there were no steam engines running on the railway just this diesel engine.

Just does not have the same appeal as a steam loco

 We paused for a cupper in the Bridge Inn and booked a table for lunch on our return.  They are quite dog friendly provided the dog is on a lead and dry.  Presumably not muddy either I guess.

The restored iron bridge spanning the river Dee

 At the falls we let Smudge off lead and continued on up stream through a gated footpath.  It led us up to a quaint church hidden away on the hill side.  We did not venture inside but saved that for another trip.

Little church further upstream from the falls.

 From here the footpath climbed up to the road and back to the falls at a higher level.  The view of the falls was quite stunning.

The falls seen from our vantage point up the hill

 As there is a large open field alongside the falls we let Smudge have a run.  He clearly enjoyed the freedom as he ran around like a wild thing, his little rudder of a tail wagging happily.  His recall is pretty good and he charged up to us when we called him back for a treat a bit later.

Catch me if you can.

 Back at the bridge Inn we managed to get a window seat in the restaurant and watched these canoeists enjoying the rapids below us.  The chap in the red canoe is the instructor helping the other 3 down the course.  One waited below and waved.  I gave him the thumbs up and then thumbs down.  With a grin from ear to ear he  understood I was asking if he was enjoying himself.  He replied with both thumbs up and a big smile so he was clearly having a good time

Quite fancy a go at this myself one day.

 As we booked a meal tonight in the Corn Mill we settled on just sandwiches for lunch.  We had prepared a Kong full of food and treats for Smudge before we left and so whilst we ate he tucked in too.  He was so good the group that arrived at the next table did not know he was there until we left.

Settled down for his lunch in the Kong and well behaved.

On our return to the boat Smudge and I stayed aboard whilst Chris walked into time to post a card for her mum.  

The view from bridge up the highstreet

Our mooring at the wharf.  Tucked away nicely in the corner

 In the evening we crated Smudge and walked to the Corn Mill for our meal.  We were slightly early so followed a path along the river.  We came across a weir we had not noticed before.

Not seen this weir before

There was a slight calamity when we got back to the mill as they had no record of our booking the table.  The staff checked and found we had been booked in on the wrong date by mistake.  Apologising we were asked if we could wait half an hour for a table to become free.  In fact it was barely 10 minutes and we were shown to a six seat table right in the bay window all to ourselves.  A fab meal followed and a pleasant evening was had.

Tomorrow we will start retracing our route back down the Llangollen.

Easter Cruise day 7 Chirk to Llangollen Wharf

This morning was slightly overcast and again quite nippy.  The cold breeze whilst abating a bit still had the cold bite to it and never really warmed all day.  Up at the usual time we readied to move at 9am.  As we got underway this group of canoeists came past so we navigated with care.

Looking a little nervous the young canoeists pass us whilst we re-assured them all was ok.

 Rounding the last bend Chirk aqueduct came into view. No one crossing so we proceeded straight on to the tunnel.  AmyJo struggled to make way in the tunnel but experimenting with throttle settings we got her through.  Seems the Axiom prop is performing OK so far.

Chirk Aqueduct comes into view

The view on exiting the tunnel

 We never met any boats on the way to the Pontcysyllte aqueduct but as we approached three other boats were waiting to cross.  Chris took Smudge on ahead with a radio and gave a running commentary of progress as boats continued to file cross towards us.

Some 30 minutes later, after several boats had passed, eventually Chris announced the last boat was almost over and our convoy could get underway with me bringing up the rear.

Starting the off over the aqueduct

 There was quite a breeze on this crossing but coming from the Port (left) side it kept AmyJo off the plating and so few bumps as we went.   We have crossed the aqueduct several times but each time is still as exhilarating as the first and, of course, the view is to die for.

Ladies and Gents we will be coming in to land in the next ten minutes.  Trays and seats into the upright position please.

 Up front the aqueduct was as busy as ever with the three boats, their crews and walkers.  More boats were queueing up at Trevor to cross so turning at the junction looked as though it might be tight.  Whilst astern not a soul to be seen.  It would seem the lack of boats downstream over the first few days was because everyone was up here at Trevor.  I guess we can thank Celebrity Carry on Barging for that.  Nearly every boat on the move was a hire boat.

Busy busy busy up ahead.

Serene and quiet behind

The River Dee below looks like a lot more water was running through this year

After crawling very slowly across the aqueduct whilst the hire boaters took in the experience, posed for photos and in some cases took it VERY carefully, we reached Trevor junction.  Mind you I was happy with the pace.  I like the aqueduct just as much as those who went before me so did not want to hurry either.  Passage was so slow even a very elderly gent could keep up with us.

Coming off the aqueduct and a cheerful chat with an interested couple walking alongside.

 It would seem my concern about all the boats at the basin making the turn awkward was unfounded and so I turned AmyJo onto the final leg without a problem.

Making the turn that went quite well I'm relieved to say.

 Whilst narrow and shallow this part of the canal is blessed with some fantastic views along the way.  Chris walked on ahead and relayed information of boats coming the other way to me and the other boat ahead of me for which her crew were grateful.

Now got to find somewhere to get Chris and Smudge back aboard

Lunch break for this couple and what a view to enjoy it

After several stops to allow boats coming the other way Llangollen hove into view.  The canal is high above the town so one gets a good view from here.

The main Bridge across the river Dee at Llangollen

 On finally reaching the wharf we turned into the moorings just as the horse boat was returning.  We found mooring on the short jetties a problem in the breeze as they are not long enough for AmyJo.  We did find one mooring along the wharf wall and settled with a pin on the stern.

Hercules pulled the boat back to the wharf office as we turn into the moorings.

 After a spot of lunch we walked round to the wharf office to pay our mooring fees then walked into town to book a table in the Corn Mill for tomorrow night.  We like the food here and this will be our first meal out since leaving Tattenhall.

The Corn Mill, we have a table booked in the conservatory on the right tomorrow night

Total distance:8.59 miles Elapsed time:5h0m19s Locks:0 Bridges:20 

Average speed:1.72 mph (1.72 lock/mph)