Thursday 26 July 2012

Today has been a very frustrating day!  Mainly spent waiting to go up Frankton Locks and back onto the Llangollen Canal.  We had a plan which seemed reasonable as we knew that the locks were fully booked, with 15 boats going up.  Lock opening times are from 12:00-2:00pm.  So we arrived at the services near the locks at about 12:30 intending to fill up with water, empty the toilet and dispose of our rubbish and then see what the state of play was with the locks.  Graham went to have a look while I made lunch as it was about that time.  He came back and reported that there was still a queue of boats waiting to go up and that they did not appear to be making much progress.  No sign of any boats coming down though.  We eventually cleared the top lock at 4:20 and there was still one behind us.  I think the lock keeper must have been ready for a beer as it was very hot and she had been working hard seeing boats through all afternoon.

However this aside we have enjoyed our three days on the Montgomery Canal.  It is very picturesque with loads of wildlife, although we did not see the promised kingfishers.  At the moment it is only navigable for the first seven miles, although I think other bits have been restored, but not joined together yet, as it is an ongoing restoration project.



We moored up on Monday night at Queen's Head, near a pub of the same name and then continued on Tuesday to the end, turned round and moored up at Maesbury Marsh near the Navigation pub.  On Wednesday we returned to Queen's Head and caught the bus to Oswestry to do the food shopping.  Very convenient as there is a Morrison's on one side of the bus station and a Aldi on the other.  Got all the shopping and caught the bus back.  Should have had a look round Oswestry though as it looked like an interesting town.

This swing bridge is near the end of the navigation and is a bit tricky.  It was difficult to lift but even harder to wind down.  I was busy winding for ages and when it eventually dropped into place, the driver and passengers of the waiting car all burst into applause.  I suspect they have probably had to wait before!




These two beasties are resident near the top lock of Aston flight.  On Monday when I walked the dogs they lay in wait for me and then chased me with lots of hissing.  Anyone who knows me will know that I am a bit (lot) bird phobic.  I did work out that they weren't as fierce as they looked as they kept their distance.  I wasn't that happy about having to go past them on the way back though.  They chased Graham and the dogs the next day as well when we took the boat through the locks.  The pictures were taken on the way back though when they seemed to have mellowed somewhat as they just stood lockside and watched as we went through.



When we got back from our bus trip to Oswestry a bunch of kids were having a canoeing session next to the mooring.  The organiser apologised for disturbing our peace but we don't mind it's good to see people enjoying themselves.  The guy moored behind us had a bit of a moan though.

On Wednesday evening we had an excellent meal at the Queen's head!   Thanks for the recommendation from Sue, nb Beefur.  We will definitely come again but I think it would be nice to do it earlier in the year.  We are now heading towards Wheaten Aston where we have arranged to meet my sister and her husband.

Pontcysyllte aquaduct painted on the side of a boat!  Gives an idea of the impressive scale of it!

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