The day began very grey although before long the sun made a brave, if not too successful, attempt to come out. The forecast that concerned us was that the tail end of a hurricane was expected to bring very strong winds - up 40 or 50 mph - by early afternoon. But the temperature, out of the wind, was still very warm and by the end of the afternoon some bright sunshine arrived but by sunset there was some rain.
We were on a schedule to meet up with Andrew at Chirk Bank and he anticipated his arrival between 12:30 and 1 pm so Mike made a slightly earlier start than usual.
We wondered whether this parking meter indicated a new business enterprise gto rent out self service moorings but as there was nowhere to tie up, perhaps it is an eccentric form of decoration.
Before long we passed the junction where the Montgomery Canal goes off. We did not have time to go that way last year and this time is much the same but we did manage it eight years ago!
Only two locks today at New Marton. Although a boat had just passed ahead of us so they were full, the rise is quite modest and so they were easy to operate, even if the second one only had one top paddle working.
There is an extensive and posh looking hotel at Moreton Bridge on the A5 with a set of pontoon moorings. Although a sign says that they can be used by customers, they remain very empty. Perhaps it was a good idea that has just not paid off.
We arrived at Chirk Bank just before 12:30 and found a good set of visitor moorings. We had not been long tied up when Andrew arrived and unloaded his car. By good fortune there is also a useful small car park alongside the bridge.
Before we left Andrew ran Mike across the valley to the local shops in Chirk village. The main aim was to find a newspaper but he also spotted a good local butcher with some tasty looking pork pies. he bought two!
Shortly after we crossed the Chirk Aqueduct. The photo clearly shows the railway line passing alongside but also, if you look carefully, the start of the tunnel immediately at the other end. We arrived just as a boat had entered the other end of the tunnel - it is one way working so we had to wait and then a bit more for a second boat that followed on behind. There is no traffic control here!
Just over a mile on and we are close to the world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct but first there is yet another lift bridge. The boat ahead of us was clearly learning having just been sent out from the marina a short distance back. So it was suggested that Mike get off early and walk ahead to open the bridge for them as well as ourselves. They were suitably grateful. Alas another two boats charged up behind and, without awaiting an invitation dashed through. Fortunately there was no vehicle traffic wanting to cross as a sign indicates that only three boats can pass through without closing it and allowing the cars across. When you want a car, none arrive!
Close to the lift bridge is a sculpture although there was no explanation. Also, in the background it is possible to see the railway viaduct a little downstream of the canal one.
OK, so now the picture gallery of our crossing. When we started the wind was much stronger but by the time we were in the more exposed part, the water was being whipped up into quite a spray at times.
As we draw 2 ft 6 inches we are probably too deep to make it to Llangollen so Trevor is where we need to turn around. Originally, the canal was planned to continue from here to Chester and thence to Ellesmere Port, where we were last week. Bit money was not forthcoming and it went no further, apart from, at one time, a short arm into the small town which developed a range of industries. The basin is now the base for a large Anglo Welsh hire fleet but there are a few visitor moorings right at the end of the still navigable arm.
With the wind still strengthening we investigated if there was room and, yes, there was just enough space so, not without a little difficulty we turned the boat so that we could head down. No chance of a tv signal but we were a little relieved not to have to head back over the aqueduct even though boats were still coming across.
After mooring in the basin we separately wandered around. At one time this must have been a busy wharf - there is still a working dry dock - and at one time there was a narrow gauge tramway.
We spotted this sign, over a hundred years old, on the doors to one of the basin buildings - it seems that the towpath cycling controversy is not as recent as some would have it!
12.2 Miles - 2 Locks
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