tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126795052024-03-14T04:09:18.895+00:00Jannock WeblogJannock is a family owned narrowboat based at Brinklow Marina on the North Oxford canal. The contents of the boat's logbook, which is completed for every trip by various members of the crew, along with other interesting canal related snippets will be posted here.Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.comBlogger695125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-57504225934420260242023-11-03T09:44:00.006+00:002023-11-06T09:58:23.734+00:00At last–Powys is sold<p>On Saturday 28th October, Powys was purchased by a couple who already live on a smaller boat on a London mooring. </p><p>The sale has been a long protracted affair due to hull and rudder work being needed to be done after initial purchasers survey report. They then pulled out of the sale at the beginning of September when the work, delayed by illness, was almost completed.</p><p>On Sunday 29th October Graham went up to Rugby boats and did a hand-over to the new owners before they sailed off in a Southerly direction just after 1pm. I hope they enjoy her as much as we have.</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOOYaOILSb0d6N98BsiOISXPY7Y2O8aNNWvOVp81_EoMs1DD4Gsw7affQue9R44W8MLioxcf-6q42LoGvfUPrNxbNGAlMUSil2uCjgplscARBb6IPAWOMXfrLcVJzxc6CSbZ1dj5REsZhIzZD_1MEsB8xm6ztkvbG8-94vlaUaC9hSY5bcVDq/s274/PowysBE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="274" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOOYaOILSb0d6N98BsiOISXPY7Y2O8aNNWvOVp81_EoMs1DD4Gsw7affQue9R44W8MLioxcf-6q42LoGvfUPrNxbNGAlMUSil2uCjgplscARBb6IPAWOMXfrLcVJzxc6CSbZ1dj5REsZhIzZD_1MEsB8xm6ztkvbG8-94vlaUaC9hSY5bcVDq/s1600/PowysBE.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Today, Powys was spotted by our friend Debbi who moors at Bourne End moorings, passing down through the top lock towards Winkwell.</p><p>Farewell Powys.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-34625583252206726212023-07-05T19:49:00.001+00:002023-07-08T20:15:51.536+00:00The boat formerly known as Jannock …<p>.. was today delivered to Rugby Boat sales at Stowe Hill to be placed on brokerage.</p><p>We arrived at the boat at about 9:30 and spent a couple of hours doing essential jobs, cleaning and clearing out all of the remaining items that would not be included in the sale and getting them into the car before setting off for the final run through Weedon.</p><p>On arrival, Graham went off to fetch the car and then we emptied all of our stuff out and gave the boat a final clean. Then we handed over the keys to the brokerage staff, signed the sale document and headed home with very mixed feelings.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhz6gPROCR3w0bqtlJ7atHarzKvh1kD0LYMcWTa5QCYr_lckscBRK_c5xqjEVHv58U19prk_CCYtiZ_j0WLDWD20OdlqY6UMrsj7dVKFfXD0wbl2aM6RN4ES2cjfjsrIK8ejMAYwehR24Zu9lFpY53SV57txI1_1stNDwEBnYDpybLMhKf1j9/s4032/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhz6gPROCR3w0bqtlJ7atHarzKvh1kD0LYMcWTa5QCYr_lckscBRK_c5xqjEVHv58U19prk_CCYtiZ_j0WLDWD20OdlqY6UMrsj7dVKFfXD0wbl2aM6RN4ES2cjfjsrIK8ejMAYwehR24Zu9lFpY53SV57txI1_1stNDwEBnYDpybLMhKf1j9/s320/IMG_0283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>After last year’s disastrous summer, we have had an excellent trip to Llangollen and back and have decided to quit while we are ahead. There are lots of things that we wish to do now after our 23 years of boat ownership.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyMQ4Z4CKjMLSbYVLfAsjG7_w101bxSc7XnadKv-q-UCNnSiC1SUEkJockSRT9paromG50WqYWNJGuWoCp26PZG5jF1j1zNdzsqsHifu6G66-yRauGAAMb7si23XuYbXZpWKiJJaAPo566m324djsOz0L5Jh-S-T6IA1fBsiJzQV5alTF6uqu/s4608/IMG_5047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyMQ4Z4CKjMLSbYVLfAsjG7_w101bxSc7XnadKv-q-UCNnSiC1SUEkJockSRT9paromG50WqYWNJGuWoCp26PZG5jF1j1zNdzsqsHifu6G66-yRauGAAMb7si23XuYbXZpWKiJJaAPo566m324djsOz0L5Jh-S-T6IA1fBsiJzQV5alTF6uqu/s320/IMG_5047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Ladies and gentlemen – narrowboat Jannock has left the cut!</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-53764590629039294652023-07-03T19:18:00.001+00:002023-07-08T19:48:52.205+00:00What is it with Margaret and tunnels?<p>Monday 3rd July 2023</p><p>We arrived at Barby moorings at 10 o’clock. We have our neighbour Margaret as passenger for today’s journey as she loves going through tunnels and we plan to pass through the one at Braunston today.</p><p>The weather was sunny but a little breezy as we manoeuvred out of our mooring and made our way around the central island in the moorings to find the exit. Hard to port and immediately under the M45 bridge towards Braunston. We passed a lot of boats heading North and also met Brian aboard Autarky just before the A45 bridge who warned us of a boat towing another following him. It appears the boats attending the Gardener rally yesterday are going home today. We waited until they passed before continuing into Braunston.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF75JJV7905mkIid0_rU08ip36qcYbhTZi-SC5CHrlVPGQqlUJoOP19g3Usea2c13NX5WjAnxdTOlTrxCNf3477hAfX07XAfcv0Sah6bech2qiMaqp1HtaPln_S8j2GDXXFxf5W_3YuYxyNg4tCSMkhthdIh0rQ2JhEHZ7Q-qAFkIRXztpIbat/s4032/IMG_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF75JJV7905mkIid0_rU08ip36qcYbhTZi-SC5CHrlVPGQqlUJoOP19g3Usea2c13NX5WjAnxdTOlTrxCNf3477hAfX07XAfcv0Sah6bech2qiMaqp1HtaPln_S8j2GDXXFxf5W_3YuYxyNg4tCSMkhthdIh0rQ2JhEHZ7Q-qAFkIRXztpIbat/s320/IMG_0281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The skies decided to dump their heavy load on us as we arrived at the bottom lock, no one else to share with and so we completed the first two locks solo in the rain. A drier slow ascent of the rest of the flight was made due to a very slow single boat three locks ahead with the intermediate locks having two boats in each.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKQAx8TWDSXQhNR9dtNz-esQov_MTIpyVRyRrva3-yMMpBqAhuyvgOgrOr4cSpf-B0_fZXIbcbLYy1-8Hd4nUJeXv0s2XgjxBPECRzuTIqXcg8yXW0Viy3K3GdQg3NXmh8Zfpe7b-24eHrqrCZh7f_BPXoEvFLPNrVI-nPX3407c6p6DsQ564/s4608/IMG_5049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKQAx8TWDSXQhNR9dtNz-esQov_MTIpyVRyRrva3-yMMpBqAhuyvgOgrOr4cSpf-B0_fZXIbcbLYy1-8Hd4nUJeXv0s2XgjxBPECRzuTIqXcg8yXW0Viy3K3GdQg3NXmh8Zfpe7b-24eHrqrCZh7f_BPXoEvFLPNrVI-nPX3407c6p6DsQ564/s320/IMG_5049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Out of the top lock and we found the same slow boat just pulling out from the moorings there, so we ended up following them, either at tick-over or in neutral, all the way through the tunnel. Margaret was in her element sitting on a comfy chair in the bow well deck for the slow transit of the entire length. </p><p>Out of the tunnel, and once Welford wharf was passed, we managed to overtake ‘slow boat’ and continue to Buckby top lock at a sensible speed. We spotted butty Success moored on this length alongside it’s new motor. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VF53-CAvpaxc4ZsOJ9fYhPnmWJBGi8vLAdMayhUQrEK5YkBPAdK50g0mw3PQVEl69aE746kaxdiXRLR7xlQtD9hydIBzgdqbOuaTyqEJyn9G9OTagKpGif8qVLF12VzwK0ZtZBOsScYZRGYrJjbETluTw7T3DaMCR4I6ocR5JRHiimQdxTix/s4608/IMG_5050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VF53-CAvpaxc4ZsOJ9fYhPnmWJBGi8vLAdMayhUQrEK5YkBPAdK50g0mw3PQVEl69aE746kaxdiXRLR7xlQtD9hydIBzgdqbOuaTyqEJyn9G9OTagKpGif8qVLF12VzwK0ZtZBOsScYZRGYrJjbETluTw7T3DaMCR4I6ocR5JRHiimQdxTix/s320/IMG_5050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Although we passed through the top lock solo, we shared the rest of the flight with a novice crew on a Calcutt hire boat. They were happy to admit they were new to the game but were very quick learners so by the time we reached the bottom lock they knew exactly what needed to be done when.</p><p>We said our farewells and made our way to bridge 21 where we wanted to moor up. Unfortunately a thunderstorm started just as Graham got the centre rope tied to a piling hook and so he came inside to sit out the storm and avoid getting drowned before finishing the task.</p><p>Once the rain ceased, and the ropes were all deployed. Graham then went back on the Di Blasi to fetch the car from Barby. We then packed up our stuff, and Margaret, loaded into the car and set off to the Crossroads pub at Weedon for dinner. Even though their website states the kitchens close at 9 pm, they refused to allow us to eat at just after 8pm. A poor show – shame!</p><p>G, B & M</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-31874193138736177522023-06-10T15:22:00.002+00:002023-06-10T15:28:03.543+00:00Jannock crossing the Pontcysyllte aqueduct<p><br /></p><p>When Jannock crossed the aqueduct on Wednesday 24th May we had Paul from Worker Drones UK visit and take stills and video footage for us.</p><p>The pictures are below:-</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlYK9WVqiONjC32AzmPVSd4uK8r6P53Aaxi4FlHofNh9qyGMPTIhjlRjQM7ZeyyH_7bapmVkJ_Po7D3XNKtGlQQCSoyLp38pkWDEDYskLA4txT1dkfDqsM4STZhzs0C92rgX8-zAlrEHdHeWuB-xFwvKi4cHj2fzmU0E0zOEp9OKX363-HQ/s2899/DJI_0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2899" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlYK9WVqiONjC32AzmPVSd4uK8r6P53Aaxi4FlHofNh9qyGMPTIhjlRjQM7ZeyyH_7bapmVkJ_Po7D3XNKtGlQQCSoyLp38pkWDEDYskLA4txT1dkfDqsM4STZhzs0C92rgX8-zAlrEHdHeWuB-xFwvKi4cHj2fzmU0E0zOEp9OKX363-HQ/s320/DJI_0150.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5AC-VuVAUvR6GExMDaGXTS8iFAgwZd1FN7X8ToljCLwAR7lxDAr9VBclfS07ekziqAGqXBFFZQPYksslVaqXcb82w2Wr8QfDZ0jhE-nifqVvX3Mk_DRgIbCEh3u2Pzy0E_WKPWn2r5ZBWwfTL-TbU2Nut6W54cbA2PoKwZuydKQI844Srg/s5280/DJI_0171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="5280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5AC-VuVAUvR6GExMDaGXTS8iFAgwZd1FN7X8ToljCLwAR7lxDAr9VBclfS07ekziqAGqXBFFZQPYksslVaqXcb82w2Wr8QfDZ0jhE-nifqVvX3Mk_DRgIbCEh3u2Pzy0E_WKPWn2r5ZBWwfTL-TbU2Nut6W54cbA2PoKwZuydKQI844Srg/s320/DJI_0171.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurYXvqp4gairx_Goplb68usPOwN1-2PYTiFToFp0OaUTVk_g5aMuKUqc8d-iPvHC4Xr14Lsyj1-_k63gGSH-qilXrib0_zBnxIhV7AYMDmbFIfJVwb2yLqCDo5HDNpUP-w5floQFuRn_lruiZgG37qAj9OjvQN2RxZoi5xFkX6AxFJH4PvA/s5280/DJI_0176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="5280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurYXvqp4gairx_Goplb68usPOwN1-2PYTiFToFp0OaUTVk_g5aMuKUqc8d-iPvHC4Xr14Lsyj1-_k63gGSH-qilXrib0_zBnxIhV7AYMDmbFIfJVwb2yLqCDo5HDNpUP-w5floQFuRn_lruiZgG37qAj9OjvQN2RxZoi5xFkX6AxFJH4PvA/s320/DJI_0176.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnhZ0trqSIQ6ewFEjXoXhfzUI4euTzpF27J4r5_rhoVVOy9pKpG_eIvGhm0Ez1QlJ7r_ko9fSSkPBQvlNGHbDkYr1YizUpGYMR-jXO9vyqgex7bvqSOA7I6MoV7VrqNxZL5LZl8SJDDFyjb0uGHuDgCyxA-gHCMSByA63Fm-GYVA7dU4ybg/s5280/DJI_0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="5280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnhZ0trqSIQ6ewFEjXoXhfzUI4euTzpF27J4r5_rhoVVOy9pKpG_eIvGhm0Ez1QlJ7r_ko9fSSkPBQvlNGHbDkYr1YizUpGYMR-jXO9vyqgex7bvqSOA7I6MoV7VrqNxZL5LZl8SJDDFyjb0uGHuDgCyxA-gHCMSByA63Fm-GYVA7dU4ybg/s320/DJI_0182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn4tFcDMxBW7AAZttUjd_ZuIfcUffjmrBDd8RZZsvOllr3TmdDSmm1Y0uqbYRVpDKEIHBnnvCVu1LkVv0rBqN3oGVhfKefOJHGWpxj0HlWbDsqmAoKalUAn114fujm_RH_A3Z3up2lkVX6JbWNWzPe3fakfmI_DAft1B3M8RXWD9UKGU_sg/s5280/DJI_0191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="5280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn4tFcDMxBW7AAZttUjd_ZuIfcUffjmrBDd8RZZsvOllr3TmdDSmm1Y0uqbYRVpDKEIHBnnvCVu1LkVv0rBqN3oGVhfKefOJHGWpxj0HlWbDsqmAoKalUAn114fujm_RH_A3Z3up2lkVX6JbWNWzPe3fakfmI_DAft1B3M8RXWD9UKGU_sg/s320/DJI_0191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_dpWJoNglL4LgGsVVmwi8HABcKUI474vZG-ngW8B5g0sBb8LyQnwEkWY5nAaipmBYBXD-xxxxCd_A-DsPfgArR4YeBbQsOrEbX_cTj2gVWzOdgGrZGbVyBmT5ffHvzKtTXwYbzHyb-VgzJlDL3DojS7LNh3KMkSM7pMcP2m1QomNtBc-0w/s5280/DJI_0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="5280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_dpWJoNglL4LgGsVVmwi8HABcKUI474vZG-ngW8B5g0sBb8LyQnwEkWY5nAaipmBYBXD-xxxxCd_A-DsPfgArR4YeBbQsOrEbX_cTj2gVWzOdgGrZGbVyBmT5ffHvzKtTXwYbzHyb-VgzJlDL3DojS7LNh3KMkSM7pMcP2m1QomNtBc-0w/s320/DJI_0199.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p>The two videos are at :-</p><p>Pontcysyllte video1 <a href="https://youtu.be/H0Cc9oHnRd8">https://youtu.be/H0Cc9oHnRd8</a> <br />
Pontcysyllte video2 <a href="https://youtu.be/461SPRXP9Kk">https://youtu.be/461SPRXP9Kk</a> </p><p>Enjoy</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-83469130098150703972023-06-07T19:40:00.003+00:002023-06-07T19:48:38.483+00:00Llangollen trip day#26<p>Wednesday 7th June 2023</p><p>A short hop back to Barby Moorings today. Still grey today but the warmth of the sun could be felt through the clouds.</p><p>We turned into the marina and the wind helped us across onto the service area where we pumped out the loo tank – not bad, 26 days and only 66% full. Because we had the Di Blasi on board as well as the old starter battery on the rear deck, we hadn’t even noticed the list to starboard that normally accompanies and tank of more than 50%.</p><p>Getting off the service area to get to our mooring was another story as the wind was quite strong and broadside to us. Finally made it by backing up most of the marina before making the turn through the swing bridge – still had an issue trying to get the bows to turn into wind after the bridge.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxKSTEXFOG8m1FHnIcSg1D62riyVT0JjqTXsqiBwmUU6k6H4qdXkF-R2h1RAKOxhKHmMJ8nEKZFOD1b1lGMDfUhpYoM00zHix-sJFm738cZ0sk5qYSwud7lqkQ1y4sIsIzlaBQNQRRmWj9l9AzirPbV0k-OLtZY-PO78cM-aTPUyIEZwOwQ/s4288/DSCF5445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxKSTEXFOG8m1FHnIcSg1D62riyVT0JjqTXsqiBwmUU6k6H4qdXkF-R2h1RAKOxhKHmMJ8nEKZFOD1b1lGMDfUhpYoM00zHix-sJFm738cZ0sk5qYSwud7lqkQ1y4sIsIzlaBQNQRRmWj9l9AzirPbV0k-OLtZY-PO78cM-aTPUyIEZwOwQ/s320/DSCF5445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWAZ9pf7qgjCQ9myRZcTnWhWRuuf5gVexHhweLUieCJDyCydnBsv3QjsZrrzP1N-YCNgWLdsDps5vt5QPLrnZM0eZ3F8lxLJcdqlP-KuTPfKLyymn5D5w2QSpStv4WeOg8h_sbjqp2vLyHJqwmRN_6FjbhwmqaPR0DfTJhZz56yzogq8_wQ/s4288/DSCF5450.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="3216" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWAZ9pf7qgjCQ9myRZcTnWhWRuuf5gVexHhweLUieCJDyCydnBsv3QjsZrrzP1N-YCNgWLdsDps5vt5QPLrnZM0eZ3F8lxLJcdqlP-KuTPfKLyymn5D5w2QSpStv4WeOg8h_sbjqp2vLyHJqwmRN_6FjbhwmqaPR0DfTJhZz56yzogq8_wQ/s320/DSCF5450.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We finally slid into our berth with a group of Alpacas waiting to greet us. The sun decided to appear and the wind dropped as we had finished our trip. We cleared up and packed our stuff into the car before sitting on the foredeck to eat our special lunch – a chicken salad sandwich made using a garlic nan purchased last night! Brenda’s enthusiasm heating them up in the oven didn’t affect the taste.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGQqBrjJlKZlpYtlXVo7ZCfBP3SOh-JzzCokUcerQQGBsJNbhojEW3QBGC4xy4WgkpZpyjmHGmCkOfU9cO9XmjL8hisC3Uzvr2soJCbgHPHCiArSOFMQylHzarcxAQTPdb_FmiVh-gv_BR1___07s3IqeNPoO8IwsLef4l-HW_3-Uq6reGg/s4288/DSCF5453.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGQqBrjJlKZlpYtlXVo7ZCfBP3SOh-JzzCokUcerQQGBsJNbhojEW3QBGC4xy4WgkpZpyjmHGmCkOfU9cO9XmjL8hisC3Uzvr2soJCbgHPHCiArSOFMQylHzarcxAQTPdb_FmiVh-gv_BR1___07s3IqeNPoO8IwsLef4l-HW_3-Uq6reGg/s320/DSCF5453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>That trip was 306 miles at an average of 2 miles per hour.</p><p>After lunch we locked the boat up and headed home.</p><p>That’s all folks!</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-21621162357455598612023-06-06T19:26:00.001+00:002023-06-07T19:28:00.482+00:00Llangollen trip day#25<p>Tuesday 6th June 2023</p><p>Having moored a short way from Hawkesbury junction last night, we had to pass through Sutton’s first thing this morning. This is the one lock on the system that Brenda will work – as she doesn’t like the idea of having to steer around the turn, usually with an audience outside the Greyhound.</p><p>Today, she had a senior moment and proceeded to fill the lock whilst all she really needed to do was open the bottom gate to let Jannock in – oooops. She had watched Jannock pass through the narrows heading South so decided that was the way the boat would enter the lock. There wasn’t even any-one waiting to come down.</p><p>It stayed cold all day, not a glimmer of sun or a hint of blue sky. We left Hawkesbury and on through Ansty where CaRT are working on the towpath and canal bank. Their digger flat had a dumb barge tied alongside leaving only about 8 foot to pass. This was not helped by an large-ish offside bush just where it wasn’t needed. We got past OK but immediately met three oncoming Northbound boats. Good luck lads.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsBArqzIoG1bdJFDftfWAUO9EnGHKUwURJGMsgtmUVa0uFalW8-1auyHX0AHtkFrEfUZv8647qH22L1zC31GqARawfNhy31bXNVhghfu2qVidUErjwsyQbSB5bw0fcJxEZngmwvxCPLqnivSK1HGfXQxfLnl3carVYjj7FZunvez7uClGOg/s4288/DSCF5435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsBArqzIoG1bdJFDftfWAUO9EnGHKUwURJGMsgtmUVa0uFalW8-1auyHX0AHtkFrEfUZv8647qH22L1zC31GqARawfNhy31bXNVhghfu2qVidUErjwsyQbSB5bw0fcJxEZngmwvxCPLqnivSK1HGfXQxfLnl3carVYjj7FZunvez7uClGOg/s320/DSCF5435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNVBOghlvHJPnd7J0yI7mGjLPNCzG68Qeq9OVL1SG462T1J1zi6JnimsS1leqs_7a7wm6RfRqZopvwKiNHOI_yXdDSTr11yzJJyiqugoIZq6t4_DRmgZowPFVjiQMVN1R7f66K58hk-AMqK_U51GyTXwgYUn11bUe09gAP5r8PHREJ5JK4g/s4288/DSCF5436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNVBOghlvHJPnd7J0yI7mGjLPNCzG68Qeq9OVL1SG462T1J1zi6JnimsS1leqs_7a7wm6RfRqZopvwKiNHOI_yXdDSTr11yzJJyiqugoIZq6t4_DRmgZowPFVjiQMVN1R7f66K58hk-AMqK_U51GyTXwgYUn11bUe09gAP5r8PHREJ5JK4g/s320/DSCF5436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>On through the Stretton swing bridge and past our old mooring at Brinklow. Going through the very busy Rugby visitor moorings after bridge 58, it was the very first time we’ve ever had to get through past all the moored boats without meeting an on-coming one. </p><p>We arrived at the bottom of Hillmorton locks and the vo-lockie had the lock ready with gates open. Onto the second lock where it was in our favour and we could see the top gate leakage through the gap in the bottom gates – perfect. A boat was coming down the right hand top lock so we both left gates open for each other – what a perfect run up!</p><p>We moored immediately after the locks as we wanted to walk to the Spice Lounge Indian restaurant for our ‘last evening aboard’ meal. After all, it is our favourite Indian.</p><p>After another excellent meal there we ordered two Nan breads to take away as we left. A pleasant walk back through the church got us back to Jannock before 9pm.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-33273322301796535642023-06-05T19:53:00.002+00:002023-06-05T19:55:11.886+00:00Llangollen trip day#24<p>Monday 5th June 2023</p><p>This morning we started the day with a walk down to Atherstone high street for a loaf of bread. In the Coop Local a short dated wholemeal loaf was £1.29p – so off to Aldi we went where the same was 75p. On the way down we spotted a group of pre-school children all dressed in hi-viz jackets and gloves. The reason for the gloves was soon obvious because they were litter picking. What with nursery school children and the Brownies we spotted earlier in our trip it seem a shame that thoughtless and careless people need them to clear up after them.</p><p>On our return to the boat we set off towards Nuneaton meeting lots of boats heading North. The wind was cold and the sky was cloudy with the promise of sun earlier. All in all it was a pleasant run and when we got to Bedworth we moored alongside nb Grace and went to visit our friends Christine and Terry. They are setting off on a cruise tomorrow so we sere lucky to catch them.</p><p>Whilst enjoying a chat and a cup of tea in their conservatory, we heard a voice calling outside. Graham went out and spotted that Jannock’s rear mooring rope had come adrift and she was blocking the canal. A southbound boat, thinking that Jannock was moored to the bank, had tried to push her out of the way by going between the boats, however their bows were firmly attached so they ground to a halt. Jannock was recovered and they went on their way.</p><p>After saying farewell, we carried on and moored before Hawkesbury junction. After dinner we walked down to the Greyhound for a drink and passed nb Stray Away moored nearer the junction. Chris and his wife are fellow Cutweb members and so we had a quick chat before continuing to the pub. We said Hello again on our way back as well.</p><p>The only pictures taken today were of the new warehouse building between Bedworth and Nuneaton (especially for Brian). The office block seems to being constructed entirely of wood and the building now displays a company name. It is a German Logistics firm.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVnJ0GMnvqORct960AMLkOeyR7SKYLrfutlyU2vmJj5mfNIYDTPL8eNIaxHyRKOkBPrIx49L9zJqiFjYaoVaNLFLa9yiJv6e9GPLpYgyvivoc8SKf46XmAa3yxytcThqNeXznFM9CIfRI2_ATayqQVHEqvanC7ARmfUCajNDDrCTXZxRa0Q/s4288/DSCF5432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVnJ0GMnvqORct960AMLkOeyR7SKYLrfutlyU2vmJj5mfNIYDTPL8eNIaxHyRKOkBPrIx49L9zJqiFjYaoVaNLFLa9yiJv6e9GPLpYgyvivoc8SKf46XmAa3yxytcThqNeXznFM9CIfRI2_ATayqQVHEqvanC7ARmfUCajNDDrCTXZxRa0Q/s320/DSCF5432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPaXkMsnEqWPwbKH4FYhJgv7nxhSUmpTqGwLbIAAVR_syd9ccS7jz_vaK9rB6kw9GsFFSIkPN1MYZi3g0CUsBpaHRr65zEEEsUq0hvTnRn2CKi4-P3Dd_ZE4eOMJQzyuNLKXJpkTPH6OG9E0BeZvjVA7oclr2rOCDDfhHNxVB5k94OH3wSA/s4288/DSCF5433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPaXkMsnEqWPwbKH4FYhJgv7nxhSUmpTqGwLbIAAVR_syd9ccS7jz_vaK9rB6kw9GsFFSIkPN1MYZi3g0CUsBpaHRr65zEEEsUq0hvTnRn2CKi4-P3Dd_ZE4eOMJQzyuNLKXJpkTPH6OG9E0BeZvjVA7oclr2rOCDDfhHNxVB5k94OH3wSA/s320/DSCF5433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnS-_CMMSm2R5n4C2BR_YAkmWOirExt_i6ZzeKP4T9_nQDrBO1EW6mkPJBogTwoV5aHYLJRZZLk8lNt2QqKFvjwLHS3ibhuWJQTEChdTRnCRQu6DwLI1UAo5ifH_BYJ61j02JChFJ-XE--9dRPjW-DeI0sZ-yZsVaIiFhG3LC566LV150Rw/s4288/DSCF5434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnS-_CMMSm2R5n4C2BR_YAkmWOirExt_i6ZzeKP4T9_nQDrBO1EW6mkPJBogTwoV5aHYLJRZZLk8lNt2QqKFvjwLHS3ibhuWJQTEChdTRnCRQu6DwLI1UAo5ifH_BYJ61j02JChFJ-XE--9dRPjW-DeI0sZ-yZsVaIiFhG3LC566LV150Rw/s320/DSCF5434.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-15301183368519538772023-06-04T20:19:00.002+00:002023-06-04T20:27:08.306+00:00Llangollen trip day#23<p>Sunday 4th June 2023</p><p>The day started cloudy and cold but only one of us experienced it. Brenda stayed in bed until it was time to serve croissants for breakfast to the steerer. As the day wore on the cloud disappeared and it became warm and sunny – we have been very lucky with our weather over the last 3+ weeks now.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6-a6Uh1ENF1cPE5bWz5ZogVxbTl2fjdzjUwBdUYZgNEzDmlilpjAAube-lhdkS7q8MTNuszGkJ6uUCKYIVnyj9YswQdzhI0MKULbkv38MovYoxt8aQtPyae-GkGncYpRjVWghu9C5l4Hfoq8jBvYeUOQlIHpJj6hXgtyCV0V15iKSaiYLQ/s4288/DSCF5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6-a6Uh1ENF1cPE5bWz5ZogVxbTl2fjdzjUwBdUYZgNEzDmlilpjAAube-lhdkS7q8MTNuszGkJ6uUCKYIVnyj9YswQdzhI0MKULbkv38MovYoxt8aQtPyae-GkGncYpRjVWghu9C5l4Hfoq8jBvYeUOQlIHpJj6hXgtyCV0V15iKSaiYLQ/s320/DSCF5419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>From Fradley we travelled down through Streethay and Whittington to Hopwas where we met a day boat being steered by a pirate at the main road bridge. The Red flags were flying on the ranges and the sound of gun-fire could be heard. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj5UxRpXRNUJ9bCFBxmXq4Bfij5_cB3RtdsFgkV0VgQZC8mXiKUmE_pgimtWnNGOyocMNOD_kZTkO0WmZnJRRG4bDIR9jzD0fFNOQOYIJspKt24C_xZ3UdHGU_sZ6o29PxD5w3kFSWrWWF0NSxLAtZ74EdcSyw58bTbpTVSbKCE3tX-0BXg/s4288/DSCF5428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj5UxRpXRNUJ9bCFBxmXq4Bfij5_cB3RtdsFgkV0VgQZC8mXiKUmE_pgimtWnNGOyocMNOD_kZTkO0WmZnJRRG4bDIR9jzD0fFNOQOYIJspKt24C_xZ3UdHGU_sZ6o29PxD5w3kFSWrWWF0NSxLAtZ74EdcSyw58bTbpTVSbKCE3tX-0BXg/s320/DSCF5428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMBr1uXDA8YWP987RibmLaMmV3UjBsENExqYuPk_cdEg-sClg2Cfk5N1u8jdx-YNCDFawS88p37TCXh8VHiI3AIPpZYVonMnQAz6hm2UL7iTnASpKSt48ukEoOFU2z9UXRl5tAHnDOr5M0oNTB6sYwoxgEDo18iIS4_LFst11P4cehzG3fw/s4288/DSCF5423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOMBr1uXDA8YWP987RibmLaMmV3UjBsENExqYuPk_cdEg-sClg2Cfk5N1u8jdx-YNCDFawS88p37TCXh8VHiI3AIPpZYVonMnQAz6hm2UL7iTnASpKSt48ukEoOFU2z9UXRl5tAHnDOr5M0oNTB6sYwoxgEDo18iIS4_LFst11P4cehzG3fw/s320/DSCF5423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Through Fazely, past the junction with the Brum & Fazely canal and then past Monarch and Grimsby who were moored near the aqueduct, and onto Glascote locks where we found two boats coming down so that was easy. The queue for the two locks persuaded three chaps in a rib to carry it down the towpath even though it had an outboard still fitted.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8PTy3VbDCb-ssdDn4pMdPuM2qTy_IbJ3pUCLckR99mGQghtGpFp9ItmXoNlTVqQxRrkknrUTZYPtH32H4xtaBAb02OX8dPYg6oTSJNpjW9evT5083e10HDfGCh8jVcMC63wiA9xKnouYqqGLLnXFej8DsKK4s2ZYEhMaFElzMgz-pG3e4g/s4288/DSCF5429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8PTy3VbDCb-ssdDn4pMdPuM2qTy_IbJ3pUCLckR99mGQghtGpFp9ItmXoNlTVqQxRrkknrUTZYPtH32H4xtaBAb02OX8dPYg6oTSJNpjW9evT5083e10HDfGCh8jVcMC63wiA9xKnouYqqGLLnXFej8DsKK4s2ZYEhMaFElzMgz-pG3e4g/s320/DSCF5429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p> </p><p>On through Alvechurch where, for the first time ever, we spotted Harnser on it’s moorings. Normally Brian and Diana are out cruising when we pass. Through Polesworth to arrive at the bottom of Atherstone flight at 3:30. Dinner was in the slow cooker and needed to stay there until 4:30 so we decided to go up some of the locks.</p><p>As we ascended lock 11 another boat was leaving lock 10, Their crew didn’t bother looking and just closed the bottom gates on us. The adult in the horde of kids working the lock apologised for closing the gates because he hadn’t seen us there because he was busy looking after 6 children. They were all between about 4 and 10, swinging windlasses about and none of them wearing life jackets – looking after?</p><p>We continued up the flight and cleared lock 6 by 4:25 as every one had been in our favour and so we continued to the top and cleared all eleven locks by 5:40 – a total of 2 hours and 10 minutes which we were pleased with. More pleasing was that there were spaces to moor at the top – result, especially as dinner was ready as soon as we moored up.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-47547858262686747562023-06-03T18:57:00.002+00:002023-06-03T19:01:32.274+00:00Llangollen trip day#22<p>Saturday 3rd June 2023</p><p>Planes of the day – a Spitfire and a P51 Mustang.</p><p>We left our overnight mooring in Tixall Wide in gorgeous sunshine, making the reeds, water lilies and pastures look superb. Sadly we were not able to eat either last night’s dinner or this morning’s breakfast outside to appreciate the views – it been a very cold wind that is no-doubt responsible for keeping us dry. That’s been a blessing.</p><p>We turned right at Gt Heywood junction and found ourselves third in the queue for the first lock, first in line was a day boat that was being tutored by an Anglo-Welsh staff member. We spotted this ram with grass all over his splendid horns – obviously Ram-bo. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3-_slnm4RJ5PyEnVqwt6rk3CNQ-8PMmXvg-tyhg6eWb9bGf1uNgI41BgNaV9B_4bMOBeTvyLxIBRc9f550BCn6VEyiZqDaZciR6OxREXmtarG74sjpTDx_1aF93yr4Ra40ryEMgcPeU0fyb0egsJPb5oyUadYHzskxGSWbzQBgRpmXWc7g/s2152/CamoSheep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2152" data-original-width="2124" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3-_slnm4RJ5PyEnVqwt6rk3CNQ-8PMmXvg-tyhg6eWb9bGf1uNgI41BgNaV9B_4bMOBeTvyLxIBRc9f550BCn6VEyiZqDaZciR6OxREXmtarG74sjpTDx_1aF93yr4Ra40ryEMgcPeU0fyb0egsJPb5oyUadYHzskxGSWbzQBgRpmXWc7g/s320/CamoSheep.JPG" width="316" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>At the next lock we found ourselves immediately behind the day boaters and so Graham added to their lock working education when they asked.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZB8evn5WtnvRD3ZjpeZqdya_14V7GBUgcwhAxesPPwcPPZiiK3uVud10LgYi9lWOJPggqkxIjqgKixqGUxrjWjedsQ0ehtXzD5FTEIIL9QCYxSPftE4Os3xIpHYujJRphvtj39lmDbKR6ZeY6QbPkDXIgTh7KEwXFlNdqkBR2yQgsziknQ/s4288/DSCF5410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZB8evn5WtnvRD3ZjpeZqdya_14V7GBUgcwhAxesPPwcPPZiiK3uVud10LgYi9lWOJPggqkxIjqgKixqGUxrjWjedsQ0ehtXzD5FTEIIL9QCYxSPftE4Os3xIpHYujJRphvtj39lmDbKR6ZeY6QbPkDXIgTh7KEwXFlNdqkBR2yQgsziknQ/s320/DSCF5410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Into Rugeley after being buzzed by a passing Spitfire and P51 Mustang flying in formation – obviously performing at the West Midlands Air Show today at Coventry Airport. Then a shopping stop so that Brenda could go to Morrisons to top up the stock cupboard. They had choc-cake platters at half price but she resisted and got half price croissants and pan-au-chocolate instead – shame!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT6IyCxZelh8WbbLvoViGkMqk0lFfMI4rKapxYVzg6u_FFeF48uqZbVvHdOGCAOXvo_oabYGSd0Vca95O1bhtSdFVdCAVv9IH_es9otbEqGXRDzBkjvFcKQ3U1LVVw19LH81x0tJZ5v81XcWr0TQfsSVxE788VLmzVyivRGA2hVedAM6Alg/s2724/BoatArt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2724" data-original-width="1992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT6IyCxZelh8WbbLvoViGkMqk0lFfMI4rKapxYVzg6u_FFeF48uqZbVvHdOGCAOXvo_oabYGSd0Vca95O1bhtSdFVdCAVv9IH_es9otbEqGXRDzBkjvFcKQ3U1LVVw19LH81x0tJZ5v81XcWr0TQfsSVxE788VLmzVyivRGA2hVedAM6Alg/s320/BoatArt.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Approaching Woodend lock, the rhododendrons are in glorious full flower. Brenda was un-happy that they were still in bud when we passed this way over two weeks ago.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sRTBCFlX-mMC3wv2NPAmtLLQ5eM5USEd2DQKCWQRihiMC7HXy6FaqpuLdCSnyyNbLceq1jy5PBGikY9RT-0UunWtBMFQIU8PkXdezwnyBnl85r9Hd0lsFIcLgUwxWs5wgRZS8NNfcqflkDeY78jYsUy5PbLvZqj2YOB-PopH5qG0LDnbiA/s4288/DSCF5413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4288" data-original-width="3216" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sRTBCFlX-mMC3wv2NPAmtLLQ5eM5USEd2DQKCWQRihiMC7HXy6FaqpuLdCSnyyNbLceq1jy5PBGikY9RT-0UunWtBMFQIU8PkXdezwnyBnl85r9Hd0lsFIcLgUwxWs5wgRZS8NNfcqflkDeY78jYsUy5PbLvZqj2YOB-PopH5qG0LDnbiA/s320/DSCF5413.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We turned onto the Coventry canal at Fradley junction and immediately stopped at the water point to fill Jannock’s tank. Brenda took the rubbish round to the skip. Then we moved two boats down and moored up for the night. Dinner on the front deck as the wind here is a lot less than last night. Brenda chose an Elderflower beer bottled in 2018 to accompany dinner, unfortunately it was a bit lively but luckily she didn’t ask for a flake with it. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGSmh6IhUv2XUCBMGWjAWEYXhRYk7KlpVpOEXhCc8x-njNZiq-i1cBB8L9PgM5traKEQ20TgY4OiBYRLHlRmfso-sw3jZZKttKgEowKND0fWBYud5CUFI7wApAkW44kTotuCyVtAOR2CdEojAKGd9ibz_OFYIioZglmK_qFgbbZHkqRmV3A/s3672/FlakeWithThat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2604" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGSmh6IhUv2XUCBMGWjAWEYXhRYk7KlpVpOEXhCc8x-njNZiq-i1cBB8L9PgM5traKEQ20TgY4OiBYRLHlRmfso-sw3jZZKttKgEowKND0fWBYud5CUFI7wApAkW44kTotuCyVtAOR2CdEojAKGd9ibz_OFYIioZglmK_qFgbbZHkqRmV3A/s320/FlakeWithThat.JPG" width="227" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>During dinner Cap’n finished the pickled onions and so afterwards he cut up some red onions and placed them into the vinegar in the old jar. More pickles!</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-1788348698761788232023-06-02T15:30:00.002+00:002023-06-02T15:33:01.881+00:00Llangollen trip day#21<p>Friday 2nd June 2023</p><p>Last night we had a lovely meet up with Ian and Steph at ‘the Star’. It was good to have a long overdue catch-up over a nice meal and hear their plans for Ian’s pending retirement and their move to Litchfield. We hope it all goes well!</p><p>We left our mooring below Star Lock and made our way out of Stone to Aston lock where we found ourselves third in a queue with only room for one boat on the lock landing. Trying to hover between moored boats and the traffic coming out of the lock was fun. All the time, a swan sat on her nest alongside us was busy making the nest build better for her soon to be family.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3s9oFFY0f6Csm6TdS5sLYipeSA8b3exxqplcyiVuV3JnTqXujTrdPyaO0RzuZqP9hrphYpcTzQx7FtUeKsL1XmZbaoMoOFL1DNT1edEv_kT2e6Mp3Jx3uD7oUmz5KPW90gl-5_y-0ZdbtRhnrMh7txTScFvJHO_OUj01jlDRCnKfIQoqUw/s4288/DSCF5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3s9oFFY0f6Csm6TdS5sLYipeSA8b3exxqplcyiVuV3JnTqXujTrdPyaO0RzuZqP9hrphYpcTzQx7FtUeKsL1XmZbaoMoOFL1DNT1edEv_kT2e6Mp3Jx3uD7oUmz5KPW90gl-5_y-0ZdbtRhnrMh7txTScFvJHO_OUj01jlDRCnKfIQoqUw/s320/DSCF5397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We passed a moored boat that had faded, peeling and rusty paintwork. A sign in the window declared “I identify as painted!” I suppose it’s cheaper than painting the boat. Ho Ho!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nTzky3w9hmICe5eVxG2DDsE9kWcm3QBKD-XlRTbuDtQTClnRle3n7qGmMHcS6wX8X3me2XBtSJzxNXkc_leHhlUrGSbYlZjOPUIhlx4ckuIJhO9agLyNqXFQdwy9MnfOU-fRAHRR74KKVglZyYbIRW-8yRjZwLsxjY9e3IfGro9JcPZH1g/s4288/DSCF5399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nTzky3w9hmICe5eVxG2DDsE9kWcm3QBKD-XlRTbuDtQTClnRle3n7qGmMHcS6wX8X3me2XBtSJzxNXkc_leHhlUrGSbYlZjOPUIhlx4ckuIJhO9agLyNqXFQdwy9MnfOU-fRAHRR74KKVglZyYbIRW-8yRjZwLsxjY9e3IfGro9JcPZH1g/s320/DSCF5399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>All in all, we had another pleasant sunny day, albeit with a cold wind, meandering down the Trent valley passing through Sandon, Weston and Hoo Mill locks with queues at the first two and meeting Northbound boats at every one – some heading to this weekends Etruria festival. What more could we ask for? (apart from no queues – Ed)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGiLDZIaPTQQDLMecRIJ5v6Mbum-hxYPtr51hgMcqr_iyzrNPjXWe6z10ZITv4fXlOlZyfqxUDqt11mINbSFhpUHpTfbRVM07ZzKHp5-jdt3k4sDUzsAG7GVb0SvmcycoVrpc6OXkazS7-yEHeQodUgtjrqHcZE2EB_f-SvrSLdV6VOLpZw/s4288/DSCF5402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGiLDZIaPTQQDLMecRIJ5v6Mbum-hxYPtr51hgMcqr_iyzrNPjXWe6z10ZITv4fXlOlZyfqxUDqt11mINbSFhpUHpTfbRVM07ZzKHp5-jdt3k4sDUzsAG7GVb0SvmcycoVrpc6OXkazS7-yEHeQodUgtjrqHcZE2EB_f-SvrSLdV6VOLpZw/s320/DSCF5402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Down to Great Haywood junction where we decided to turn right and see if there were any moorings at Tixall wide rather than continuing on for hours to get away from the railway – hooray, we found a spot which fitted us nicely once we had winded.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn2MSy8FP0E53w6cnN382LBx6LemzbYrZk14f2ObtPHEGezfSq3ImSPpKIPJdIQ71_kYaGvC2dFVOAaoe4Y3LLfj73IvhCGah-TsBNlhap9m0riwh03GeM9fjz8AlY9Kyo7h5ibrX3evt9Lo_TZDdzJJwo4xVHODZRewjJWS27MmBNoOyjQ/s4288/DSCF5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLn2MSy8FP0E53w6cnN382LBx6LemzbYrZk14f2ObtPHEGezfSq3ImSPpKIPJdIQ71_kYaGvC2dFVOAaoe4Y3LLfj73IvhCGah-TsBNlhap9m0riwh03GeM9fjz8AlY9Kyo7h5ibrX3evt9Lo_TZDdzJJwo4xVHODZRewjJWS27MmBNoOyjQ/s320/DSCF5405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv2-CGlW9lnD6_I7X0iU28jbOzcvR6AW8MwPiOkyrRPeuoAUVPfIWHbYG_QIYnk5Yu0Y84Fi7j4-gerq3Pa65ZQ3C1QvX3aLU81a8RKEgGSq7xt-LzfJGXzUzASXo5iKrlKWzN8l0D1e3yje8_GyMqzEbIPn1oBFjx-0vGpPHskMyGtOZrA/s4288/DSCF5406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv2-CGlW9lnD6_I7X0iU28jbOzcvR6AW8MwPiOkyrRPeuoAUVPfIWHbYG_QIYnk5Yu0Y84Fi7j4-gerq3Pa65ZQ3C1QvX3aLU81a8RKEgGSq7xt-LzfJGXzUzASXo5iKrlKWzN8l0D1e3yje8_GyMqzEbIPn1oBFjx-0vGpPHskMyGtOZrA/s320/DSCF5406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-73729435061272618222023-06-01T16:00:00.003+00:002023-07-09T06:57:48.879+00:00Llangollen Trip day#20<p>Thursday 1st June 2023</p><p>Firstly, I missed an important bit from yesterday’s blog – after Brenda had crossed the canal and walked up the road to visit the Wedgewood seconds centre, she found that it had closed and the car park was full of travellers. Not a lot of money spent there then.</p><p>Last night was a rare ‘two pub’ evening, not happened since last May when we stopped in Etruria. We like to eat at the Toby Carvery as we enjoy a roast dinner and we always try to visit the Holy Inadequate pub & brewery just down the road. The beer selection in the former was poor and in the latter was superb.</p><p>Graham set us off just before 9am and took us under bridge 117 to stop at Capital Gas services to get two 13kg refills, unfortunately they only had one in stock so we had that and will have to source the second from an alternative source.</p><p>Then into Stoke top lock where one ground paddle was out of action and the bottom gates leaked so much that it took ages to fill. Graham had time to set the second whilst the first (referred to as ‘The Beast’ by Rob, the local un-official lockie) was still filling.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqogq5oe9p4WME4fG--p9QD7fzMfpjKeT8XqL7rJ6FUfX0UnjukdFlm0r2QpEy0y2sLUcdpJpYZ85JNgc49D9gMNRGKDhYoXO0t47CREjGdUE9-fM6aQM8ln8SAT5gKta37L3ilxqcDdNmOewIP8AeNJ9NWg7wOEwoxaPpbNsDQABD0SFVA/s4288/DSCF5382.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqogq5oe9p4WME4fG--p9QD7fzMfpjKeT8XqL7rJ6FUfX0UnjukdFlm0r2QpEy0y2sLUcdpJpYZ85JNgc49D9gMNRGKDhYoXO0t47CREjGdUE9-fM6aQM8ln8SAT5gKta37L3ilxqcDdNmOewIP8AeNJ9NWg7wOEwoxaPpbNsDQABD0SFVA/s320/DSCF5382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We met Rob at the 3rd lock working a boat up the flight. He gave us a business card that showed that he now has a partner working with him and they now do things like shopping, washing, fetching water as well as working locks between Wheelock and Stone by arrangement. </p><p><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8U9gtLLt3biOkuzbO-H-Z5xQG2FxM_7F8QPMjhHQfggb0RLyz7eAyabnmm27ntY4CJav9W_K5X3tEWBFmE3jbrKzG3s4m8yd5v3lcoHygdyjV2MaQ7l5zZWC1OdoSP1sYXNvYhwbgh5Az_nYtSxnSCeyZdkIwVjEIP7aIoC6DULpzHritg/s4288/DSCF5387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8U9gtLLt3biOkuzbO-H-Z5xQG2FxM_7F8QPMjhHQfggb0RLyz7eAyabnmm27ntY4CJav9W_K5X3tEWBFmE3jbrKzG3s4m8yd5v3lcoHygdyjV2MaQ7l5zZWC1OdoSP1sYXNvYhwbgh5Az_nYtSxnSCeyZdkIwVjEIP7aIoC6DULpzHritg/s320/DSCF5387.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There was a graffiti artist working on the wall here creating what looked like an excellent canal scene. Might have to visit again to see the finished painting. Out of the bottom lock and on, past the waste incinerator and football stadium, towards Trentham.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjtO2_1JlFGbGoEJrQVFMPivlAu-AKdHiumAtMmnBdGrh_ihEGKX36tf4sKoXQ19mLh0XdDIGt6ZrZYHgafAc4NFF19mJ0B0iTuZXburky6-qdlDhMAWqSvZYVjugxBxXiAMqJjzP3IyBjukiqExUxbBLU_JThdzBBzuc4Twem1BmN97yHg/s4288/DSCF5386.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjtO2_1JlFGbGoEJrQVFMPivlAu-AKdHiumAtMmnBdGrh_ihEGKX36tf4sKoXQ19mLh0XdDIGt6ZrZYHgafAc4NFF19mJ0B0iTuZXburky6-qdlDhMAWqSvZYVjugxBxXiAMqJjzP3IyBjukiqExUxbBLU_JThdzBBzuc4Twem1BmN97yHg/s320/DSCF5386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>At Trentham lock a traditional working boat, obviously heading for the Etruria boat festival this weekend, had just left the lock and another boat crew had started turning it before we could get there. Once through we continued on through Barlaston, not stopping at the Plume of Feathers, to Meaford locks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnWyKTzBRS3FqSMa4bfo4FNW-F6pgQCO8jIVTUUJQ-ViduHkyPhwWdvg0G6jK_e549Q6LOVgl7dtXY_dZ2PUk9eObfqcDm0tzTH6STG9GC52LRlXctqo31JYQGoWPcAD-MAvpAbFukITDko79PsX1f3PFK0QWEpnDX8V7LfpXP24PZUxBRA/s4288/DSCF5396.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnWyKTzBRS3FqSMa4bfo4FNW-F6pgQCO8jIVTUUJQ-ViduHkyPhwWdvg0G6jK_e549Q6LOVgl7dtXY_dZ2PUk9eObfqcDm0tzTH6STG9GC52LRlXctqo31JYQGoWPcAD-MAvpAbFukITDko79PsX1f3PFK0QWEpnDX8V7LfpXP24PZUxBRA/s320/DSCF5396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Brenda spotted a large Terrapin basking on the reeds between the top lock and Meaford road lock. No delays at all here and onto Stone. As we approached the top lock we were warned that the level in the next pound was very low. Newcastle road lock had CaRT signs explaining that the bottom gates leak badly and they should be closed in a specific order. Shame the last boat up before we arrived, who had given us the low level warning, had left the top gate open. After Wigan last summer this was no contest.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nx8mjQ-cUsmDKo8VfXnohqrVTWYSVnlGn77SFXmen67tNhzfCJ0NVhKDeQL8YKbxHBF2Dy9fOC0PpYQv0AZBpAtTifoYYpoPaejyCJCzdZu0jh-YcHKacF-CB4BUDXUc7mThiCyQte_rssXCwShyWkiGh05HdA3s4H5xj7asza7yJoYyWw/s2328/Terrapin.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2052" data-original-width="2328" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nx8mjQ-cUsmDKo8VfXnohqrVTWYSVnlGn77SFXmen67tNhzfCJ0NVhKDeQL8YKbxHBF2Dy9fOC0PpYQv0AZBpAtTifoYYpoPaejyCJCzdZu0jh-YcHKacF-CB4BUDXUc7mThiCyQte_rssXCwShyWkiGh05HdA3s4H5xj7asza7yJoYyWw/s320/Terrapin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We gave a little girl and her mum a lift down through Yard lock as they were happily watching what was going on in the locks. They got off at Star lock, where we were advised by a pedestrian that mooring places below the lock were scarce, and we continued down to find a suitable mooring spot immediately after the winding hole. Got an important date in the Star pub tonight.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-44249382157364648432023-05-31T15:51:00.003+00:002023-05-31T15:55:47.347+00:00Llangollen trip day'#19<p>Wednesday 31st May 2023</p><p>OMG! – last day of May. That is why an adjacent bush has dumped all it’s pink flowers all over Jannock last night – May’s out. Roof looks like there’s been a wedding.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCfSriwxjDhBTi3rUDsKc_g_oKNMLpWp7BtXG2NrscEjuY0uRZewS3yXQhn292flozG7aDicejaPv_k9KGUNr-P4QUfFNwt6Dm8f07Hc67ot7iVTLUcO0wyn9r4jKokMWG2bRAxoubT-pe6anrXP3wmRY-KZgcYrWTlRzc41dApYNbph25A/s2560/P1040432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCfSriwxjDhBTi3rUDsKc_g_oKNMLpWp7BtXG2NrscEjuY0uRZewS3yXQhn292flozG7aDicejaPv_k9KGUNr-P4QUfFNwt6Dm8f07Hc67ot7iVTLUcO0wyn9r4jKokMWG2bRAxoubT-pe6anrXP3wmRY-KZgcYrWTlRzc41dApYNbph25A/s320/P1040432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We awoke to a grey sky and a chilly wind which has stayed with us most of the day – except in Harecastle tunnel. We set off and ascended three locks before mooring up at Red Bull to refill the water tank and dump our rubbish. Unfortunately, although these locks are paired, a couple of the towpath side ones appear to have broken ground paddles and so were very slow to fill. Better to use offside ones if you are in a hurry.</p><p>As we untied from Red Bull, there was a boat already waiting to go in the lock and so we pulled in behind him and Graham held Jannock on the centre rope. The boat departing the lock came out at great speed and Graham asked him to slow down as he was struggling to keep the boat under control. He replied “What?” so Graham asked again in a louder voice. The torrent of verbal abuse received back was totally un-necessary and even the volunteer lockie that had just arrived was shocked. He came over to ask if everything was all right and did we get the boat name or number. unfortunately we didn’t. </p><p>When our turn came, we then moved up a couple more locks to moor up and visit Lidl to replenish our store cupboard. Back on board with still 90 minutes to go before our tunnel booking, we ascended the last lock and made our way to the tunnel mouth so we could have our lunch while waiting.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9-sTpFNfY2qSTwBiLig5WT2Rn6G9o_qF-yKIfpI2H-S-09r7EmFP4ov2uaUsk_xkZ53CGNvVwnpJzcvqa671YlA2E6DKMarPpSPDilyzslURN8iRmHsPV7GEso2SH9AO0369eW-etslXEWwBPc5hSp2FS-MmonlcP_-VZyc5qBCI8ey_jg/s2560/P1040435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9-sTpFNfY2qSTwBiLig5WT2Rn6G9o_qF-yKIfpI2H-S-09r7EmFP4ov2uaUsk_xkZ53CGNvVwnpJzcvqa671YlA2E6DKMarPpSPDilyzslURN8iRmHsPV7GEso2SH9AO0369eW-etslXEWwBPc5hSp2FS-MmonlcP_-VZyc5qBCI8ey_jg/s320/P1040435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>On arrival at the tunnel we were greeted, given our H&S briefing and sent straight in as the 12 o’clock flotilla of boats were only about 10 mins in front of us. Out the south portal in 34 minutes and then had lunch on the move past West Port lake and Middleport.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN15FuT91O3NJqnea2Ou4xynUq7vO9AwOKCEMq2wb4wX_5L7mNssVghkVG1UuMiP4fZzDUr-ZzTkWbaEX8DWz7muvxt7LAzyVwSUrQ8kyPJMIksIMv16nfH0M6LK-7fwe1w3_3s43C6kFPjU9g-zMjYEpQvCUiNBI7NAFJg35yZEgie1dBUQ/s2560/P1040444.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN15FuT91O3NJqnea2Ou4xynUq7vO9AwOKCEMq2wb4wX_5L7mNssVghkVG1UuMiP4fZzDUr-ZzTkWbaEX8DWz7muvxt7LAzyVwSUrQ8kyPJMIksIMv16nfH0M6LK-7fwe1w3_3s43C6kFPjU9g-zMjYEpQvCUiNBI7NAFJg35yZEgie1dBUQ/s320/P1040444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Brenda wanted to visit the Wedgewood group reject shop at bridge 119 so we pulled over and she went off while Graham cleared the prop and emptied the prop shaft drip bucket.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLFwgo__Da9yA1aukDLPrCzXtg8jdZ1V8ohVQEb89UZp9Ya6fHTsZa8YsNCtND7GOOLGgEdcEAUBTu_38-I1ok44eYCg1kCqSbjCHzv29aoCmT4jFQypdvPj7zd_CWRxs9nr8V_xwTwVotq3IRaz4i6tvv1n0xtIvnSbJ4VaJSwNpfi_6Bw/s2560/P1040445.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLFwgo__Da9yA1aukDLPrCzXtg8jdZ1V8ohVQEb89UZp9Ya6fHTsZa8YsNCtND7GOOLGgEdcEAUBTu_38-I1ok44eYCg1kCqSbjCHzv29aoCmT4jFQypdvPj7zd_CWRxs9nr8V_xwTwVotq3IRaz4i6tvv1n0xtIvnSbJ4VaJSwNpfi_6Bw/s320/P1040445.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>finally moored for the night just before Festival Park marina. Toby Carvery followed by a visit to the Holy Inadequate tonight – another of Graham’s favourite pubs (complete with in-house brewery)</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-81163218810061573022023-05-30T15:12:00.001+00:002023-05-31T15:18:46.633+00:00Llangollen trip day#18<p>Tuesday 30th May 2023</p><p>Disappointment of the trip – whatever happened to Caramac? It used to be creamy and taste of pure caramel. Shan’t be buying that for ‘old times’ sake again! (She didn’t, I did. Ed)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHshUEiaqy4OViUiaLtkeGZ7BSEDxMzQrUCXAiRDamjzSdhFWaGqAiIWaYlZaarWURYurIoCekyDoPNpSkPbYimpt2arPzFI4yfD-3kdXYeiJCgzMdgB-XItIT-Oy8PHZy_BJuodzBrdNZ9HuXUHS9IknsAJRnn4BIySBlH_fBPVNJxhTDg/s2560/P1040425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHshUEiaqy4OViUiaLtkeGZ7BSEDxMzQrUCXAiRDamjzSdhFWaGqAiIWaYlZaarWURYurIoCekyDoPNpSkPbYimpt2arPzFI4yfD-3kdXYeiJCgzMdgB-XItIT-Oy8PHZy_BJuodzBrdNZ9HuXUHS9IknsAJRnn4BIySBlH_fBPVNJxhTDg/s320/P1040425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We started with just under an hours cruise to our first lock, of twenty in total today, at Wheelock. We found ourselves another boat but the dual locks initially allowed the two lock crew to share tasks. The lady off the other boat went ahead and set the locks while Graham worked both boats through the locks – brilliant until we came to the first single lock after Malkins bank. Then the system went awry.</p><p>This is one of our favourite stretches of canal and we were blessed with nice sunny weather to do it in – we are being spoiled. Task of the day was to find somewhere to purchase two 1st class stamps and post a card.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoy1RCLS8qF6Bnr_ZlE-QMVEyiedDEp-gDTURbFom-rlcNO79uKraFeLDUKrOG6ZVHXHh8qgF-9rIw9OGazdgh2FOWV18wmRWkgvsk6zzzoa-DBng1OjRyWBhadBWbFCTWtzhKIogEAqjFfQZWmpUdUHe9w9O3B8qrCVnxmrSyCzMednZaw/s4288/DSCF5381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoy1RCLS8qF6Bnr_ZlE-QMVEyiedDEp-gDTURbFom-rlcNO79uKraFeLDUKrOG6ZVHXHh8qgF-9rIw9OGazdgh2FOWV18wmRWkgvsk6zzzoa-DBng1OjRyWBhadBWbFCTWtzhKIogEAqjFfQZWmpUdUHe9w9O3B8qrCVnxmrSyCzMednZaw/s320/DSCF5381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>At Hassall Green we remembered when there was a shop and post office next to the lock and a pub, the Romping Donkey, was open. Now all domestic properties although there was a canal side sign for the pub about half a mile the other side of the M6 – which today was all clogged up Southbound. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTPQsClhZN9gAuwjlwGib5upox3ugO6Y11UeA2KG3PRlnqWPCI69bQDE7Xrn_nQWw2cf-fdUU2qDUeNh3BHF5kgsfz6nn5BfgwhhLxugbGGi3j3F-sI_IwEg6RbI-_rfMfZjYhQaZHp0hgwgTCcPjsKvF62voNEZ5d8klZEq3J24g7h-3YA/s4032/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTPQsClhZN9gAuwjlwGib5upox3ugO6Y11UeA2KG3PRlnqWPCI69bQDE7Xrn_nQWw2cf-fdUU2qDUeNh3BHF5kgsfz6nn5BfgwhhLxugbGGi3j3F-sI_IwEg6RbI-_rfMfZjYhQaZHp0hgwgTCcPjsKvF62voNEZ5d8klZEq3J24g7h-3YA/s320/IMG_0217.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Graham got a picture of ‘Saint Barbies’ – not really it’s name but it is an old corrugated iron chapel that is painted pink as they did in the Victorian times. We christened it St Barbies many years ago when we stopped for the night and found it during our evening constitutional.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp5Ch_QNhWjfga1ArnxNU6LtAwddYnT7VaIp2LOPOY79wQYfrAg2zCCfWdpI-pHDTLbrYQnljoDc5gTJYY-2WNhSR9jXWSN1gRFt7LntK1-gxNmxC6QZz21OL6WIQTaWAJDLcXJUNT9g3mdilNFFiig77xiPzA_yyxDF0Rc0ZDTLe13_KMg/s4288/DSCF5379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDp5Ch_QNhWjfga1ArnxNU6LtAwddYnT7VaIp2LOPOY79wQYfrAg2zCCfWdpI-pHDTLbrYQnljoDc5gTJYY-2WNhSR9jXWSN1gRFt7LntK1-gxNmxC6QZz21OL6WIQTaWAJDLcXJUNT9g3mdilNFFiig77xiPzA_yyxDF0Rc0ZDTLe13_KMg/s320/DSCF5379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>On to Rode Heath where we could see there was a Post Office on the map. Graham reckoned he spotted it from the lock and so Brenda went off and found it was a Bargain Booze store. However, they did sell 1st class stamps (and oatcakes and fruited pikelets) but Brenda then had to yomp along the road for the post box – which was outside the Post Office near bridge 140 ;^) Card posted, post box photographed, as it had been yarn-bombed, and a quick phone call meant that Jannock picked her up at the bridge.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63_yW9rFB6Z5ZG_ZTgpgf7wZZQF1FmOUPaVsO7wFvZt7VGT5YF5KifwoqCLkZ-cFfYW1wiDi7I07X6g-uwYEpP6-eECrABNCoNOCUoQ2FobxjV_jyWtOGeVV0jFmfwcm0-ta1ifW2EG2TL7wKTr3AZVbdQl_fu_LS7QXikFLuL6F7_s5yyA/s2592/Photo0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63_yW9rFB6Z5ZG_ZTgpgf7wZZQF1FmOUPaVsO7wFvZt7VGT5YF5KifwoqCLkZ-cFfYW1wiDi7I07X6g-uwYEpP6-eECrABNCoNOCUoQ2FobxjV_jyWtOGeVV0jFmfwcm0-ta1ifW2EG2TL7wKTr3AZVbdQl_fu_LS7QXikFLuL6F7_s5yyA/s320/Photo0335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Another six locks and we moored for the night near the church before bridge 135. One of our favourite quiet moorings before the hustle and bustle of Kidsgrove encroaches.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-81063160556916683522023-05-29T18:49:00.002+00:002023-05-29T18:54:50.774+00:00Llangollen trip day#17<p>Monday 29th Mat 2023</p><p>What better way to spend a morning than with good friends. After breakfast we walked down to bridge 30 and crossed to visit John and Gillian for a couple of hours catching up. Sitting in a sunny garden, with roses, paeonies, so many more lovely plants, a pot of tea and a family of swans – nesting peacefully. Thanks so much for a sunny patio experience that we couldn’t have had any better in the Med!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvyTsoy9qCBQExkfQR8J5uekSvZqTMK6vC-moqLYci_mfWxJrQr8-JybPuTM2K5yTcKqzEMAIDAeFMjQxeKudWVU5vQW_hq4DoDNOyqfbKRMVtBlXvIKGwxZCTW7tMwqIA5Y3gJ3HhwfuK_Lgmb03IFuDUUbCsMNU3TafwBTC2g3JTApFIQ/s4032/IMG_0215.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicvyTsoy9qCBQExkfQR8J5uekSvZqTMK6vC-moqLYci_mfWxJrQr8-JybPuTM2K5yTcKqzEMAIDAeFMjQxeKudWVU5vQW_hq4DoDNOyqfbKRMVtBlXvIKGwxZCTW7tMwqIA5Y3gJ3HhwfuK_Lgmb03IFuDUUbCsMNU3TafwBTC2g3JTApFIQ/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>After saying our goodbyes, we returned to Jannock for a quick sandwich and off towards Wardle lock where we were 2nd in the queue, in glorious sunshine. We have been so lucky with the weather and haven’t been at all jealous as we watch jets approaching and leaving Manchester airport.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNdg2BswQA2L8ZW-7yclfJCdlQg8ZNnrZ8YyxW8qi_cvxS2l-o6VRD4zwGApUc2UVpVp5Oskm6_azUGCEFQfpmHKTgyAR-auc62lZjrUk07rZzfg9sNEYadHB3w51STUPLeeVBFVv64X-W8tlxPtjzF0-2kDHrP2mLRclJ1djmUlO8mstrQ/s2560/P1040419.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNdg2BswQA2L8ZW-7yclfJCdlQg8ZNnrZ8YyxW8qi_cvxS2l-o6VRD4zwGApUc2UVpVp5Oskm6_azUGCEFQfpmHKTgyAR-auc62lZjrUk07rZzfg9sNEYadHB3w51STUPLeeVBFVv64X-W8tlxPtjzF0-2kDHrP2mLRclJ1djmUlO8mstrQ/s320/P1040419.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Out of the Wardle canal and turn left onto the Trent and Mersey and straight into Kings Lock that was being vacated by a Northbound boat. Then on up through 4 more locks until we moored for the night in a nice sunny spot just before Elton Moss bridge (160)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDgmyKpl149O_d0U5UNvpemwnli3eNBw6KfGkyq2CRZWm80m8N2GYjXhhlorZrJbDaLXCwbbPqfNm5qf2s5zutzIMnqiIcHLr-7o5S0GOUj7nSkArjOF7g3gpLjXtb1oegdy_6iTn_kdR0bIp7nFfHYVRehOqNh45g63oY3FT9XpBKtoQqA/s2560/P1040422.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDgmyKpl149O_d0U5UNvpemwnli3eNBw6KfGkyq2CRZWm80m8N2GYjXhhlorZrJbDaLXCwbbPqfNm5qf2s5zutzIMnqiIcHLr-7o5S0GOUj7nSkArjOF7g3gpLjXtb1oegdy_6iTn_kdR0bIp7nFfHYVRehOqNh45g63oY3FT9XpBKtoQqA/s320/P1040422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Tonight’s dinner was the left-overs from last nights superb Chinese meal followed by rice pudding – excellent!</p><p>Twenty locks of Heartbreak Hill tomorrow, ready for our tunnel booking on Wednesday afternoon.</p><p>G&B </p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-68915804536097876082023-05-28T21:27:00.004+00:002023-05-28T21:37:32.554+00:00Llangollen trip day#16<p>Sunday 28th May 2023</p><p>We had a late start this morning to allow for a cooked breakfast. We then descended the two Swanley locks and made our way to Hurleston where we filled the water tank and dumped our rubbish before joining the chaos at the four locks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbZK_mazoOADM8YrTQa2D4PZEGS0px8GB4ifhMRf1vq2-zzUwnL2GNoZNvbPulpUJgGY9tGAu_43UppnWohSzoYGjpde282-0pnqUNgOe9TcNtqav4XXStZ-RbqaOV2YBdGriSzNyJysn3OROkI4SrLXiHmG6gspSB8p8nl8_hCHpPeuvrg/s1612/P1040411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1612" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbZK_mazoOADM8YrTQa2D4PZEGS0px8GB4ifhMRf1vq2-zzUwnL2GNoZNvbPulpUJgGY9tGAu_43UppnWohSzoYGjpde282-0pnqUNgOe9TcNtqav4XXStZ-RbqaOV2YBdGriSzNyJysn3OROkI4SrLXiHmG6gspSB8p8nl8_hCHpPeuvrg/s320/P1040411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Whilst waiting above the top lock, Brenda observed a chap who got out of his van and came to the lock-side. He then returned to his van and extracted a suitcase (with airline luggage tags on it) and lugged it across the lock bridge to the cottage opposite. He went through the gate and knocked the door. A few minutes later he dragged his case back across the lock again, loaded it into his van and drove off. It must have been the most complicated ‘wrong address’ we’ve ever seen.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEtat6GlTA4qfNlkWwRgRN2Su7WIAfQ2kgVWEa_VGX_ItucRahYdJMxXZgcJ25h8MVyhPgkaOIVtFIxUtWt7IM6NUzeAg26V59chjCoLfZsPuZnbPTyDkwt24vZubUrroiUVJVBiAr47FYRnCe-X8b7n2vIKij85o1IKDPsphH9ihlRpqnA/s2560/P1040413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEtat6GlTA4qfNlkWwRgRN2Su7WIAfQ2kgVWEa_VGX_ItucRahYdJMxXZgcJ25h8MVyhPgkaOIVtFIxUtWt7IM6NUzeAg26V59chjCoLfZsPuZnbPTyDkwt24vZubUrroiUVJVBiAr47FYRnCe-X8b7n2vIKij85o1IKDPsphH9ihlRpqnA/s320/P1040413.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Locking down the four locks was difficult due to low water levels in the pounds and the fact that one ascending hire crew had actually ‘turned’ a lock in front of a descending boat. This meant that there were two ascending boats in the same pound at the same time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXdvEo19u39DwLMKM8Hwll8333JTIprTo1eddGESWmh725Azi_74ktR8LYppXO0nCWFR4ZdVJQi-u-fhuuDAwv0FCx1up6dInn-GAtmziEWY20rk7yO68spkUixp2aIbBmleQ075-fzIhijgl54EcHmuxc1XMppRx2PMSlxEOiPJgMaPMuQ/s2560/P1040414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXdvEo19u39DwLMKM8Hwll8333JTIprTo1eddGESWmh725Azi_74ktR8LYppXO0nCWFR4ZdVJQi-u-fhuuDAwv0FCx1up6dInn-GAtmziEWY20rk7yO68spkUixp2aIbBmleQ075-fzIhijgl54EcHmuxc1XMppRx2PMSlxEOiPJgMaPMuQ/s320/P1040414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Onto the Shropshire Union canal and heading North to Barbridge junction we followed a very slow boat who eventually pulled over to visit The Barbridge Inn. We then turned right at the junction onto the Middlewich branch .</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiqZd6tJxkWXYVJOfafohBju6I-XnSN5tbBNh5NTCs24X4dpPXBEoatNNDvKpYhIfjPGuco0CsU7MP5-374WIDkx0mPweK1vsEZL-KvaURYSiMcVZJJyyeFmFZH74YJxYZ1LZMpdrvY-kWebp3V5EnGjOa3zUY2ZY-NcC74lnnrWahtXRmQ/s1985/Crowbath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1985" data-original-width="1495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiqZd6tJxkWXYVJOfafohBju6I-XnSN5tbBNh5NTCs24X4dpPXBEoatNNDvKpYhIfjPGuco0CsU7MP5-374WIDkx0mPweK1vsEZL-KvaURYSiMcVZJJyyeFmFZH74YJxYZ1LZMpdrvY-kWebp3V5EnGjOa3zUY2ZY-NcC74lnnrWahtXRmQ/s320/Crowbath.JPG" width="241" /></a></div><br />Graham spotted this Crow taking a bath just below Cholmondeston lock - never seen that before! <br /><p></p><p>We finally arrived in Middlewich about 5pm and moored, after a bit of reversing, just before bridge 28 as all other spaces nearer the junction were taken. With stocks low until tomorrow we decided on a Chinese take-away from the @Paragon Cantonese take-away’. Their bargain box 2 was sufficient food for the two of us and included complimentary prawn crackers. We also purchased another two main dishes to have tomorrow as well. Very good quality and excellent portion sizes – all at prices much cheaper than us ‘Southerners’ are used to. Recommended!</p><p>G&B </p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-4211005642398475702023-05-27T21:46:00.002+00:002023-05-27T21:50:22.264+00:00Llangollen trip day#15<p>Saturday 27th May 2023</p><p>Bank Holiday Numpties Day – and that’s allowing for inexperience!</p><p>We left our lovely overnight mooring at Blake Mere at 9am and set off southbound (with the flow). We didn’t spot many moving boats for the first hour and then started meeting all the Northbound boats that obviously started from their bases yesterday. Brenda took this time to get a shower before the lift bridges started.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m9uYrsAnsOfSwSbMvHT696sw4xmnwl16WdE_E82i9XcFnKgSaWW2RcyoZbeGKqoVLltr7417Z1ZcK3gj5KCk5wbWkaxT8Za3jd0PC34b5LIJw3lAFHIdvcYpY95UguA1Aoqk2lIP8gOiCkr9WPC30hBmm_xGEu9D1ZUVBwG2sOKa5mBF6g/s4288/DSCF5373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5m9uYrsAnsOfSwSbMvHT696sw4xmnwl16WdE_E82i9XcFnKgSaWW2RcyoZbeGKqoVLltr7417Z1ZcK3gj5KCk5wbWkaxT8Za3jd0PC34b5LIJw3lAFHIdvcYpY95UguA1Aoqk2lIP8gOiCkr9WPC30hBmm_xGEu9D1ZUVBwG2sOKa5mBF6g/s320/DSCF5373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>At Morris lift bridge, another boater had opened it and G told them to get on their boat, he then got off Jannock as we passed through and then held it open for another boat following the first one. Once closed he caught up and got back on Jannock. Then he went and had his shower.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwMhR8HPebkFmzvBeKsVaVGDfpxIObC-J5nqQ13N9eAkmpLUfSXc8QOQHc2M7Mke4jE-Ftw7oFrmqmqPB-Hl89Hv72kalZCGar5QbMi6sMYcqB5L-eH-xIEahOh0J00jxT1aHgs8_LaJ_tV9V_-ukDUtTGtur2KBKod4BvvydsMVXisqv8g/s2560/P1040401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwMhR8HPebkFmzvBeKsVaVGDfpxIObC-J5nqQ13N9eAkmpLUfSXc8QOQHc2M7Mke4jE-Ftw7oFrmqmqPB-Hl89Hv72kalZCGar5QbMi6sMYcqB5L-eH-xIEahOh0J00jxT1aHgs8_LaJ_tV9V_-ukDUtTGtur2KBKod4BvvydsMVXisqv8g/s320/P1040401.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We found ourselves following a day boat that was celebrating Mum’s birthday. At Sparks bridge (near Whitchurch) they went aground on the offside immediately after the bridge. We tried to pull them off backwards but that didn’t work so we passed them and then pulled them off forwards. We then set off ahead of them now. At the next (permanently open) lift bridge they seemed to do the same thing again but we were too far ahead to assist so we warned a hire boat going the other way.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre2tpffN8qJDwUy78zV_tuvqWyDtXKrwbOcZVKKbMRoKDZSEZDxmjcoB6o-84e1lanJdhztve9-OQM0sITpkKYIXAqsEV6h_J7yvAL3N0wjSpmHUN6x7iUSdM2FdGKiuulKd9C7hxtn54vLeRM2Rtzh55udAumuI_PC257zLLlKFIVo1QdA/s2560/P1040405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre2tpffN8qJDwUy78zV_tuvqWyDtXKrwbOcZVKKbMRoKDZSEZDxmjcoB6o-84e1lanJdhztve9-OQM0sITpkKYIXAqsEV6h_J7yvAL3N0wjSpmHUN6x7iUSdM2FdGKiuulKd9C7hxtn54vLeRM2Rtzh55udAumuI_PC257zLLlKFIVo1QdA/s320/P1040405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>When we arrived at Grindley Brook staircase locks, there was one boat already two locks down and we were ushered straight into the top lock without waiting. A very quick transit of all six locks with no-one coming the other way.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtmPdpMo7Ny_htwz_CYTh1RhUrV0yPa3qg4WfXI7NQbwYeI0_9PwuasJxDqM9Mc7JDIiSSvxOsGPfwnzC0tkRuOBM7mcZqm7NoxzkyP8a0rLc1WorjIk3KsbGi9wiEYrGH68WC7ktma2WuJcjMHYF71N8akOnjAZd49QFhz_1gmC8gdlw_w/s4032/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtmPdpMo7Ny_htwz_CYTh1RhUrV0yPa3qg4WfXI7NQbwYeI0_9PwuasJxDqM9Mc7JDIiSSvxOsGPfwnzC0tkRuOBM7mcZqm7NoxzkyP8a0rLc1WorjIk3KsbGi9wiEYrGH68WC7ktma2WuJcjMHYF71N8akOnjAZd49QFhz_1gmC8gdlw_w/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>As Brenda steered Jannock under the main road bridge at the bottom of the staircase she was being watched by a little boy and his parents/grandparents. As Jannock emerged from the bridge he exclaimed “it’s a lady!” as he spotted who was steering. Most surprised, Brenda could only smile and replied “girls can and girls do”. His Mum and Nanna grinned.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoNDmFV2XTFKZ_qTiURW9uPptgSfpHkEpuZO54nAGOrjJhHUL8wkZDqwqRpfPyP_9YBMTIkBGyUKHnNcFXYeKf1F5pUcpj139zM7FwJlC-PGhcQCz1JblQEz4d_WxDeU240Jlg3fjs6qiBWAWUbfwZamrbxhF1yKxWlgU8A7WtczvUDIbhw/s4288/DSCF5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoNDmFV2XTFKZ_qTiURW9uPptgSfpHkEpuZO54nAGOrjJhHUL8wkZDqwqRpfPyP_9YBMTIkBGyUKHnNcFXYeKf1F5pUcpj139zM7FwJlC-PGhcQCz1JblQEz4d_WxDeU240Jlg3fjs6qiBWAWUbfwZamrbxhF1yKxWlgU8A7WtczvUDIbhw/s320/DSCF5372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We then had a steady run down through locks and lift bridges to Wrenbury meeting lots of hire boats coming the opposite way. At one of the locks, Brenda managed to catch her watch on the cabin roof overhang which snapped the strap and sent it spiralling into the cut. A moored boater heard her swear and offered to get a sea-searcher magnet to recover it but the offer was declined. Even if it could be located, the strong magnetism would upset the mechanism as it was an electro-mechanical watch. Luckily it was very old with a very scratched glass so time for a new one – that’s the second item she has lost in the cut this trip.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKL9ngBxH_FNp0qAmo_2Avbr4n9QtXQRjdSWTQzfHpbrJVCEDIB88ANv0d73SpskRDkQt9M7OTbqYdGMJB64jTZfftP49DC0uUiCFaFNXBsr-sIHD_2y25ulU4qVcKbmKOkb9IEaqUu5wrysmh7TYSjfGOWG9iNhgVIijhYybxGNbGQVB5nw/s1608/hawkish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1608" data-original-width="1326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKL9ngBxH_FNp0qAmo_2Avbr4n9QtXQRjdSWTQzfHpbrJVCEDIB88ANv0d73SpskRDkQt9M7OTbqYdGMJB64jTZfftP49DC0uUiCFaFNXBsr-sIHD_2y25ulU4qVcKbmKOkb9IEaqUu5wrysmh7TYSjfGOWG9iNhgVIijhYybxGNbGQVB5nw/s320/hawkish.JPG" width="264" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Graham spotted this female hen harrier sat on a fence post by bridge 13. We moored for the night between bridges 13 and 12 on the SUCS 48 hour mooring. After dinner (slow cooked for 4 hours) we took a walk from bridge 12, across the field and up a lane to the village of Ravensmoor where we found the Farmers Arms is still open and serving beers from Ossett Brewery as well as offering a good food menu. The walk back to bridge 13 involved a length of busy road and crossing two fields full of cows so the bridge 12 route was the better one.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-90159553890182338102023-05-26T20:31:00.002+00:002023-05-26T20:38:47.636+00:00Llangollen trip day#14<p>Friday 26th May 2023</p><p>In recent times we have noticed that boaters tend to leave gaps between their boat when mooring for the night. This can be very annoying as the gaps are generally too short to find a mooring spot between. However – last night we ended up mooring immediately behind a Black Prince boat that had a very noisy Eberspatcher that stayed on until nearly 11 pm and was going again at 7am. We guess they all wanted warmth or showers before setting off today.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5CJ4_mNJZoDUlnkLrDg3DfSlcjVPEcZ_Hcm7TbtMGI2LgkZNzA_oGerJgUcPEQTxuNu_F6jq2GNzoeYVDBq-xHeSWB9-4zrgUhDtJVQn8HQaQIK3987hD2PL7eGlFXG_YQSbB1bn6mUxuJemBLjBx10HhhYeJ0z9gwiPUAZTJjHolz5gQA/s4288/DSCF5360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5CJ4_mNJZoDUlnkLrDg3DfSlcjVPEcZ_Hcm7TbtMGI2LgkZNzA_oGerJgUcPEQTxuNu_F6jq2GNzoeYVDBq-xHeSWB9-4zrgUhDtJVQn8HQaQIK3987hD2PL7eGlFXG_YQSbB1bn6mUxuJemBLjBx10HhhYeJ0z9gwiPUAZTJjHolz5gQA/s320/DSCF5360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We made good progress with the exception of waiting to enter Whitehouse tunnel. First one boat emerged, and then a second whose steerer told us there was another boat coming through his cloud of acrid exhaust smoke. We waited and when it all cleared we could see that there was no other boat following him.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uQp3a5qksg43W_4NHE9cmyix5Pb1kb544zwbLq7Mavf891A7QgiEIfKFqO6Tjv2jIsNWrj55bxa4RejMTUjS_AvEHvU6zv86GE0Eaj0nM-SgnAb3Tk20vctUh7KzDMwDUldFzLUodiKiHzCnWkzxPEGdquLDM98t-5E5JA4kFZnrykQ8Qw/s4288/DSCF5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uQp3a5qksg43W_4NHE9cmyix5Pb1kb544zwbLq7Mavf891A7QgiEIfKFqO6Tjv2jIsNWrj55bxa4RejMTUjS_AvEHvU6zv86GE0Eaj0nM-SgnAb3Tk20vctUh7KzDMwDUldFzLUodiKiHzCnWkzxPEGdquLDM98t-5E5JA4kFZnrykQ8Qw/s320/DSCF5361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Then through Chirk tunnel and across the aqueduct onto New Marton locks where we were 6th in line when we arrived. As we finally passed through the top lock, the lady who lives in the cottage remembered selling us a small radiator last time we visited. That radiator is still doing sterling service in our kitchen at home and she still has an assortment of items for sale along the top of her wall. Brenda purchased a classical CD.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_u6U2mJoA1bq5R6aMTYbs6476pzQ0PBOyevXvpZLbBJwNv_QVBzIRpYSN9xGtUoj3bWOVLdE--uxuwrFPlNnwxY6hoR1loTwsWIhI4H2qcOPk57Jkkg-mHommEeB7e0kbpyoBrdZGTYHhM9RuTq9jvh_42hPM75Il-nPkWbzyNdyn1ayBw/s4288/DSCF5362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_u6U2mJoA1bq5R6aMTYbs6476pzQ0PBOyevXvpZLbBJwNv_QVBzIRpYSN9xGtUoj3bWOVLdE--uxuwrFPlNnwxY6hoR1loTwsWIhI4H2qcOPk57Jkkg-mHommEeB7e0kbpyoBrdZGTYHhM9RuTq9jvh_42hPM75Il-nPkWbzyNdyn1ayBw/s320/DSCF5362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Then on past Hindford where the Jack Mitton Inn is in a very sorry state considering what an excellent pub/restaurant it used to be – must have been a casualty of Covid as it was family owned rather than part of a chain. Next was the junction with the Montgomery canal but not for us this time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9nia3BLulnfSVXPbLUE5C4TrJUGKOsAq7AY7E23fcXu3q-XoEpvU6BatPvkAq9xH-y6193s7iTxgdEpWCkgAWjHdkCKyPsIMr7Q122ZyYDT9ErQSIPO1fDSaFIavrhCQ5MKtBaTPId2HK7fvg5eTswyXBT9PdVeTLngdeJ7V9k9PIVS99A/s4288/DSCF5365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9nia3BLulnfSVXPbLUE5C4TrJUGKOsAq7AY7E23fcXu3q-XoEpvU6BatPvkAq9xH-y6193s7iTxgdEpWCkgAWjHdkCKyPsIMr7Q122ZyYDT9ErQSIPO1fDSaFIavrhCQ5MKtBaTPId2HK7fvg5eTswyXBT9PdVeTLngdeJ7V9k9PIVS99A/s320/DSCF5365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Graham had rung Whittington wharf earlier to enquire whether they had a starter battery they could sell us. He has had to jump start Jannock’s engine for the last couple of mornings. A check has shown that the battery is not well and needs replacing. They told him that they didn’t sell batteries or diesel – just Calor gas.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWHu55-s1GJekpfFPsvSH-qFDbQAePdu75psX3DLe86z5PEzVam4NKtpiY08b41v4h6zo0egBSf26tpDAXmI0cdStRGQ0pcKMYCBBaiBBKEAOJuq5ZOim__qy_vr-ECB51UweL1Pi0gGL3ns3lEItvu3XUbNL2icOKTLWv_Qe98R5J10_xA/s4288/DSCF5366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWHu55-s1GJekpfFPsvSH-qFDbQAePdu75psX3DLe86z5PEzVam4NKtpiY08b41v4h6zo0egBSf26tpDAXmI0cdStRGQ0pcKMYCBBaiBBKEAOJuq5ZOim__qy_vr-ECB51UweL1Pi0gGL3ns3lEItvu3XUbNL2icOKTLWv_Qe98R5J10_xA/s320/DSCF5366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Onto Ellesmere where Brenda was dropped at the end of the arm to visit Tesco while Graham took Jannock into Blackwater marina for a diesel fill (140L) and a new starter battery. Brenda arrived whilst some boat manoeuvring was happening so that Jannock could get out, a hire boat could also leave and another boat could go in for a pump-out. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0iKEI9NHt0E6HgN4hAc15KP9vj5gZnRbw_8MorvCMSG8EBaPppktTICAvNWMZcDNPT7Lrq6_op008RhxP4H2qMhNwHeds6ekDEbYwz_yVVzcChN-_qXIbSgXE6zQgyYAh9HcO4nQw_ao27TnFyyt07RJTEkuFHbPlucCck6rv_bp7UDAmA/s2560/P1040395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0iKEI9NHt0E6HgN4hAc15KP9vj5gZnRbw_8MorvCMSG8EBaPppktTICAvNWMZcDNPT7Lrq6_op008RhxP4H2qMhNwHeds6ekDEbYwz_yVVzcChN-_qXIbSgXE6zQgyYAh9HcO4nQw_ao27TnFyyt07RJTEkuFHbPlucCck6rv_bp7UDAmA/s320/P1040395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Once collected, we moved down to Blake Mere where we found the moorings completely empty to took our choice of prime spot. Shortly afterwards two other boats arrived and tied up.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-39477347201759647032023-05-25T19:36:00.002+00:002023-05-25T19:47:15.207+00:00Llangollen Trip day#13<p>Thursday 25th May 2023</p><p>Most of the day off from boating today – tourism calls.We’d decided on a train ride along the banks of the Dee, through the hills, to Carrog. Unfortunately the full length run to Corwen doesn’t open until later in the year. We quite fancied the route 199 picturesque bus service that runs a circular route all around the local villages but were disappointed to find it only runs on Saturdays – shame. So, short train ride with the spring weather at it’s spring best, there could be no disappointment here.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ91O8BQDwEjlOyTkMoyHEghLeEtcv9h6B0YRe4CtfIbq5NVqMZ6CVtpWRvf9dFRrEXgmVTkbngREC-M8I0YK6Iqm66w7OOX4MItFBAdWj3L-8wss59yF94uyh7DB9i6qE7yTo5s2dtCfPg0QRNnRgIhh-qtPr2qXhS9eQpuPQHmWt2pEYFg/s2560/P1040373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ91O8BQDwEjlOyTkMoyHEghLeEtcv9h6B0YRe4CtfIbq5NVqMZ6CVtpWRvf9dFRrEXgmVTkbngREC-M8I0YK6Iqm66w7OOX4MItFBAdWj3L-8wss59yF94uyh7DB9i6qE7yTo5s2dtCfPg0QRNnRgIhh-qtPr2qXhS9eQpuPQHmWt2pEYFg/s320/P1040373.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The countryside is world class beauty. There were fly-fishermen to watch as we passed by and made our way to Carrog. Due to the timetable allowing for the future Corwen service, we had 30 mins at Carrog station before returning. Time for a wander round to experience the wonderful countryside ‘silence’ and a cup of tea before setting off back to Llangollen.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMd73gq1Id0OqJWTab-GH4kxt5MXGlPEhYVy7Zq-1pWsyEqUP-jqPXY8XDnxVBRQc0jMC_aR-MnfBcXODq-esnNsytO-VOHGSXBOM9tYIGCaBPNgp9uXA1r0gNSrxGY3AZvI9PEK_RxqHixxyObqYJIGgtXAIRvFRrZOPKJQfA0fTY0x51Q/s2560/P1040375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMd73gq1Id0OqJWTab-GH4kxt5MXGlPEhYVy7Zq-1pWsyEqUP-jqPXY8XDnxVBRQc0jMC_aR-MnfBcXODq-esnNsytO-VOHGSXBOM9tYIGCaBPNgp9uXA1r0gNSrxGY3AZvI9PEK_RxqHixxyObqYJIGgtXAIRvFRrZOPKJQfA0fTY0x51Q/s320/P1040375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQzYABDpRy6kFATY1OVyMHL_qMzhpmPGCzPGBWdsXHVfqDc-VWC8OsGLcxWv0MoP0kmm_tdN-cpRnpDN5_SLyC3c5Rf2l6hPh6XqqUocjxOsCF-HmgpYWgtwEzNsPV8csSoSxki74CR5uYV2I3-CUB2Fq_XLEquEsMfRzh3EWwtupsBDmSg/s4032/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQzYABDpRy6kFATY1OVyMHL_qMzhpmPGCzPGBWdsXHVfqDc-VWC8OsGLcxWv0MoP0kmm_tdN-cpRnpDN5_SLyC3c5Rf2l6hPh6XqqUocjxOsCF-HmgpYWgtwEzNsPV8csSoSxki74CR5uYV2I3-CUB2Fq_XLEquEsMfRzh3EWwtupsBDmSg/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Our tummies were starting to complain so we decided to return to the Old Corn Mill for lunch. Our meals there last night were so good and the beer selection was excellent. Five stars from Graham especially for the best faggots he’d ever tasted, for lunch today. The beer selection was different as well so he got to try another two ‘never tried before’ beers with his lunch.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-8ehxdBQgwIT1cBpOZ5RQjQgIwSS-lVOPG43LsJbs_lOdL8GXxapMGAfJsQPa9CaKuTaYL7Ghh-iwc5pFvEBjp6DDmpHuMnXz_YAbT4GwXOMVXg7InOp_U2qt8ZqXLYWVelGUchemBs4R1RxM55iUJ1_nZhg0V3T9TW8E-J_HDN2f01v6A/s2560/P1040379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-8ehxdBQgwIT1cBpOZ5RQjQgIwSS-lVOPG43LsJbs_lOdL8GXxapMGAfJsQPa9CaKuTaYL7Ghh-iwc5pFvEBjp6DDmpHuMnXz_YAbT4GwXOMVXg7InOp_U2qt8ZqXLYWVelGUchemBs4R1RxM55iUJ1_nZhg0V3T9TW8E-J_HDN2f01v6A/s320/P1040379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQc5sCyCm8NqI9Y4WBGH-xNUOjo8R2pC0W9JZlkGRcCAzHc9tHhmxfjinuNsvIBCQTGRJZTxOkpsMKLx9XXzhnYkbvyrOZHMXAl8hZ6VddzJovUkKsWctvfdKV5kUU-ts_IAswkxgZSXwyl9_XIBJfhATk8YogpHNOK5xqDfb5180OfzwLg/s2560/P1040372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQc5sCyCm8NqI9Y4WBGH-xNUOjo8R2pC0W9JZlkGRcCAzHc9tHhmxfjinuNsvIBCQTGRJZTxOkpsMKLx9XXzhnYkbvyrOZHMXAl8hZ6VddzJovUkKsWctvfdKV5kUU-ts_IAswkxgZSXwyl9_XIBJfhATk8YogpHNOK5xqDfb5180OfzwLg/s320/P1040372.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>On leaving the pub we found the riverside walk alongside Llangollen park which was a nice stroll – shame we hadn’t found that last visit, Although we didn’t have so much time to spare then. If you want to visit Aldi then this path is the most direct route from the town centre.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCVFAv7L4jPmMo-qlMWyJBN4IZ-ze7Uu0ZEl_8wcFf4TT5TWurPwLIaQcpyCMN3TJfSCceoggLYVidvry4x9m-eHmAwu0Ojur0BjG__3JNNkjR_wjgpb11BvZtBKnZ_AobOUnLH0y9jTBmPylXWVFWNHn2B2nUwU6hvNj18wXMf-wfCw6tA/s2560/P1040380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCVFAv7L4jPmMo-qlMWyJBN4IZ-ze7Uu0ZEl_8wcFf4TT5TWurPwLIaQcpyCMN3TJfSCceoggLYVidvry4x9m-eHmAwu0Ojur0BjG__3JNNkjR_wjgpb11BvZtBKnZ_AobOUnLH0y9jTBmPylXWVFWNHn2B2nUwU6hvNj18wXMf-wfCw6tA/s320/P1040380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We then did a bit of shopping visiting a brilliant craft centre (opposite the Old Corn Mill, plus Brenda’s essential charity shops as well as getting some post cards. Back to the boat to write postcards while Graham gave the boat a wash in the ‘relatively’ clean water fresh from the Dee.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUsqaPcizlr4SScvm2pkt7uw0qrxQgxYBkwKlWjOfeN2Vk0qzysSyAUTCq5vwMrLdQ2nU1pbAZ-OqddJMNt2kHQXvhlRPOXB8__aE9wOBMZJynrEdsPk5JgSDe3z-0BSQovjVg3n_oCTS6-QdsjM9-LVitq4HU62t_OOh3Ke9z3JmgzALig/s4288/DSCF5352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUsqaPcizlr4SScvm2pkt7uw0qrxQgxYBkwKlWjOfeN2Vk0qzysSyAUTCq5vwMrLdQ2nU1pbAZ-OqddJMNt2kHQXvhlRPOXB8__aE9wOBMZJynrEdsPk5JgSDe3z-0BSQovjVg3n_oCTS6-QdsjM9-LVitq4HU62t_OOh3Ke9z3JmgzALig/s320/DSCF5352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Just before 5pm a group of boats set off downstream and so we tagged on the end. On the way up yesterday we found that our two way radios were not working properly and so when we noticed another boat had sent a radio equipped walker ahead we followed them. It was a slow procession down to Trevor but with all the ‘view’ any-one could want, it was perfect. We even spotted a trio of paragliders pootling around a hilltop on the opposite bank of the valley.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqSyOCsgI-4OavNrhcVT9Iq_17MjpdANdBX0gXDquh0S5srRH_h9APxyVvkIeItOQ0tHYdgwZo5_Vtz1pGfcixOeJijbJGN_DKPR3dihtbVr8x-Alw-KnCNb09bsGy-obNuAnE5oglMC2Efu-x4Foo1BnCQtTk23EbyKwa4YFbDUC2TDGAg/s4288/DSCF5353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqSyOCsgI-4OavNrhcVT9Iq_17MjpdANdBX0gXDquh0S5srRH_h9APxyVvkIeItOQ0tHYdgwZo5_Vtz1pGfcixOeJijbJGN_DKPR3dihtbVr8x-Alw-KnCNb09bsGy-obNuAnE5oglMC2Efu-x4Foo1BnCQtTk23EbyKwa4YFbDUC2TDGAg/s320/DSCF5353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpl-Cki6wP5iCmipehJwVZ4avKZm2hI9hLjmn2I-UVHsDPudjvY-iBhtAMh7AqM0rer9dJKH4hNc2z_Vyixgih_VuvwQKJsgEDOMELGDCAHysiyrx5Jcyp-srdgr9ACK2wj7gUVfOBM2RefpEIfUI8iQyyWYPXiJtyywA6hijvByuNFIj-HQ/s2560/P1040383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpl-Cki6wP5iCmipehJwVZ4avKZm2hI9hLjmn2I-UVHsDPudjvY-iBhtAMh7AqM0rer9dJKH4hNc2z_Vyixgih_VuvwQKJsgEDOMELGDCAHysiyrx5Jcyp-srdgr9ACK2wj7gUVfOBM2RefpEIfUI8iQyyWYPXiJtyywA6hijvByuNFIj-HQ/s320/P1040383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Onto the Pontcysyllte aqueduct to cross the valley whilst taking some photo’s looking down – a special request from a blood-biking colleague. Once across we stopped and tied up for the night on the approach embankment.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHMyzU6RsZ9r3Q4hfLnIFamIMx9jD_WZvRNbrnElxWiILKUmC1ZNAH7HizxUIOTX0n98bwzdppXZ_HBE3LFdD_HA308H3k9XlTliNsBEox0LoJZDrGe27gXQEMMUtGCjRmzQL0i3j7BPfgv1ghBtJBSuzdiizfpuVuX3N9WwGXqh_Y7o_YA/s4288/DSCF5356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHMyzU6RsZ9r3Q4hfLnIFamIMx9jD_WZvRNbrnElxWiILKUmC1ZNAH7HizxUIOTX0n98bwzdppXZ_HBE3LFdD_HA308H3k9XlTliNsBEox0LoJZDrGe27gXQEMMUtGCjRmzQL0i3j7BPfgv1ghBtJBSuzdiizfpuVuX3N9WwGXqh_Y7o_YA/s320/DSCF5356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7fclsJVz_qKhhD5LFllvUGmcz-VZoc_UNqyywN9sgGIjglTQ-ch1zMm4zy24rRzs6Llud99fk1R0VkLjZo_f1m8yD2c0ENbSZmG7PInAkszzhtMUpHX-XOv6ARtrSlW1O-noFHoBE_5LYsFbTB6L9DqJ_gqsGMjFsV25YidaNEwt1byRCA/s2560/P1040392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7fclsJVz_qKhhD5LFllvUGmcz-VZoc_UNqyywN9sgGIjglTQ-ch1zMm4zy24rRzs6Llud99fk1R0VkLjZo_f1m8yD2c0ENbSZmG7PInAkszzhtMUpHX-XOv6ARtrSlW1O-noFHoBE_5LYsFbTB6L9DqJ_gqsGMjFsV25YidaNEwt1byRCA/s320/P1040392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e-GgnHwE5wP-ErBgOySoJxyL5GinFsGM1DpUw3381oc4GSlBDUPIOQ9LsTEBQyFU5t3yvPucZU9Ec7Urj0smdG2vBbpiGCAS8hbkSzz7VtGdytlV2NbfMRLcCpRw8kcwDUmdbACZR0WEEdkipAuSz_LZtYqVt3TY98sQSsQOh-5MzyuQvQ/s2560/P1040391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-e-GgnHwE5wP-ErBgOySoJxyL5GinFsGM1DpUw3381oc4GSlBDUPIOQ9LsTEBQyFU5t3yvPucZU9Ec7Urj0smdG2vBbpiGCAS8hbkSzz7VtGdytlV2NbfMRLcCpRw8kcwDUmdbACZR0WEEdkipAuSz_LZtYqVt3TY98sQSsQOh-5MzyuQvQ/s320/P1040391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-37084544437071800052023-05-24T16:05:00.003+00:002023-05-25T19:05:31.561+00:00Llangollen trip day#12<p>Wednesday 24th May 2023</p><p>A stop and start sort of a day today. Graham had planned to meet up with his ex-work colleague Paul at the Fron’ end of the aqueduct. He is a skilled drone pilot & photographer who offered to come and get some footage of Jannock crossing from the vantage point of the boat.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUffWR8GxzQ4ujfjI2CDEBnXx_eFc_otviR7pA9t2Hm_A1qoAs3jrAtE9KIFbs2-LpvpTirUQJIHXf2Wk5WkePpB1eR7QGG7HlATTp5yC2qeIHFoTyCZopHPcFQHWGatKkzQJQaElIGF7ZyZR3QV3kl9tgW1kWgWpMNDOq4FPXwNVbZ9yNg/s4288/DSCF5329.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUffWR8GxzQ4ujfjI2CDEBnXx_eFc_otviR7pA9t2Hm_A1qoAs3jrAtE9KIFbs2-LpvpTirUQJIHXf2Wk5WkePpB1eR7QGG7HlATTp5yC2qeIHFoTyCZopHPcFQHWGatKkzQJQaElIGF7ZyZR3QV3kl9tgW1kWgWpMNDOq4FPXwNVbZ9yNg/s320/DSCF5329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>As we approached Chirk bank we found ourselves behind an annoyingly slow ABC hire boat. When all was OK he set a good speed but as soon and he came to a bridge, on-coming boat or tunnel he slowed right down to an almost stop.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jg8S8A0SiT2EmxW053HJZZSa6PXfnTGcY_Lp_soTsWfha9_TbAQ7FVOH2zJPbVMhcFkOpojS1Eyt5CjjzaS4I1hAxVHlXZJvOK1JK-E53olNlzGPFa98l6CirlyBc895B9JOTe1fPH6bF17Mj7wc-OlpqFybK6R9-99P1vvUSTpfrjUJSQ/s4288/DSCF5332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jg8S8A0SiT2EmxW053HJZZSa6PXfnTGcY_Lp_soTsWfha9_TbAQ7FVOH2zJPbVMhcFkOpojS1Eyt5CjjzaS4I1hAxVHlXZJvOK1JK-E53olNlzGPFa98l6CirlyBc895B9JOTe1fPH6bF17Mj7wc-OlpqFybK6R9-99P1vvUSTpfrjUJSQ/s320/DSCF5332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Once across Chirk aqueduct and through the tunnel (very slowly) we then caught up with two more boats that were travelling equally slowly. At the two bridges after Whitehouse tunnel we all ground to a halt to allow flotillas of southbound boats to come through. We finally arrived at Fron’ at 11:45 and moored up on the aqueduct approach alongside two Roving Traders.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydjgIS976DMUeZxJyIhZwqPx2VSdiK6JXzuk6eahm5-1jjmqopzvFaIw8ee5njYXT70N2geWGCd2dvcgWu5FIWM8FtBwcgp9c8Yq2m_EtwYBJT-zu1zHW-wf0v4-WtNHySnmf3xzvLlZir_NhlxCrID6WSOjHRkie8XU_FkQFSC6IgARxag/s4288/DSCF5341.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydjgIS976DMUeZxJyIhZwqPx2VSdiK6JXzuk6eahm5-1jjmqopzvFaIw8ee5njYXT70N2geWGCd2dvcgWu5FIWM8FtBwcgp9c8Yq2m_EtwYBJT-zu1zHW-wf0v4-WtNHySnmf3xzvLlZir_NhlxCrID6WSOjHRkie8XU_FkQFSC6IgARxag/s320/DSCF5341.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Paul arrived at 12:30 as promised and we had lunch on Jannock before he set up his drone on the roof ready for the crossing. His skills controlling it were apparent as there was quite a strong wind to contend with coming down the Dee valley. The walkers on the aqueduct were quite impressed and several were filming the drone as it went about it’s business.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EUGyV0A58NmuWnNrsuunO7K6WhmyLqBuYxMD_zPA7XVV7aTklNMJb8bOI-1WYrrlEnsclmOMPz53tUED0PYsvIMaBGP6h9PARiC8Wn7YTldk3n8aVZGBYYRo6e8oBkGLbabTLVO2JV_DcbXp7rznImUYXp864ux5YIpGxCG5hjSYr_weSQ/s5280/DJI_0182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="5280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EUGyV0A58NmuWnNrsuunO7K6WhmyLqBuYxMD_zPA7XVV7aTklNMJb8bOI-1WYrrlEnsclmOMPz53tUED0PYsvIMaBGP6h9PARiC8Wn7YTldk3n8aVZGBYYRo6e8oBkGLbabTLVO2JV_DcbXp7rznImUYXp864ux5YIpGxCG5hjSYr_weSQ/s320/DJI_0182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOZxM9u4RCGhQvJSuEOVhK-1cDIoAI9kbbMJW4ehUOiQrunfsEo2NXyt5i8TThhZ4ioXPVYgS0utN6YdYPct-a7jIb1LR2g4FumUSHXfGusvZ-zPM8hltDafNeYjiZm0ezgA7OrXVhDHqg-xBYaqdtXgDLK4jQnud-mZU8vJe3vduSHROjA/s5280/DJI_0176.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2970" data-original-width="5280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOZxM9u4RCGhQvJSuEOVhK-1cDIoAI9kbbMJW4ehUOiQrunfsEo2NXyt5i8TThhZ4ioXPVYgS0utN6YdYPct-a7jIb1LR2g4FumUSHXfGusvZ-zPM8hltDafNeYjiZm0ezgA7OrXVhDHqg-xBYaqdtXgDLK4jQnud-mZU8vJe3vduSHROjA/s320/DJI_0176.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /> </p><p>At the Trevor end a long trip boat was emerging from the canal bridge and so we went straight into the entrance to Trevor basin and sat waiting while it went onto the aqueduct and the two boats following us got themselves sorted, one winding and the other turning up towards Llangollen. Jannock then reversed out of the basin, dropped Paul off to walk back to his car, and we went through the bridge and continued upstream.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HN4BgQ1qAyIit86H523rBrD8MIIWfdndcU0geny6xAVyXfoq1_4AUEn3lGd-SypBzZL5OTMsgQCtN1eX9weM2WmIbXC9HIf6OsrgqmEsW4IzGBuoPeKTSFeVKvjIJTx7Ja6oP2akIGecn7KSM7BZGC2ihK1i6gOsWsT9FpCFy-ajKTHjkg/s4288/DSCF5344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HN4BgQ1qAyIit86H523rBrD8MIIWfdndcU0geny6xAVyXfoq1_4AUEn3lGd-SypBzZL5OTMsgQCtN1eX9weM2WmIbXC9HIf6OsrgqmEsW4IzGBuoPeKTSFeVKvjIJTx7Ja6oP2akIGecn7KSM7BZGC2ihK1i6gOsWsT9FpCFy-ajKTHjkg/s320/DSCF5344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>On along the valley edge above the river Dee in sunshine. All of the moorings on the Llangollen side of the second narrows are now pay mooring unless you are staying less than 4 hours. We winded in the basin and then returned to a bankside mooring back towards Trevor.</p><p>Once tied up, Graham went and purchased an overnight ticket so that we could go out for a meal at the Old Corn Mill this evening and go for a train trip tomorrow.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-87396604485224944042023-05-23T19:03:00.002+00:002023-05-23T19:08:55.336+00:00Llangollen trip day#11<p>Tuesday 23rd May 2023</p><p>After a peaceful night punctuated by the beautiful ‘dawn chorus from hell’ at about 4am, we set off into Ellesmere for shopping and the services. Tuesday is Market day so we set off hoping to find half a dozen stalls selling usual market stuff. Instead we found a small collection of indoor gazebos selling craft bits and stuff, a chap selling pies, another selling Hornby railway items and a charity tea stall. Back to Tesco then.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJYSawdkCvtTeDbAvaNb37HhQei88heHonKz-VJonG-j81XYO4PQN8v3LelymiPjOQg8Dw0m0Z6L0xpR8z8ZLPQrzdg7uVTkviz522bJYgwGMgBAz1B6mVZgCgohMRF5JdeEMs11ME8NHMIPwCLRKztdL4vDrK_cOGDh68n-e5yEncE-yoA/s2560/P1040353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJYSawdkCvtTeDbAvaNb37HhQei88heHonKz-VJonG-j81XYO4PQN8v3LelymiPjOQg8Dw0m0Z6L0xpR8z8ZLPQrzdg7uVTkviz522bJYgwGMgBAz1B6mVZgCgohMRF5JdeEMs11ME8NHMIPwCLRKztdL4vDrK_cOGDh68n-e5yEncE-yoA/s320/P1040353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The town looks rather sad, obviously Covid and rising prices have taken their toll. Even with Tesco on the old cheese-factory site there should be enough passing trade for commerce to revive. Saddest of all was the dilapidation of the old warehouse in the basin and the canal company building up by the junction. Prime development sites perhaps when funds are available.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HJDwR_y-qOgnw5ggOwvIDJwdnFjtg_hPjpAt4Gs2p7XYMAvpsCMkqNCTXOU_Fb_miefqNfdAeeovFsY1n8AYRj7UJlsHBF7HFm2-Sfe2TL_xELNcCzJWltaO0NrDj8oYdkRBUrjW59lIeobTLMgl9SQtza5fyaSFitKzw3DjVf8Dfi7BPQ/s2560/P1040355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HJDwR_y-qOgnw5ggOwvIDJwdnFjtg_hPjpAt4Gs2p7XYMAvpsCMkqNCTXOU_Fb_miefqNfdAeeovFsY1n8AYRj7UJlsHBF7HFm2-Sfe2TL_xELNcCzJWltaO0NrDj8oYdkRBUrjW59lIeobTLMgl9SQtza5fyaSFitKzw3DjVf8Dfi7BPQ/s320/P1040355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We then moved up the the CaRT yard and tied up on the water point for a fill of the tank and to dump our rubbish. There are a lot more recycling facilities at CaRT sites up here than down home. Luckily we have been separating re-cyclable items on Jannock.</p><p>We carried on towards Frankton junction but soon noticed we were being followed by a cruiser so we slowed down and pulled over towards the side to let him past. Shortly afterwards we found ourselves following them, both behind a dawdling narrowboat. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOEjaGRVGrwGgGa6XN35MEFBrdsFwk-Ffn6nCDJIhrlm3m9mieci2gUuv3mTlCgCfc9iNolaiB2h1N3xOrSLv5mwKKh9NuhA4w9Vb2eMNWUIwTI7gVKkclYGK4Pe80Gno3RFoAlMFAVm-vyE-LNQsHIREFP9RSGDp_8kxOYNoDU1Wc-SsQg/s2560/P1040359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOEjaGRVGrwGgGa6XN35MEFBrdsFwk-Ffn6nCDJIhrlm3m9mieci2gUuv3mTlCgCfc9iNolaiB2h1N3xOrSLv5mwKKh9NuhA4w9Vb2eMNWUIwTI7gVKkclYGK4Pe80Gno3RFoAlMFAVm-vyE-LNQsHIREFP9RSGDp_8kxOYNoDU1Wc-SsQg/s320/P1040359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The steerer was oblivious to either following boats presence behind her and stayed steadfastly in the centre without looking behind at all. The cruiser tried to pass at Frankton junction but failed. When the husband emerged from the cabin, he indicated the procession behind their boat and she pulled over, but didn’t slow down, to allow the cruiser to pass.</p><p>Meanwhile we were still there following them until we got through Maestemyn bridge where she moved across towards the services wharf to let us past. She then put her boat into full reverse and the bows swung across our path. Mega-reverse and contact avoided.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHLhrrDfht2Ngt6vpTYI7xmOBM9i4ppVZjDRreXCUxQHq0-HvvcFIQPECOEi0Y9bp0sQLxU609vAh0mOFNl2wTqPitLmJNcY1LEhAJpCCqCkwkf40wi_zBO4sIDL04NBusgPQV4bV0xhTRrtrWo8Cy0LTnbWNcSL7cYFWg0yecHVA27-87A/s2560/P1040360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHLhrrDfht2Ngt6vpTYI7xmOBM9i4ppVZjDRreXCUxQHq0-HvvcFIQPECOEi0Y9bp0sQLxU609vAh0mOFNl2wTqPitLmJNcY1LEhAJpCCqCkwkf40wi_zBO4sIDL04NBusgPQV4bV0xhTRrtrWo8Cy0LTnbWNcSL7cYFWg0yecHVA27-87A/s320/P1040360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /> </p><p>We then continued on at a better rate past the now defunct ‘The Poachers’ at Hindford and on through both New Marton locks and finally moored for the night just after Sarn Bridge (No14). Another rural location before Chirk.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-76166048897978485262023-05-21T19:38:00.002+00:002023-05-21T19:42:02.659+00:00Llangollen trip day#9<p>Sunday 21st May 2023</p><p>Another quiet night was spent in beautiful (except in the dark) countryside. We were off early to make the most of the sunshine. Into Nantwich to stop at the waterpoint for a fill. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtIvRKCcnooznNfPO5WB_SC1avLN0azx9YdVEXpFxZjvj1-mxTFkCnOTwXDI8a7FyBvhhs3NutMxcWRoQYeWaR3VRd5J6orIH_cgM8M7nZ7N9j6PEdO8F0x9WImO63oB5MVQNoMZfCXyIJX15SrAmDOz4GB6Ic07iP9guzxOWDBjQNuO8Vg/s4288/DSCF5323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtIvRKCcnooznNfPO5WB_SC1avLN0azx9YdVEXpFxZjvj1-mxTFkCnOTwXDI8a7FyBvhhs3NutMxcWRoQYeWaR3VRd5J6orIH_cgM8M7nZ7N9j6PEdO8F0x9WImO63oB5MVQNoMZfCXyIJX15SrAmDOz4GB6Ic07iP9guzxOWDBjQNuO8Vg/s320/DSCF5323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Whilst filling, Brenda pointed out one of the water drain covers in the aluminium window frame was loose. Only one screw was fitted and so G got his screwdrivers and self tapping screws out to rectify the problem. Unfortunately the screw he chose was too long and shattered the window pane when he screwed it in. Luckily the inside anti-glare foil has held it all together so he re-enforced it with parcel tape.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU32Lr57w5KcUx6_ZylkIXwB4UTLeokBf4gqSplNgoFKyCXaniVm63otym9a3WVnDAZjlK70W-DF2Nd_92kDwMwkGn76SlDUumLtxVimj5O9XpFPkRf5oD6df0_iSKWdQPnoDF6_rzRSILp6PAyDgaHjjqZVGX_tsae7stxOzwzzcYq_Ciw/s4288/DSCF5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU32Lr57w5KcUx6_ZylkIXwB4UTLeokBf4gqSplNgoFKyCXaniVm63otym9a3WVnDAZjlK70W-DF2Nd_92kDwMwkGn76SlDUumLtxVimj5O9XpFPkRf5oD6df0_iSKWdQPnoDF6_rzRSILp6PAyDgaHjjqZVGX_tsae7stxOzwzzcYq_Ciw/s320/DSCF5324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>On to Hurleston junction where we turned onto the Llangollen canal and found the first lock in our favour. The next 4 all had boats descending so passage was simple.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrcIA2r5czFevY603Gre0J8-i3jNiB8D1KOOTKj1847bOdTcCStF4E-EFjBXI-zoPRvb9nF_EHnBwzFpb_AoKAjvI5FqsGDVILus7uJvq2DGVPeWRkYvgJiKubeb6oqhgB1yKvw82_oYJG1xtQzqSCV7bOghXAkbzpebkBwEZE4BDRC1xtA/s2560/P1040334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrcIA2r5czFevY603Gre0J8-i3jNiB8D1KOOTKj1847bOdTcCStF4E-EFjBXI-zoPRvb9nF_EHnBwzFpb_AoKAjvI5FqsGDVILus7uJvq2DGVPeWRkYvgJiKubeb6oqhgB1yKvw82_oYJG1xtQzqSCV7bOghXAkbzpebkBwEZE4BDRC1xtA/s320/P1040334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Brenda did an unusual thing today – some washing. It all dried too in the glorious sunshine.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58NiHhFkBch0PcYQDkHO0plMhYi8ZDNAMehSrWa6hzRe45j6maq8T34YDFANWyXo6-lYMILUJHJ3LVKbRDHkWERh12PPr6fjwme0hLh8C3vHuRzL2aEWwl3HI8DO8mpl1pcOBsLlbdBkshv6TQtt8k2bImYMuXaEk09uob5rxkyFJogg2RQ/s2560/P1040339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58NiHhFkBch0PcYQDkHO0plMhYi8ZDNAMehSrWa6hzRe45j6maq8T34YDFANWyXo6-lYMILUJHJ3LVKbRDHkWERh12PPr6fjwme0hLh8C3vHuRzL2aEWwl3HI8DO8mpl1pcOBsLlbdBkshv6TQtt8k2bImYMuXaEk09uob5rxkyFJogg2RQ/s320/P1040339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>On through Swanley and Baddiley locks to Wrenbury where we then had three lift bridges to deal with, one electric and two manual. We have seen a steady flow of boats coming the other way at Marbury, Quoisley, Willeymoor and Poveys locks before we moored for the night about half a mile before the Grindley Brook lock flight. As a lot of them are hire-boats then I suspect they are weekend hires returning back to Wrenbury ready for handing back tomorrow morning.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-74233827661210633522023-05-20T19:37:00.006+00:002023-05-20T19:43:27.367+00:00Llangollen trip day#8<p>Saturday 20th May 2023</p><p>Today ‘Springter’ turned into summer, but for how long? A beautiful day to be in beautiful countryside.</p><p>Graham untied and we set off from our very quiet overnight mooring just after 9:15. Twenty five minutes later we arrived at Adderley top lock and found ourselves second in-line to descend. He couldn’t believe what some considerate dog owner had left by the lock landing mooring bollard. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyveBzbwVdmLrnsrNnt0kdmgkeiqhGKfUN1QnlJWZxyPRKxGXIo9Azc3s9ryVM7kfDkEVvAxoVnHhypMXc3gBH8rtWjy3ukgFu2IFpMPBfrnD457rljV5fwhJm_Xv0kUZP9mUlbazyD0Dnn4yah5h-oWDTkkZSwG6ikR8G79xEfIVrgqv8QQ/s4032/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyveBzbwVdmLrnsrNnt0kdmgkeiqhGKfUN1QnlJWZxyPRKxGXIo9Azc3s9ryVM7kfDkEVvAxoVnHhypMXc3gBH8rtWjy3ukgFu2IFpMPBfrnD457rljV5fwhJm_Xv0kUZP9mUlbazyD0Dnn4yah5h-oWDTkkZSwG6ikR8G79xEfIVrgqv8QQ/s320/IMG_0193.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We were being followed down by a single-hander and so whenever there was no boat waiting to ascend, G back-set the empty lock for her after Jannock had moved out.</p><p>Audlem flight descent from lock 1 to 11 was very slow due to a single hander being in front of a queue of 3 other boats with no-one coming up initially. Most descending boats were double crewed and so there was no-one free to go ahead and assist. Once ascending boats were met then things sped up.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9_hDUYgCJaRvCoqAdeb1JXBxAE8msdYkcy5IZhyIzjRLgoZYiW5ZGlU0TNm2e7Ek1Y61KLPpofIJC6tUiF9pCnicQBeCgLY4M2hMw1XlP6mvTFw4YO3Kbrbw3FIVU9W6PCRLMcvmmw1whvPTrwDgJQHWnSKUzVpo3tSbiAkbxSAtxhYFuw/s2560/P1040330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv9_hDUYgCJaRvCoqAdeb1JXBxAE8msdYkcy5IZhyIzjRLgoZYiW5ZGlU0TNm2e7Ek1Y61KLPpofIJC6tUiF9pCnicQBeCgLY4M2hMw1XlP6mvTFw4YO3Kbrbw3FIVU9W6PCRLMcvmmw1whvPTrwDgJQHWnSKUzVpo3tSbiAkbxSAtxhYFuw/s320/P1040330.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Yesterday, Brenda bought two short dated Meatball subs for our lunch today so they were heated in the oven whilst we were stuck in a lock – waiting. Good for the 24p we paid but not worth the original ticket price of £2.38p each. A crisp roll, a small skinless sausage and some ‘pasta’ tomato sauce – but not enough of that! She’s decided she’ll make her own – one day! The banana that accompanied them was more filling.</p><p>Graham got chatting to a couple from OZ, visiting the old country. They had chatted to several boaters whilst locks were being waited for. We invited them aboard to travel through a lock as they seemed so interested in the canals.</p><p>Finally through the top half and with most of the other descending boats moored up for their lunch in the long pound between 11 and 12, we proceeded on with no-one in front of us. As we approached lock 12 it looked as though a squadron of fairies had landed. There were half a dozen girls and a couple of boys, all dressed in their finery, who had escaped from a wedding reception that was happening in the Bridge Inn.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDZMXpvanNSFYjDp7jhN5ztQ0_Zf4QkRQ6KoNKGLtDYmGGHup5cO6LzqFIiWjgu_8lhczfKQouBLY4n2AeUKLEtJxGiyOYOGxuTSYUGpOm2qFFAmq9sbiOzPptNIhbq-BAeNlGEI0xYdemBPMBVPUha2KBj0lPegxG40Kw3mtjl4RXO7Dgg/s2560/P1040331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDZMXpvanNSFYjDp7jhN5ztQ0_Zf4QkRQ6KoNKGLtDYmGGHup5cO6LzqFIiWjgu_8lhczfKQouBLY4n2AeUKLEtJxGiyOYOGxuTSYUGpOm2qFFAmq9sbiOzPptNIhbq-BAeNlGEI0xYdemBPMBVPUha2KBj0lPegxG40Kw3mtjl4RXO7Dgg/s320/P1040331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Graham took charge and explained the locking process and let them open one of the bottom gates. As we left they had all scrambled across the gate and were investigating the by-wash race and so Graham let the adults at the reception know about the danger they were in. We had already witnessed one multi-layered frilly dress being trampled on whilst opening the gate and one lass had lost her footing and fallen off the lock surround. The chance to fall in the by-wash didn’t bear thinking about. Luckily their mothers came out and took charge – last seen being marched back to the pub.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtD5uAnmoTQKVVT1b8bqUq3sICAzH-_7MivbjJOg2LzWlVZtxUe4iwJRpLYLu1zimlmSTMLPD6uJ_6MF_ISu3db78DTu-8SsJDvWFhamHC_ouRZKinb5tzGJMQ0h7oLC5HLTxVzAJ4NZMgBvhMh_lKEyi2hzDGh8Zw5dkUwNVXZ0TGTfeqA/s2560/P1040332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtD5uAnmoTQKVVT1b8bqUq3sICAzH-_7MivbjJOg2LzWlVZtxUe4iwJRpLYLu1zimlmSTMLPD6uJ_6MF_ISu3db78DTu-8SsJDvWFhamHC_ouRZKinb5tzGJMQ0h7oLC5HLTxVzAJ4NZMgBvhMh_lKEyi2hzDGh8Zw5dkUwNVXZ0TGTfeqA/s320/P1040332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Down through the last three locks, which were all in our favour, at a much better speed. Then out, past the floating market below the bottom lock, and onto Hack Green locks where we met boats coming up through each lock as we arrived – magic!</p><p>We were passed at several times going down the flight by paddle-boarders sans boards. There is a weekend event occurring involving about 50k paddle-boarding over two days. The boards were transported down from lock 1 to lock 13 but the contestants had to walk down the flight. </p><p>We moored for the night half way between the locks and bridge 88 where a decrepit picnic table on the bank gave Graham the impression that there was not a ‘Shroppie shelf’ at that location – Bingo!</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-87696746851808236552023-05-19T19:40:00.003+00:002023-05-20T18:49:18.784+00:00Llangollen trip day#7<p>Friday 19th May 2023</p><p>Graham was up and cast off by 08:15, as planned, in an attempt to get some distance in before the forecast rain arrived. Unfortunately the Met Office forecast changed overnight and so he spent all morning steering in the drizzle. Bah humbug! The galley staff snoozed abed until the need for warm croissants became too great.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A8_0006nrAKHB3ZAF4LgHSs44odGG5IPx7bRLcsGQlgvH4GWr0InbLHmIQkzQDabNusBdxX7Uy_M9yBNIvy5DrrDRL3dm9A_DxS94KKfXVRTw-yMLMQ3BSswL20ff8U0-XYH0RpgYLkOZCrbroTEuDae86HA35WYAmMFVVASwB3xhbnQiA/s2560/P1040318.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A8_0006nrAKHB3ZAF4LgHSs44odGG5IPx7bRLcsGQlgvH4GWr0InbLHmIQkzQDabNusBdxX7Uy_M9yBNIvy5DrrDRL3dm9A_DxS94KKfXVRTw-yMLMQ3BSswL20ff8U0-XYH0RpgYLkOZCrbroTEuDae86HA35WYAmMFVVASwB3xhbnQiA/s320/P1040318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>At least he got around to trying out his new weather protection system – OK, a silly umbrella hat, as advertised in Waterways World. Unfortunately we passed Graham's third favorite pub 9 hours before it opened today :^(</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixet6-UkHo8G0r9o73zX1wEnDQTo4BT1Ev1nWZ-g1s-nQc6jtMK8aicASG2390i3O-eTTvxX95v4FXL_g9TR7VSfXh1Z3P36Kk2FfBarPB3Zmdjsb2enm4_eRPCb5kqvO2TjJSeyWTIx8D9FQgLbQefp1sA51NJffC_63-mBXF5LOcoqcNEg/s4288/DSCF5317.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixet6-UkHo8G0r9o73zX1wEnDQTo4BT1Ev1nWZ-g1s-nQc6jtMK8aicASG2390i3O-eTTvxX95v4FXL_g9TR7VSfXh1Z3P36Kk2FfBarPB3Zmdjsb2enm4_eRPCb5kqvO2TjJSeyWTIx8D9FQgLbQefp1sA51NJffC_63-mBXF5LOcoqcNEg/s320/DSCF5317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>There is an abundance of May flowers bankside, in the fields and lanes, a white froth everywhere. Unfortunately, we have only seen two bushes that have started their pink blushes. It’s still too cold for a lot of the insects that the May needs to pollenate them so they will turn pink. Lets hope it warms up enough before the flowers drop or the animals and birds will have fewer berries to eat come the autumn.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdeNZBS2f7WU_TG0Uc36D-kvgiQXM8mXVOhn6_v-N0XaJuuRngSPkukkOEBrEViyuzZGhyVVtVj2Bh5GQXDfWe54ZWlp14g4jSKLrek_5erZGH3HuzeXHdUVws9QUvAnmqWd_kjGys8nwJyw1H2y5RmvcdK-YywHhN0vC5b7BHl02Tu6TdA/s2560/P1040319.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdeNZBS2f7WU_TG0Uc36D-kvgiQXM8mXVOhn6_v-N0XaJuuRngSPkukkOEBrEViyuzZGhyVVtVj2Bh5GQXDfWe54ZWlp14g4jSKLrek_5erZGH3HuzeXHdUVws9QUvAnmqWd_kjGys8nwJyw1H2y5RmvcdK-YywHhN0vC5b7BHl02Tu6TdA/s320/P1040319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>On the other hand, going through the various cuttings today, the emerging ferns are lovely. They are reaching for the sky, and sunshine, out-competing other plants.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWENoZvT99G7PxBeNt7Bkr8-yZHDAEko71W3C5aTUkpp891EOsD4PN_wkNNNuwSgxmVPtkU2Cv2R02eDfxIop0d7Xknav0iV4o__NLnenot9dfUgVj-0KqTx-M_0XSLsOGiEcSyIWcilr_zhEuYXHw4cC5ELUyo3cfIg6OzR7Lx7m_kzK26A/s4288/DSCF5319.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWENoZvT99G7PxBeNt7Bkr8-yZHDAEko71W3C5aTUkpp891EOsD4PN_wkNNNuwSgxmVPtkU2Cv2R02eDfxIop0d7Xknav0iV4o__NLnenot9dfUgVj-0KqTx-M_0XSLsOGiEcSyIWcilr_zhEuYXHw4cC5ELUyo3cfIg6OzR7Lx7m_kzK26A/s320/DSCF5319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oND3ttwWJ8vSYQAZvd9unpPZwxsuDaGpUFd4kCJTqi_ZKZAXKbm0GbMd-fZm5CdAlopGy4PPocrUe_3yDR3SBo8YLf9UhHk9Gykessnt6nVnpSOp-jlOPkIcZ4wq10_HPQ1B_WuKG8n3PLZw6pMWJWV4amzTyYdqf-992SvzB5ZwOGWMOQ/s2560/P1040321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oND3ttwWJ8vSYQAZvd9unpPZwxsuDaGpUFd4kCJTqi_ZKZAXKbm0GbMd-fZm5CdAlopGy4PPocrUe_3yDR3SBo8YLf9UhHk9Gykessnt6nVnpSOp-jlOPkIcZ4wq10_HPQ1B_WuKG8n3PLZw6pMWJWV4amzTyYdqf-992SvzB5ZwOGWMOQ/s320/P1040321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /> </p><p></p><p>Onto Tyrley locks, with some trepidation as the by-washes are running fast and powerfully. With the top lock ready, the second with an open top gate and other boats ascending the flight, they were a breeze! Especially as on the bottom two, Graham opened the top paddles as I left the lock in order to reduce the by-wash flow rate whilst flushing Jannock out of the lock at the same time. Result!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N-VzgfURfPXCk9hI3QQuHL3XkNw8L2iFFYH2oL9jwp1yg1HC0KL8SreFrspgAMPoAC1G1vNMRbRMEJsZ5lKkP4oBr5jjSZxPXqP8pgMX-Dgt55dpGVwHV3G0FCNbyg80yxfoGBJRx1J7xdq_AVMk6AOI8Vl7hLYai0Bvw5tFOtqgdRdysA/s2560/P1040320.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-N-VzgfURfPXCk9hI3QQuHL3XkNw8L2iFFYH2oL9jwp1yg1HC0KL8SreFrspgAMPoAC1G1vNMRbRMEJsZ5lKkP4oBr5jjSZxPXqP8pgMX-Dgt55dpGVwHV3G0FCNbyg80yxfoGBJRx1J7xdq_AVMk6AOI8Vl7hLYai0Bvw5tFOtqgdRdysA/s320/P1040320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Down through Market Drayton to stop at Victoria bridge (No 65) just after the main town moorings. This is the nearest place to the Morrisons store in town, only a short walk up Maer Lane. We lucked out with almost half of our shop consisting of short dated chilled items at greatly reduced prices. Meatball subs for lunch tomorrow and chocolate oat-milk on Brenda’s cereals at breakfast time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLciWn2XlAld8OgK2kCOG6faTDIvARjC4otrdfKzbAjQQzMPsN6uTOodlziuqqLtJsn2cIh_fO8qcQ7XssMFmygt9kVkWuvBBlllLtduOjjR9CVgsJA5OatByYWVI55ernGvT4GIm2NJg-eA04MbpjbD7LSbVrT7vn8oZQKvX6MImj8aFFPw/s2560/P1040325.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLciWn2XlAld8OgK2kCOG6faTDIvARjC4otrdfKzbAjQQzMPsN6uTOodlziuqqLtJsn2cIh_fO8qcQ7XssMFmygt9kVkWuvBBlllLtduOjjR9CVgsJA5OatByYWVI55ernGvT4GIm2NJg-eA04MbpjbD7LSbVrT7vn8oZQKvX6MImj8aFFPw/s320/P1040325.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Then on to Betton Wood bridge (66) for a quiet mooring away from the roads. Lots of locks tomorrow but weather looking kind at present.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-51223322670014685042023-05-18T19:20:00.002+00:002023-05-18T19:30:23.704+00:00Llangollen trip day#6<p>Thursday 18th May 2023</p><p>Wildlife of the day – we each had good sightings of resplendent Kingfishers.</p><p>Garden pet of the day – a house with a Peacock on the fence and a Llama and an Emu (we think) in a pen. What else do they have? There’s posh!</p><p>Today was a much warmer day than we expected, definitely more spring like. Although our overnight mooring was very quiet, the sparrows in a tree opposite were up and at-it quite early, dominating the dawn chorus at stupid o’clock.</p><p>We set off at 9am, no sooner had G started untying than a Black Prince hire boat came past so we followed them to, and through, the first lock.Once through, G only had to turn one other lock as the rest were all in our favour with craft coming the other way.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42fzSDty6oWaygMMJUuxQ7wHq9sZuddiHEPmDyQCLL33Tb9Qz26zI8kle6qdfLPuB-RpyK53eq5HrcqTfRlkkeElS1309oBQOmbIR5De7GbA3nKvE1hLx8t548lrw1EzYJE_1ZUs9g5H9UiXcbYU0_qNvQ4VvKppDSHL6sV4xu6BghGSBSQ/s4032/IMG_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42fzSDty6oWaygMMJUuxQ7wHq9sZuddiHEPmDyQCLL33Tb9Qz26zI8kle6qdfLPuB-RpyK53eq5HrcqTfRlkkeElS1309oBQOmbIR5De7GbA3nKvE1hLx8t548lrw1EzYJE_1ZUs9g5H9UiXcbYU0_qNvQ4VvKppDSHL6sV4xu6BghGSBSQ/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p> </p><p>At Boggs Lock, Brenda had to go into the boat for the loo so Graham worked it through on the centre rope. There were two vo-lockies working Gailey top lock so that was easy. <br /></p><p>There were lots of school kids out in canoes at the Coven Outdoor Activity centre and so we slowed right down to pass once their instructors had got them under control. They all called out ”eye, eye Cap’n” to Graham in recognition of his googly eye hat.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTAcfZ1hJG-YRFI8A_k28a_YaTSS1Vb15JWTm072hUu8R0UEY6K1-tcrUM48O8PpNVd_U6KEmDwotxcSxKyRGeE23e-VZwi89DtuaOY9-F87S6y3Lx9xJueSrj0nBusB0inVmWxIP7K-nnIWQIxQFYy2OtbV0RLnsk06oOISxUd6GF37aEg/s2560/P1040312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTAcfZ1hJG-YRFI8A_k28a_YaTSS1Vb15JWTm072hUu8R0UEY6K1-tcrUM48O8PpNVd_U6KEmDwotxcSxKyRGeE23e-VZwi89DtuaOY9-F87S6y3Lx9xJueSrj0nBusB0inVmWxIP7K-nnIWQIxQFYy2OtbV0RLnsk06oOISxUd6GF37aEg/s320/P1040312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>We had to move over in the narrow cutting to allow a Northbound boat to pass us. The gent from the boat, complete with dog, was stood on the tow path and made no attempt to warn us that HIS boat was approaching from the other end, it was only when it came into sight that we knew it was there. Luckily we managed to pass without touching.</p><p>At Autherley junction, a boat was entering the lock as we approached so we pulled over and secured Jannock to the footpath gate railings. G checked and there was another boat waiting to come up from the Shroppie so he let them know we were waiting. Another smaller craft approached from Alderley junction direction and made as if they were going straight into the junction. G advised them that the queue started behind us and so they changed course, passed Jannock and then tried to wind but failed – too long. They seemed most put-out that they couldn’t just go into the lock. Last seen heading North away from the junction.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATk_gU3P2H4YKvPVu2GOfoG2lIMZ5nBR2MysR-8aFD-m3rum3MNjVFCKSBKbwPuRdDPOYeYA_E3fg9medSTm_TIhf3XGotAbZm5rY4VoVKZHjiHtFKCnb-vJHtsujXHoXRAmt-9M8IUtK6jqyMqanLYETlO7SnECsf2_PTjJ5yj2wjYQaVg/s2560/P1040315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATk_gU3P2H4YKvPVu2GOfoG2lIMZ5nBR2MysR-8aFD-m3rum3MNjVFCKSBKbwPuRdDPOYeYA_E3fg9medSTm_TIhf3XGotAbZm5rY4VoVKZHjiHtFKCnb-vJHtsujXHoXRAmt-9M8IUtK6jqyMqanLYETlO7SnECsf2_PTjJ5yj2wjYQaVg/s320/P1040315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Once through the stop lock, we set off up the Shroppie, past Brewood, and arrived at Wheaton Aston lock (unfortunately after Turner’s had closed for diesel – luckily we would only be able to get about 50L in so it didn’t matter) and so continued on to bridge 24 – Little Onn – to moor for the night.</p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12679505.post-73042177226788911742023-05-17T18:46:00.002+00:002023-05-17T18:51:39.483+00:00Llangollen trip day#5<p>Wednesday 17th May 2023</p><p>Having moored near the centre of a town (Rugeley), on the edge of an industrial estate. we had a very quiet night and managed to catch up on some sleep.</p><p>As Graham set us off at 9:15, the young couple in the boat next door waved us off. Through Rugeley towards Rugeley Bank and aqueduct and we passed the beauty pageant on the left hand side of the canal.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYePWVDKusT6hnwDQs5YG3RADmxLyhyCSmyEsyBrW5Q4mPICFxLnsXi6HEsrVXAOMM65XXmfwiFo5FGaRq34Ch1K7JWESNDX3ccQbHOkvsXXIPxsMNuQTLjTor26GsiEGnlfg-IFCOchD5JQG6qOFanScajLEl88vYjDQrzPK7D9L5oIDJAg/s4032/IMG_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYePWVDKusT6hnwDQs5YG3RADmxLyhyCSmyEsyBrW5Q4mPICFxLnsXi6HEsrVXAOMM65XXmfwiFo5FGaRq34Ch1K7JWESNDX3ccQbHOkvsXXIPxsMNuQTLjTor26GsiEGnlfg-IFCOchD5JQG6qOFanScajLEl88vYjDQrzPK7D9L5oIDJAg/s320/IMG_0183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>There was a bit less wind today but the early sunshine soon changed to lots of grey clouds and it never really got warm until about 4pm. A friend has described the current weather as ‘Sprinter’ on t’interwebnet today. Graham played ‘spot the cell-site’ as we went along.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpc40sYatA3Oe9UqrVzimadXo-3KPBJ6RSenPHyAoQludYJXrnMYGUmv3HLJbx2WbJyl0SXukrTfEG7oWzjeGGCtpUxItIZGDAbXdB_MGXO0-O64pR-1ywCpTrkc8flH-CMGaP5DKCbMNvWue9H0cqOSvOuh-3Ws4A0wRLLvmPjkU9tYufIQ/s4288/DSCF5312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpc40sYatA3Oe9UqrVzimadXo-3KPBJ6RSenPHyAoQludYJXrnMYGUmv3HLJbx2WbJyl0SXukrTfEG7oWzjeGGCtpUxItIZGDAbXdB_MGXO0-O64pR-1ywCpTrkc8flH-CMGaP5DKCbMNvWue9H0cqOSvOuh-3Ws4A0wRLLvmPjkU9tYufIQ/s320/DSCF5312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Brenda spotted her first Kingfisher of 2023 with plumage as bright as a jewel like as she’s never seen before – sadly G missed it. Whilst waiting for another boat to ascend Haywood lock in front of us Brenda went off to get a picture of the river bridge in Shugborough park. I used my birdsong app and identified seven different species singing away whilst we waited.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-O1zd0sUZIoHYWbLQ-lat0c3wyro6QWenqF5cBT99DrycR3o4GZPvXLJjK8wGuNBq84CJ5QcHBHSjMZ9DI028TtjXlpZmNCGHlP8Z2Y41eo-7O9DVCJfUgsZdcdDI-SdcDjyh4UZMyphWsZPrucFtCzQ83djWlLhbMUSQnGHTLoywNGZgEA/s2560/P1040301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-O1zd0sUZIoHYWbLQ-lat0c3wyro6QWenqF5cBT99DrycR3o4GZPvXLJjK8wGuNBq84CJ5QcHBHSjMZ9DI028TtjXlpZmNCGHlP8Z2Y41eo-7O9DVCJfUgsZdcdDI-SdcDjyh4UZMyphWsZPrucFtCzQ83djWlLhbMUSQnGHTLoywNGZgEA/s320/P1040301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Left onto the Staffs and Worcester at Gt Haywood junction and apart from a queue of 3 at Tixhall lock, we then found every other lock of the day in our favour until we stopped for the night above Filance lock at Penkridge.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC23Xh3yZdLy5-nVLeSy-97RF0ktT3bZnkbFHz0WD5LOAuq8IdpjrXXDRdZi_CiG7NmzmefFQuPBOqT-JKw2iirV2aFuArhkQMXXZtMBgCGW3l7LuC6Xahd-pyAOGmPVR41qYQWfdtFXybIEPm0fPTiKIaWQzAoYiUrI2uWOaz6qz_11JSA/s4288/DSCF5313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWC23Xh3yZdLy5-nVLeSy-97RF0ktT3bZnkbFHz0WD5LOAuq8IdpjrXXDRdZi_CiG7NmzmefFQuPBOqT-JKw2iirV2aFuArhkQMXXZtMBgCGW3l7LuC6Xahd-pyAOGmPVR41qYQWfdtFXybIEPm0fPTiKIaWQzAoYiUrI2uWOaz6qz_11JSA/s320/DSCF5313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Having already snapped a Heron taking off near Tixhall wide, Graham also spotted a ‘scare-heron’ in the middle of a wheat field before Acton Trussell .</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBePGFFf0LtpMdqVO1zV2vpveCHgh0Pqf1M5kLBWSt0MjubgLId2_HL-X9h8v4iHHbouZY8UEXX-GxPnCE6tNCyyRHl-mFaLRm0DWO4mAdxLTh4MUavsHxN4A6bdN9NFJ7Sbb5pHy267PzGwujTrZEzQ_PU1DEUIKp5amICMP5otiOQFBNA/s4288/DSCF5316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBePGFFf0LtpMdqVO1zV2vpveCHgh0Pqf1M5kLBWSt0MjubgLId2_HL-X9h8v4iHHbouZY8UEXX-GxPnCE6tNCyyRHl-mFaLRm0DWO4mAdxLTh4MUavsHxN4A6bdN9NFJ7Sbb5pHy267PzGwujTrZEzQ_PU1DEUIKp5amICMP5otiOQFBNA/s320/DSCF5316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>G&B</p>Jannockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10131547112413066808noreply@blogger.com0