Wednesday 6 April 2011

Flying high…

We expected to wake to pouring rain this morning, as per the forecast and were fully prepared to remain where we were all day – but it proved to be not too bad, still cloudy and dull, but not too windy.  We decided to make a run for it, and at least get the two locks at New Marton out of the way, and then see how we felt.

20110405 The top lock had a lovely spring garden

20110405-2Starting to look decidedly Welsh

We decided to continue on a little bit, and the wind got stronger and stronger, but seemed to be coming in gusts – every time we thought we’d stop, the wind dropped.  So we went for it – the first of the aqueducts – Chirk.

20110405-22First view of Chirk aqueduct and Viaduct – in the centre of the picture, you can just make out the arches – opened in 1801 and consists of an iron trough carried on 10 masonry arches

20110405-5Serenity just entering the aqueduct, the viaduct on the left

20110405-9Followed by Windsong

20110405-8The River Ceiriog, 70 feet below

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Just the stone edge between the boat and open air – seemed like we were flying

20110405-11Welcome to Wales

20110405-14Looking back

Chirk tunnel proved tricky as the flow of water against us kept pulling the boat onto the left hand wall – and it was hard to see down to the waterline – not helped by the boat at the other end shining his tunnel light straight in our eyes all the way through.

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We are now moored just short of Froncysyllte, with tomorrows challenge ahead of us – we took a walk up the towpath a little way for a glimpse of the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct

20110405-21Tomorrow’s challenge, and very impressive it looks too!

This is yesterday’s blog – we had no signal to post it last night – today’s will be written tomorrow

8 miles, 2 locks and 1 big aqueduct!

3 comments:

  1. looks gorgeous! I bet Roger did the aquaduct inside the boat with a whisky? ;) have fun!

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  2. Enjoyed your photographs, we will be up there in month (just to give you time to escape us!)

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  3. Ally - no, he drove this one, it was the Pontcysyllte that he did inside!!

    Tyson - leaving Llangollen tomorrow, heading for the Monygomery, and then to Chester. Electricity should be on in the basin by the time you get here.

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