We returned to Ellesmere last Sunday, shopping to be done and tanks to fill and empty as appropriate. We’d had a couple of days watching the boats going past near Prees Junction, then much of the same at Hampton Bank before heading back to the metropolis.
While we were on the moorings near the junction a large log came along, carried slowly downstream on the current. Enough wood there for a week or two once it had dried out. But despite my best efforts I couldn’t lift it out of the canal so finally gave up and left it roped the the bank.
At 4 feet long and 18 inches in diameter I worked out that it weighs in at around half a ton. No wonder I couldn’t retrieve it. I did think of a cunning plan later using the hydraulic Morris Lift Bridge a couple of hundred yards away, but it’s a bit busy on the water to tie up the bridge for a half-hour or so.
Moored at Hampton Bank
Anyway, as I mentioned, we toddled back to Ellesmere on Sunday, arriving soon after lunchtime and mooring opposite the service wharf.
Into the woods at Colemere
Our first ducklings this year, but we’ve spotted another couple of broods today.
Ellesmere Tunnel
Yesterday, having topped up the cupboards and being disappointed by the none-appearance of Mag’s prescription at the chemist (a cock-up at the surgery end, it transpires), we set off up towards the border.
We were planning to head all the way to Llangollen, but we’ll now have to return to town next week for Mag’s meds. Then we’ll try again.
We stopped near Frankton Junction last night, then continued on to moor above New Marton Locks today.
Another beautiful day…
If you going to meet a boat, inevitably it’s going to be at a bridge…
Helped up New Marton Bottom Lock
Moored above New Marton Locks after filling with water and loading half a dozen bags of solid fuel from the local coal merchant.
I know, it’s very warm at the moment, but we are talking English weather, aren’t we. Unpredictable doesn’t really do it justice. Any left come summer will be sheeted up and ready for the autumn.
New Marton Top Lock looking splendid in the sunshine
Coal boat Mounbatten and its’ sister Jellicoe, are in dry dock near Derby at the moment, and the uncertainty about the breach near Hurleston which may prevent them getting back to base has left us sourcing fuel elsewhere. At least we’re hardly using any diesel. At the moment the solar array provides us with more than enough power on a day to day basis.
We’ll probably turn around again near The Poachers at Gledrid, aiming to be back at Ellesmere (again!) next week.
Locks 2, miles 11
No comments:
Post a Comment