Traffic jam on the Llangollen Canal

We arrived in Ellesmere this evening just as the sun broke through to give a brilliant end to the day. The rest of the day was so cold for June although it was dry.

Just after we started this morning we passed a few canoeists and paddle boarders who informed us that there were 52 in the group paddling up the canal, the opposite way to us. There were a few dodgy moments even though we were moving at a snails pace, especially where the canal narrowed to pass under a bridge.

Two locks to negotiate today. There were 4 boats in front of us so we had plenty of time to refresh our skills before our turn. In the event, the first mate had an easy time as the crew of boats waiting to come the other way assisted with the lock.

Our mooring is half a mile from the centre of Ellesmere, a lovely quiet location in splendid isolation. Ellesmere is a delightful town situated on a Mere formed at the end of the last ice age. The canal banks in the town were lined with boats. We thought we had made the right decision.

A couple of pints were enjoyed at the Vaults bar in the town, then it was back to the boat for dinner and a Father’s Day chat with the two boys (well, not boys any longer but you know what I mean)

Thank you for your views and comments. Not much chance of responding unless we’re actually in the town. Splendid isolation means there is no signal in this part of rural Shropshire.

This blip is for Sunday 19th June.