As these boat trips only run at the weekend we departed from our usual last Friday of the month for this trip. Eight of us met up at Llangollen Wharf just before midday on Sunday 12th July to make our journey along the Llangollen canal. Maria had made very thorough arrangements for our trip and the proprietor, Martin moved tables and chairs so that we could park two of our cars next to the café on the wharf. It was a bright and hot day and we were pleased to find a little shade while the rest of the passengers signed up for their adventure,
Once aboard the narrowboat we were directed to two tables at the very front, each having two 3 tier cake stands wrapped in cling film awaiting us. The boat gently made its way along the busy canal towards Froncysyllte while we enjoyed sandwiches, scones and cakes washed down with Prosecco, orange juice or tea.
Part way along we watched a Heron circling and landing on the towpath very close to the boat. Then taking off again and repeating the cycle. It was very unusual to be so close to the bird.
When we reached the Trefor Basin, we had to wait for a while to be allowed to make the crossing on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct as there were many boats and canoes making the crossing. It is definately one way traffic only.
The highlight of the trip was the gentle glide along Telford's magnificent bridge 126 feet above the River Dee. This is the longest aqueduct in Britain and the highest canal aqueduct anywhere in the world. Our boat then turned round and moored for a little while before making the return journey.
Some of the passengers got off the boat and walked across the aqueduct before reboarding close to the Trefor Basin.
Although most of the canal is wide enough for two narrowboats to pass, we met a few coming the other way whose pilots seemed unfamiliar with canal etiquette and it took until 5pm to get back to the wharf.
Tired but happy we all thanked Maria for arranging such an enjoyable event and the thoughtful provision of a welcome fan for each of us.
Mo