Holbeck Bill

Day Five: on the Cheshire Canals

Llangollen to Ellesmere: the return journey.

Out travels along the canals are now to repeat themselves in the reverse & sights are now becoming familiar. We set off at the crack of dawn (well, it felt like it) with a chorus of other canal boats (I'm sure the plural for canal boats isn't that, but I like it). We passed once again through the tights channels of the Llangollen canal, pausing occasionally for oncoming boats. We then hung a right & onto the Pont... Aqueduct, still a wonder to behold with spectacular views over the surrounding scenery, this time with the morning mist above & brilliant shadows below as a frame. Back through the Chirk Tunnel & across the Chirk Aqueduct. There were many boats accompanying us on this return leg, most likely doing the same as us & attempting to make it back to the boat yard by the weekend. The two locks we encountered became slow affairs & more time was spent queuing, but then it gave us a chance to appreciate the lush views just that bit more, or grab a sannie & choc bar!

The ducks were back on our case (who knew they loved bread!) There always seems to be one that will hand feed & so him & Jenny became the best of friends.

We moored for the night at a lovely set of lakes, views of the Blake Mere could be seen from our spot on the canal. They're beautiful & calm all day round, with just a few ducks & a lone swan making it their home. The swan swam to us from the other side of the lake & seemed to enjoy our company, so we named him Holbeck Bill.

Due to poor phone reception, I've had to upload a few of this week's Blips the morning after, just like this one, & I'm happy to report Holbeck was already out on the lake with the ducks, ready for another days graceful patrolling.