Hail to the Hive!
Today is the day we head to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Something we have wanted to see and cross since before we ever set foot onboard Badger the Narrowboat.
From where we are moored in Chirk it's just over 8 miles and should rake about 4 hours. I am more than a little excited, and nervous, as I am a little scared (a lot) of heights!
It's lambing season here in Wales and the sight of these little cuties calms my nerves a little. They are fun to watch scuttle about all full of wonder and excitement not realising that they will be dinner served up shortly with a side of mint sauce. I do love a lamb shank but I think I better not let these little fellas know just yet.
The weather is a real mix bag, sunny one minute cloudy the next.
It's not long at all before the Aqueduct looms up in front of us. 307 Meters across and 38 very high meters high. Built by Thomas Telford ( not on his own of course) and opened in 1805 I just need it to stay standing a bit longer as I cross over in little Badger. I did mention I'm scared of heights right?
Here we go.
I had to lift these shots from my go pro as I videoed the crossing as I was to nervous to be fumbling about with different cameras and phones. Look ahead. Keep looking forward.
Don't look down.
I SAID DON'T LOOK DOWN!
I'm smiling but not because the views are amazing ( I wouldn't know as I kept looking forward the whole way) I was smiling as we were near to the other side....nearly there...nearly there...
DON"T LOOK DOWN YOU IDIOT!
ahhhh we made it. Thank the old gods and the new. 😆
Now we chug on to Llangollan which we have been told is very nice.
The sun kept peeking out and on this stretch the views were amazing. Rolling hills and valleys to the side and a very well kept stretch of very narrow canal in front. They recommend sending someone up ahaead to check nobody is heading the other way but it was late in the day and there's no boats around so I gambled and just went for it.
You really can't help but smile chugging through here. So lovely.
I mean am I in Wales or Lord of the Rings here? Is this Middle Earth, where are the hobbits at?
As we enter Llangollan I can see the town on my left in the valley.
As it's off season we can moor up here in the llangollan Basin for free, so we did. Only 3 boats including us, brilliant 😊.
I needed some beer to celebrate my birthday ( did I mention it was my birthday?) so as soon as we were moored up I took a quick walk into town back along the canal towpath. Still smiling as it's incredibly nice here.
Someone actually lives in that white house on the right. How cool would that be?
Once in town proper I crossed over the River Dee ( don't worry Badger can't go on these waters, they're not connected to the canal. Theres some white water rafting going on.
Wow is this town stunning!
Well I think we will have a nice few days here and I think I may do a post all about the town after I've explored a little.
I have to say just being here feels like a birthday present. I feel energised and happy. The town and surrounding countryside just ooooze beauty and character.
