from the Shroppie to the Llangollen
When canals were being closed, abandoned, commercial traffic no longer supporting them, the Llangollen was spared. Why? Because it is fed by the River Dee, high up in the Welsh mountains - and continues so without a reservoir, or other expensive infrastructure. The canal actually has a slight current, thanks to that far away diversion of a small part of the Dee's waters, at the lovely Horseshoe Falls, a man made weir above the township of Llangollen.
Anyway, near where one leaves the Shroppie to head NW into Wales on the Llangollen, lies Nantwich. We wandered into it looking for supplies, and found this old B and W building with a small step structure in front. A much worn mounting block, for the days when ladies in riding skirts, or old gents in tight pantaloons or whatever garb, needed a help to reach their equine transport.
Late afternoon found us moored on the Llangollen, a large oak tree spreading shade over the boat. And there we stayed all the following day, as Britain sweltered in temperatures that broke all records. Ironically, the heat wave emanated like the refugees from Africa.
We later read that the oaks, a prevalent companion on the banks of the Llangollen, were planted during the 100 years or so of commercial operations on the canal, to provide timber to build new boats. Oh for those long term sensible policies now, to sort out the myriad problems cause by short termism.
Anyway, near where one leaves the Shroppie to head NW into Wales on the Llangollen, lies Nantwich. We wandered into it looking for supplies, and found this old B and W building with a small step structure in front. A much worn mounting block, for the days when ladies in riding skirts, or old gents in tight pantaloons or whatever garb, needed a help to reach their equine transport.
Late afternoon found us moored on the Llangollen, a large oak tree spreading shade over the boat. And there we stayed all the following day, as Britain sweltered in temperatures that broke all records. Ironically, the heat wave emanated like the refugees from Africa.
We later read that the oaks, a prevalent companion on the banks of the Llangollen, were planted during the 100 years or so of commercial operations on the canal, to provide timber to build new boats. Oh for those long term sensible policies now, to sort out the myriad problems cause by short termism.
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