Return from Montgomery

Thursday 16th July

We wanted to be in good time for the Frankton Locks - we had almost the whole of the Montgomery still to do - so we set off in good time.

Going back the way we had just come meant we could look out for things we missed on the way down - and also took a photo of the turnover bridge and warehouse. The morning weather was encouraging, warm and sunny. The boat which had left the gates open on the way down did the same on the way back. We later heard from Colin the lock keeper that he bragged to him that he knew everything about boat, having sailed the Med and everywhere else, it seems. Still, the keeper had to point out him that he was opening the wrong paddles!

It was not long after 11 o'clock that we joined the queue at the bottom of the locks. The keeper had already started to let boats through - the aforementioned boat decided (despite notices to the contrary) to enter the bottom lock before the flight was opened. Alas (!) he had to back out when boats started to come down.

It was over an hour later that our turn came to commence the flight - but there were some pleasant people on the boat before us and chatting about previosu canal experiences soon passed the time.

From the top we turned back onto the main Llangollen Canal but, as we ate our lunch on the move (Christine had baked some baguettes whilst waiting at Frankton) the rain returned and stayed with us for most of the rest of the day. Soon we arrived at Ellesmere where we stopped for water and elsan. By now the idea had been established that we should aim to shop on Saturday afternoon in Nantwich, rather than today in Ellesmere - so we pressed on as this is quite an ambitious target! Still, we know there are some good shops in Nantwich - not to say that are none in Ellesmere!

The journey from here was interesting countryside but otherwise unremarkeable - except for the features noted on the way up! This time we stopped at the Shop In The Garden. It proved to be rather well stocked - the owner (who we assume would othersie be retired) was quite persuasive. As soon as he heard that we were interested in the local cheeses out came the samples, one of which included chilli - rather hot! As a result he offered Christine a drink of his lemon and elderflower cordial. No guesses for what was added to the shopping basket (Christine opted for two different cheeses!)