Back up, then down.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay on the Monty. After a superb meal in the Navigation, we decided a walk would do us good. Helps the digestion, allegedly. So off we trotted down the towpath, to view the restoration progress.

The last time we were here, it had not ventured much past the winding point near "Bar Steward lift bridge". Well, it is now in water for nearly a mile past this now, so it is progressing, slowly .

lets hope this restored bridge works better than the other one!

As we had booked a two day stay, the following day was another siesta day. It was hot, but our mooring just down from canal central, afforded shade from the hedge. We called into the oddly named http://www.canalcentral.uk , and had a superb sandwich, enhanced for me by the fact that the owners had a 2Cv tucked away behind the premises.

By early evening, with the sun going down and the temperatures a little more bearable, we made our move. We pootled back up towards the Frankton flight. The idea was to be in place ready to go up when the locks are opened around midday. We moored near the services. Must say, these along with those at Maesbury are very well maintained and very clean.

About 10.30 the following morning, we moved up onto the lock landing. We knew at least two other boats were due up, so decided to bag being first up. It was a good move,as the locky appeared shortly after and told us we could start up the first two locks if we did it slowly, as the levels were a little low. This we did, then passing a boat descending, we were straight into the bottom of the staircase and up. All before the official opening time. This enabled us to reach Ellesmere at a reasonable time, do a little shopping in the local stores, then hit Tesco for a more substantial shop for essentials, like Beer, Wine and bog rolls! The good thing here is, you can bring the trolley right to the boat, so no heaving bags down the tow path.

That done, we moved off to seek shade. A little way out of Ellesmere and through the tunnel, we found a spot overlooking Blakemere , shaded by trees. It was a lot cooler. So I did a bit of maggot drowning.

Not as busy as you would think at this time of year. Why people avoid the Llangollen in summer remains a mystery to us. It seems a shame to be on our way downstream again. We have hopefully arranged an engine service whilst in the Whitchurch area and after that, it's on towards Chester.

Total 10 miles 8 locks and Ellesmere tunnel.