Llangollen at last

Thursday:  This morning the wind appeared lighter and the sky clear (but not for long for frequent showers soon started).  We resumed our slow progress.  Chirk aqueduct was traversed at a very slow pace and the subsequent tunnel similarly, due undoubtedly from the shallow profile and the current against us.  I can say that I have never taken so long to traverse a 190 yard tunnel as we did the Whitehouse.  Soon we were at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.   Scary stuff that.  It seemed impossible to stop knocking the side.   Supposing I broke it and all the water ran out?  Progress similarly was incredibly slow. We entered the final section with some trepidation, but interestingly, in parts, progress seemed faster and the canal, though narrower, more structured with masonry sides.  For the narrow one way sections, however, progress slowed to a crawl, almost a stop and I could see water welling up behind the boat as it squeezed through the tight section.  We made it though, with no real problem and having paid an overnight mooring fee tied up in the new marina, only the fourth boat that day to do so.   I don't resent the fee actually because the facilities are deserving.  A tidy, quiet pontoon mooring with water and electricity (included) at every berth.   Reflecting on the LLangollen canal experience one can but wonder what it must be like in the summer when busy.  The number of hire bases and the heaps of visitor moorings (empty at this time of the year) rather testify to summer chaos.  There are many miles devoid of canalside pubs which seems rather strange.  Plans at Whitchurch look quite interesting: to continue to restore the arm including some kind of boat lift, maybe an inclined plane.  The present moorings there are very welcoming although it is about a 1 mile trek to Tesco.   Tomorrow we leave for home via the Trent & Mersey.  Slightly longer mileage, but fewer locks and same overall time predicted.  We shall see!