8th April

Aston Lock.

Maesbury wharf with a 15 cwt. crane,

thought to be the only surviving example of such a crane.

Acen passing under, while the ladies watch.

Autumn Years, passing under the lift bridge.

The two crews having refreshments.

The Girls in the shade

Friday. Woke up to a misty but sunny start. Did all the usual things, that are done every morning, like feed and walk Purdey and Darcey (who are getting very good, we can let them off the boat without leads now), feed the crew, wash up, a bit of cleaning and check relevant bits of the boat and engine things etc.

Set of at 9.00a.m. Started probably the best days cruising of the journey. The Montgomery canal is magnificent and having boat access and movement regulated, helps protect this canal. The weather was full on hot sun and as we only had about three miles and three locks to do before we got to the end of the navigable part of the canal, we took it very slowly. As you get towards the end you pass under a lift road bridge, then go on 200 yards wind the boat and return under the lift bridge, that the ladies had wound up and waited for our return. We moored up at a lovely spot and set up camp.

Decided that we would extend our stay by two days and phoned BW to ask them to book us at the exit locks for Monday.

Graham and I went to the Navigation pub/restaurant, to book us all in for dinner. We both had a pint of a local beer and a natter with the landlord. Returned to the boat and sat and enjoyed a drink and the weather, which was still hot. At 5.30 we set off for dinner.

3 locks, 3 miles, time, I haven't got a clue.

On this day in 1766 the first fire escape was patented, it was a wicker basket on a rope.