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Fri 18 August	Arrived Acton Bridge and set off at about 1630 and went past the Anderton boat lift.Moored below bridge 196 on the Trent & Mersey.Weather was fine and dry
Sat 19 August	Weather was mixed with showers – heavy at times – and sun during the day.Went as far as bridge 14 on the Middlewich branch having done the first of our locks.
Sun 20 August	Bridge 14 to Wrenbury: Despite an awful weather forecast, we had superb weather today and made steady progress all day. Somewhat busy around Cholmondston lock, but understand this is nothing new. Had lunch at the pub in Barbridge, but were somewhat disappointed with the food - lots of wasps though!!
Mon 21 August	Wrenbury to Bridge 42 on Llangollen canal: Met with hire boat with folks from USA (N York) and took them through their first few locks as they did not have much idea of what to do. Had lunch and Theakstons in the Willeymoor pub by the lock which was very good. Busy at Grindley Brook with about 90 minute wait to get through. Why are we always the 4th boat to arrive!
Tue 22 August	Bridge 42 to Chirk Marina: This was an International day. Woke up in England, had breakfast in Wales, lunch in England (Ellesmere) and evening meal in Wales having gone over the Chirk Aquaduct and through the Chirk Tunnel. Shopped in Ellesmere and very impressed with the local deli and butchers.
Wed 23 August	Chirk to Llangollen: This is a very beautiful stretch of the canal system and should be enjoyed by all. Stopped at the Anglo Welsh base in Trevor for fuel and proceeded to Llangollen having done the Pontcysyllte aqueduct. This is certainly a marvel of engineering. Arrived Llangollen about1430 and moored without too much difficulty although there were lots of boats going the other way. Visited the Dr Who exhibition as Alex and Susan are Dr Who fanatics. Had meal at the Sarah Ponsonby in the evening which was very enjoyable.
Thurs 24 August	Stayed in Llangollen to do the railway trip, horseshoe falls and Valle Crucis abbey plus shopping. Very warm and hot today
Fri 25 August	Llangollen to Bridge 4: Going away from Llangollen is certainly quicker than getting there as the flow of the canal is with you rather than against. It is about 45 mins quicker to Trevor than toLlangollen. Carried on to bridge 4 and had drink at Narrowboat Inn by Maestermyn base.
Sat 26 August	Bridge 4 to Poveys Lock: Stopped at Ellesmere for breakfast and water etc. Had problem with wet exhaust but soon remedied by ensuring the filter was clean and the filter lid tight with the 'o' ring in place. Grindley Brook very busy. Arrived at 1650 and through bottom lock at 1900. Moored above Poveys lock to have meal at Willeymoor in the evening which was very good - as was the beer which is Theakstons.
Sun 27 August	Poveys lock to Barbridge Junction: Relatively short day as we moored at Wrenbury to see the Belgium Grand Prix. Went through Hurleston Locks and left waterways key in water point. Eventually tracked it down to boat going in opposite direction at Bridge 6.!!
Mon 28 August	Barbridge to Chester: Long day today and arrived at Chester about 1715. Decided to wind at 123e and reverse to the mooring through the bridge. Canal quite quiet today with no real hold ups or delays. Bought delicious scones from shop by the Beeston Stone lock. Had good Italian in Chester tonight.
Tues 29 August	Chester, Chester to Beeston Iron Lock: Tourists in Chester today with a bus ride and shopping. Weather was turning with threats of rain. Left at 1320 and went back towards the Beeston iron lock.
Wed 30 August	Beeston Iron Lock to Bridge 176 on Trent & Mersey: Very quiet until we got to the Cholmondeston lock where there wer 8 boats ahead of us.. Since some of these were small, it only took 75 minutes to get through. Decided to go through locks in Middlewich to have easy day on the Thursday. Quiet mooring place found after bridge 176 on Trent & Mersey
Thur31 August	Bridge 176 to Acton Bridge: Easy day today wih only obstacles being the two tunnels. Had long lie in and left at 1115. Moored just beyond boat yard when it started to pour with rain. Pour was an understatement - it was torrential. Had dinner at the Horns Inn - not bad
Fri 1 September	Back to boat yard, unload and home!! Heres to the next trip

	Slipsream at Trevor - filling up with water
	Alex & Graham operating a narrow lock
	The abbey at Valle Crucis
	Norbet the cow that Alex wanted to adopt and bring home
	Alex and his 'toy' cat

RECENT SLIPSTREAM JOURNEY