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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Sunday, 12 June 2022

Maybe a bit too rural?

 It was noisy overnight! For some reason, motor bikers seem to think revving engines and roaring off into the distance at 1 am was acceptable, and it wasn't just the one! No, at least 5, one after another, making all that racket.  Then at 5 am, the traffic really started. Time to forget sleep and go and make for a cup of tea.

We didn't leave the pub car park until well after 10 am. A Skype call had been arranged to my brother in Oz to let him know of our travel plans. Yep, we have finally booked the plane tickets to Oz and then onwards to New Zealand. Wow, and to think we only have a little under four months to prepare with still loads of stuff to do, I'm sure that time will race by. 

Our journey to Mid-Wales went smoothly, no hold-ups at all and the journey through Welshpool, well locks were seen so of course we had to go see. Took this from:- Montgomery canal visit welshpool

The Montgomery Canal was initially designed to run  from Llanymynech to Newtown. Construction wasn't easy but the canal was finally completed in 1817 (IN 1796 the stretch from Llanymynech to Frankton Junction was completed, linking the canal with the Shropshire Union Canal).

The Canal was used mainly for the transportation of  limestone for agricultural purposes and was never really profitable. The coming of the railways also had a negative effect as there was now competition for freight.

The end came when a breach occurred near the Perry Aqueduct and boats could no longer navigate along the canal. Final closure came in 1944.

Since the 1960's there has been an ongoing desire to reopen the canal to boats and various sections are now navigable. Work has also taken place along parts of the towpath to encourage walkers and cyclists.

I also found this about the restoration work. Click on this LINK to have a read.




 

It took about 2 hours to arrive at the site. Gwerniago Farm, a lovely and rural place...hmm, maybe a bit too rural because it doesent appear as there is much to do. There are some walks and the town of Machynlleth is only about a mile away. A discussion with the family (Ian's brother and sister has joined us in their motorhomes) for a decision on what and where to go. In the meantime, my turn first in cooking tonight. A freshly prepared lasagna, garlic bread made by Ian's fair hand, homemade coleslaw and of course salad. Nothing there to go wrong....I hope!

No wildlife at the moment. Need to go for a wander later to see if I can find any.


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