Up to a lazy morning then a walk into the village, we have decided to catch the vintage steam train for a trip into the welsh country side. Only a short trip of about 45 minutes, we take a route along the River Dee and the old canel to the Telford Falls - Deb asked who built them! At the end of the line we settle in t the old station for tea and scones. The scones with fruit, jam and double cream (alas not clotted) would have to be s good if not the best that I have ever had. Kim remarked that they were fantastic, this is from the king of the sweet tooth. Back through the beautiful country side, pics of steam train at end then a final wander in the town. Picked up some local pasties for lunch on the narrow boat then on our way back along the meandering canel. Both John and I seem to be better at this tiller so wear he skippers hat a little more. I have been given the responsibility of getting us back across the aqueduct, talk about concentration, one slip and over we would go. That was an experience in its self.

Again an amazing experience, John took us through the 500 metres of darkness and we berth for the night just inside English . The narrow boat is filed with smells of garlic as Deb has a pot of brisket in the oven. Should be right for a few hours so we head off just a down pour of local rain comes down. The Bridge Ale House is just down the road and straddles the English side with Wales a mere small bridge crossing away. We dry off by the fire, the establishment has wifi so send a few pics around the world and then settle in for a few games of pool. We wander back with Deb well in front which was just s well for her s she fell on her backside and slid down towards the narrow boat with only the person on the nearest boat to witness.

When we get there she has mud all over her, pity we missed that one! We strike up a conversation with the person on the boat, turns out that she is solo on her boat and travel round expending on the work available. Being friendly we invite Polly over to share in the feast, as usual Deb has prepared enough to feed a small army. Interesting to learn more about life on the canels of England and Wales. She has been living like this for the past 12 years. Now we have trouble getting in the locks and around the one way bends with the four of us, doing it by yourself would be a real challenge.

Life in this manner is one that means time and more to the point speed is of no consequence, when dogs pass you it tells a story, you chat to people as they pass you and travel a river height through the fields is one of tranquility. Kim after a few wines started to get deep and meaningful and I am sure Polly was thinking that dinner must always come at a price - he was questioning her on freedom and control. All a little too much when all I wanted to ask her was to put the kettle on. All in all again a wonderful day in our canel boat.