Maesbury Marsh to Weston Branch

Thursday 2nd August

Before we set off we took Dex for a walk as I wanted to walk part of the canal where is was closed for navigation. At first it was hard to understand why it was closed as it looked like a normal canal.

 Dex had a paddle! 

 But then we could see that it was closed off and the water literally ran out! 

 It looked like they were building a new lock at this point. 

 This part was completely overgrown. 

 Clearly an awful lot of work is still required before it will be open again. I can't wait to see it finished. http://www.restorethemontgomerycanal.uk/

 A sheep had got it's head stuck through this fence and was bleating like mad! John went to tell the farmer.

 It was now time to set off. First stop the service point for a pump out and fill up with water.

 We passed the trip boat on it's return journey. 

 We soon arrived at the services. 

 On our way again, this time I sat up the front. 

At least I could warn John when other boats were approaching!

 It was so beautiful and peaceful.

 We reached Aston locks again. 

 John and Dex walked between the locks. As you can see it was very hot! 

 One of the wildlife lakes 

 We saw a couple with their canoe which they had to take out of the water to get past the lock. It looked really heavy!

 They managed to get it back in the water and were then on their way again. 

 I went back up the front. You can see so much more wildlife as you are closer to the water.

 Dex came to join me! 

 We saw lots of beautiful dragonflies and damsel flies. 

 We saw an interesting looking duck. He was paddling like crazy in front of the boat!

 Back across the Perry Aqueduct. 

 Along this stretch I watched swifts swooping and diving into the water, it was wonderful to see them. I also saw a Kingfisher fly right past me but of course didn't manage to get a photo!

 We reached the last lock of the day which was the Graham Palmer lock. This shallow lock was not part of the canal's original infrastructure but had to be built as part of the restoration project to compensate for ground subsidence. It is named after the founder of the Waterway Recovery Group who worked tirelessly to restore the canal.

 We reached Weston and found a lovely mooring spot complete with picnic table! The Weston Branch is now disused. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_Canal#Western_extension

 Dex was tired out! 

 Later we went for a walk up to Frankton locks as it was a glorious balmy evening. 

 We came back and watched the sunset - bliss!