Driving Theory

Yesterday we both passed our driving theory and hazard perception test on our first attempt. It was daunting to receive an email reminder a few days beforehand, stating that

54 out of every 100 theory tests

were failed between July and September 2025

Aargh, it was a long hard week of dull cramming for our test. We had to watch video clips of developing hazards and click as soon as we saw one. The sooner you clicked, the higher your score (1-5), but clicking in a constant pattern (just in case) would result in 0 points. To pass this section, we had to score an average of 3 in 15 clips, to achieve a total of 44 or more out of 75

Watching clips and waiting for hazards gave me the willies - the tension in my neck afterwards was intense! I guess I just don't play enough video games.

And then there were the road sign questions too ... on which we had to score 43/50 to pass - these always got me ... 

No motorized vehicles

The U.S. sign for no cycling (below) is very clear to me. In the U.K. a round sign with a red ring around it is prohibitive (something you must NOT do) even without a slash through it. There are obviously also country-specific colors and shapes that have to be assimilated.

The test setup was intense - we had to shut down phones and then put them in a locker, had to turn all our pockets inside out, remove watches, have ears checked for hidden devices, and sleeves rolled up to check for ? Crib notes?

Chirk: Aqueduct, Viaduct and Tunnel

We visited the canal aqueduct and train viaduct alongside each other in Chirk after our Teddy Bears lunch. 

What this setup lacks in height and length (compared to Pontcysyllte) is made up for with its lovely two-tiered effect.

These beautifully arched structures span two countries (England, Wales) across the brilliant green floodplain of the river Ceiriog below.

The Chirk tunnel on the Welsh side is a dark, covered canal 1,380 feet in length, designed for a single vessel only, with a towpath alongside.

The arching roof of the tunnel

 made for a very uncomfortable walk for Dale

It was so much fun!

Tea Room Lunch

We had lunch with R&D at the Teddy Bears Tea Room in Chirk. It's a small, cosy (cluttered) establishment that is down to earth and homey. Just right!

It was a tad disconcerting to get the response "we have oatmilk" when I explained I have an allergy to soya. The lady in the kitchen called out, "we have soymilk," and then our server said they had gluten free bread. Oh dear!

I explained what they needed to look for and where, and was brought a delicious toasted egg & mayonnaise sandwich (using rapeseed oil), with a salad and some crisps, along with a coffee SANS soymilk. Some of the menu items were titled Daddy, or Momma, Bears Breakfast.

What is a tea room? It's a low-key 'restaurant' that serves light meals, cakes, scones and biscuits with tea and/or coffee. This little tea room also had a yarn shop attached, called The Shop Next Door!

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

 At last! This is a World Heritage site we've been dying to see - the Pontcysyllte (Pont – ker – sulth – tay) Aqueduct. We joined our friends on this fantastic outing - having locals guide us to the best spots and parking areas was a superb way to enjoy this 220 year old structure over the river Dee.

The aqueduct is the highest canal way in the world (126' 8" tall). The 19 arch structure across the valley is wide enough for a single narrowboat with a towpath for horses to pull them along. The towpath is now used by pedestrians visiting the site.

The view over the trees, river and valley is amazing

Once across the valley, the canal widens to a passing and berthing width, and the pedestrian way is much broader, too.

The Traphont Cefn railway viaduct can be seen in the distance.

View of the 1,007' aqueduct from the stone road bridge

Such an ambitious and ingenious piece of engineering cannot help but fill one with awe. This magnificent structure has inspired Dale's design plans for our garden ...