It seemed a remarkably easy decision to make after 6 months of working flat out through lockdown – give up the job, house and car. Move onto a 50ft 31-year old narrowboat to live a simpler, ecological more friendly life and see if it is more satisfying, more fulfilling with just ducks for neighbours. Idealistic or idiotic? Only one way to find out…
So 3 weeks ago the three of us, husband, self and spaniel moved to our floating home. It was a quick decision to make but it took some months to realise.
We had a big advantage – we had a boat, not in a condition to live on full time but then perhaps it’s a bit like having a child – are you ever ready or if you wait until you think you are, is it going to be too late or will you ever do it?
So other major things needed sorting to make our dream a reality…
- I had to give 3 months notice from my job in UK higher education
- The contents of a 4-bedroomed house won’t fit into space of 50ft long by arms length width so I turned to eBay and Facebook market place, making some sentimentally tough decisions and meeting some delightful people in the process
- We needed to refit parts of the boat for full time living…
- …to dispose of a car…
- …and decide what to do with a house – rent or sell because we needed the money so we couldn’t leave it empty
In the main we have managed these tasks and in the past 3 weeks onboard we have learned some valuable life lessons; rescued one crew member from murky depths; supported another crew member to complete the London Marathon; and we’ve been trapped by rising flood waters… All will be explored in next week’s blog together with answers to some of the many questions we are being asked by friends, family and those we have met on this journey.
Thanks Covid for giving us the push – the now or never realisation. Things are up in the air already for us all anyway. Will this move work? Is it inspiring or idiotic? Can we survive? Should fear or doubt stop us trying? Will Covid in the end stop us realising our dream? Join us on this journey of a lifetime to find out.
Pickingupducks 
It will absolutely be worth it! Go Deena!! Look forward to the next blog post!
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Thanks Kate – uneventful it isn’t!!!
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WOW !!! xxx
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Full of excitement and admiration for you Deena. Can’t wait to follow your journey and see how you resolve the many questions/decisions and issues that will arise. One thing I feel, is that you will approach it all with courage and resilience.
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Thank you – hope to find some great walks on the way as well as adventures on the water!
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Well done and what an achievement so far. Look forward to sharing your adventures Deena!
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Thanks Jo!
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What a great adventure. I look forward to reading the blog
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What an exciting journey you’re making. I look forward to following your travels snd hopefully meet up at some point. Stay safe x
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Thanks Nicky – look forward to welcoming you on board before too long
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What a fabulous adventure, Deena! Looking forward to reading more.
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I’m more than happy to join you on your great adventure 😊 I was lucky enough to have seen for myself all the hard work done on the boat (sorry, your new home)! Have a great time and I’ll look forward to hearing how you’re all getting on. x😘
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Can’t wait to see you back on board!
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Well done you – look fwd to reading about your journey😊 JBK
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This ‘can do’ attitude is just what I need now after reflecting on my life as a result of the Covid lockdown. I am in the process of selling my home and (if all goes well) I will be downsizing to a 2 bed bungalow, that needs lots of work & is in a town I do not really know! Like you some emotional decisions when it comes to sorting out my possessions and deciding what stays and what goes. I have a mix of excitement and fear. The next stage will be retirement, which I am sure will come earlier than planned. Lockdown has taught me that we do not need as much and although I will have a significantly reduced income (state pension starts in 2021) I will manage! I look forward to following your journey & very well done for being brave enough to follow your heart ….
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Thanks Sandra – good luck on your journey too, every bit as brave!
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Awesome! Love the idea of this Deena and full of admiration. Looking forward to the next post in your adventure – escapism from my ‘cell’ ( study) with the green screen behind me for videos meaning i live 12-14 hours a day in a space 3.5m by 2m – bet the boat feels a little bit bigger now? 🙂
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With all the towpath space and walks to hop out to, our space certainly doesn’t feel constrained. You have my sympathy Tony as your space sounds claustrophobic!
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