Our holiday planning started as most people’s does. The 5Ws and an H or two come into play. When… what can we afford …where shall we go…how shall we travel…what do we need to pack…etc.
Like so many people we are thinking of a holiday for the first time since Covid struck the world. It will also be our first summer holiday since we left bricks and mortar living nearly 2 years ago.
When to go?
When can we have a 4-year-old to entertain us? First week in August? We’re motoring ahead with that date then!
Who?
Two crew and a 4-year-old to keep them in check. No dog this time because it could be warm. He’s also due to have a veterinary dental op this week. He’s going on his own holiday to our youngest daughter who is actually his owner.
Why holiday when we live in bliss every day?
Because we want a holiday with a 4-year-old and to see family and friends after all this time of separation. It does seem odd to be leaving the boat particularly as we have friends packing in their bricks and mortar homes at this very minute ready for a canal boat holiday!
Where?
Cornwall and Devon as that’s where many friends and family are – lucky lot!
What to pack?
Whst we need including picnic rugs for the beach, so I did the washing as we cruised this morning (absolute bliss to be able to do this rather than spending hours in often stuffy laundrettes). It’s now drying in the sunshine.
How much to spend?
Budget is always interesting living as we have chosen to do (and because the dog’s op is the price of an entire holiday budget). We have been saved by a sister-in-law who we want to see and who generously offered accommodation.
How to travel?
The furthest south canal with water in it is the 14.5mile Bridgwater and Taunton Canal in Somerset. It joins the two towns but joins nothing else on the network! So we will travel by electric car and foot.
That creates the BIG question…what to do with our home whilst we swan off?
The options are simple. Moor it on a towpath mooring that allows long enough mooring to cover the time we are away, or moor in a marina.
With towpath mooring break ins are rare, but they do happen and some of the forums have shared recent increased reports, perhaps something to do with bored or curious youngsters? It’s a risk that one takes – some people have cctv etc but that often indicates there’s something worth stealing on a boat… our boat has nothing worth stealing (no tv etc.) but lots of items of sentimental value as it’s our home. Sometimes mooring ropes are untied or cut – some we know get round this by using chains and padlocks, but often that’s an advertisement that a boat is unoccupied.
That leaves the marina option, which is what we’ve gone for. Peace of mind means we can relax. Yes there’s a cost, but it’s manageable. It has meant a couple of long cruising days (20 locks yesterday for example) but enjoyable in the sunshine as a prelude to the holiday to get to our chosen marina.
We are now there. We made it through all the boats and found the right pontoon without hitting anyone or embarrassing ourselves, so we can now pack and relax.
Clients know we’re away, tenants don’t need to know because if they have problems they contact us and we resolve them remotely, so we’re all set for the off. It’s a mix of emotions to lock the hatch and walk away for 5 days. Excitement and guilt – not quite sure why I feel guilty but this home has a personality in a way bricks and mortar don’t. She’ll be fine with the fish and ducks for company, and probably enjoy the peace and quiet, not having to move, just chilling on a pontoon.
I think I’ve managed to clear all the spiders who invaded on one of this weeks overhanging-tree mooring spots otherwise we could come back to a monster web from hell!
So now we’re ready for gazillions of games of I-spy (including those which go “…begins with B” and when after ages when we all give up ends with “I’ve forgotten what it was now!”), crunchy sand-sprinkled sandwiches and five days of fun! Oh, and hours of car singing…
If you’re heading off on holiday have a wonderful time. If you’re heading off on a narrowboat holiday – lucky you. Embrace the slow life and reeeelaxxxx. Just to get you in the mood here’s a cool, slow and tranquil part of our journey through the beautifully constructed Saddington Tunnel.
Pickingupducks 