What a week.
Broken boat. Clouds of black smoke. Repairs underway. Canals are being closed around us and a feeling of despair settling around.
Canal and River Trust say reservoir levels are higher than when they closed routes last year with two weeks’ warning, but this year locks have shut around us with no warning.
Are we being forced out of our floating lifestyle?
What should we do?
Can we expect to only move in the winter when we will be limited by annual winter closures?
If summers are getting hotter are we mad to stay in them in a metal box?
If we are unable to move in summer because of closures and winter because of repairs is moving spring and autumn enough for us to be happy staying on the boat?
If so what should we do in summer and winter?
No wonder we have needed to escape and reflect.
What should we do? What can we do? What would you do?
We are off the canal netwotk to let the desperate frustration subside and enjoy time with family. See you in two weeks – hopefully with some answers!
Pickingupducks 
Sorry to read this Deena😌 Your resilience, problem solving and creativity have been tested to the max. You have both been absolutely amazing throughout!
You have put so much passion and emotion into your dream; it seems awful to now have to simply be pragmatic.
what is best for you both and for your health and well-being going forward? Is there a challenge number 2 out there for you? Will you be able to learn again to live differently in some way?
Which other road less travelled could you explore and in what way?
I think I might decide to close this chapter by celebrating it in some way but not until I had a new plan.
Enjoy the next two weeks with family….just immerse yourselves and BE for now💕
With love
Suzanne
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Nothing is off the table!
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ummm always was my dream a NB but in light of these last few years as you say probably glad I went the Campervan route. I think van-life runs canal life a close 2nd you can’t slow down quite as well. But the horizons are not limited to 2000 miles of waterways. There are remote even just quite campsites to chill on. Even canal side ones to get your fix! Enjoy your 2 weeks with family. But I do think you’re right it’s gonna be Autumn winter if planned well and spring only. Best Ade…
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Nothing is off the table! We’ve even thought of van life!
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