That’s it then – all over. How did that happen so quickly? For the first time in our five years of working and living afloat on a narrowboat, we took a winter mooring. Somehow it’s been nearly four whole months that we have remained (most of the time) in one place. Some people go intoContinue reading “We’re done – it’s over.”
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It’s time for clearing the decks – are you?
Spring’s sorting out is going on all around us. Many birds are busy nesting, female ducks are once more putting their lives at risk as the mating season begins (males can and often do drown the females if they mate in the water), buds are busily forming on shrubs and trees, and early bulbs areContinue reading “It’s time for clearing the decks – are you?”
A Lover-ly time to be afloat
This week has seen a flurry of red roses, cards with hearts, and lots of soppy messages on social media. For many, it brightened the gloom of this often dreary time of the year. For others, I recognise it’s depressing or underlines loneliness, and for some it’s all hype and unnecessary. It made me thinkContinue reading “A Lover-ly time to be afloat”
Giving back gives more than expected
One advantage of spending the winter in one place has been the chance to formally become volunteers with the charity that has responsibility for the waterways we live on – Canal and River Trust. On 2 July 2012, CRT, as a charity, took over from the previous government authority, British Waterways, who ran the networkContinue reading “Giving back gives more than expected”
Our new super power!
This week has seen the single biggest revolution in our off grid life. Our 50ft floating home/office/workshop, since we bought her 7 years ago, has been powered by 3 lead acid Albion leisure batteries. Initially, they were charged by running the engine, and they in turn powered the items we need – lights, laptop, mobileContinue reading “Our new super power!”
Eowyn and epitaphs this week
Another storm…another natural disaster for much of the UK. As Storm Eowyn raged we have been away worrying about our boat remotely from down on the South West coast, and once more we are so grateful for the support of the boating community. This time, as winds howled and waters rose, we were on theContinue reading “Eowyn and epitaphs this week”
Everything you ever wanted to know…and some you didn’t!
We seem to be a novelty after the floods have abated here in this part of Leicestershire. It is one of the lovely things we find about narrowboat living – people are curious about how we live because it’s a bit different. Additionally, we can often be found outside alongside or easily available sitting outContinue reading “Everything you ever wanted to know…and some you didn’t!”
Flood, evacuation & freeze
It’s been a dramatic week. From wet and muddy to a pollution incident. emergency evacuation, danger to life levels, and ice. Monday began with grandson’s school being closed on the first day back from the Christmas holidays because not enough staff could get in through flooded or snowy roads. This is a benefit of beingContinue reading “Flood, evacuation & freeze”
Positives and planning- 2025 in a nutshell
The highlight of a wonderful week away surrounded by our amazing family was being able to cook for a crowd (I forgot how much I loved doing that, what a gesture of love it is to be the cook for lots of people special to you.) I’ve not had the chance on the boat toContinue reading “Positives and planning- 2025 in a nutshell”
Goodbye and farewell
Looking back it’s been a year of significant difference for us and also one of new opportunities. We started 2024 on the Ashby Canal, headed onto the Coventry, Trent and Mersey, Bridgewater and Leeds and Liverpool. Through the late Spring and early summer, we had 3 months stationary in one place (thanks CRT for yourContinue reading “Goodbye and farewell”
Pickingupducks 