Canals – Pickingupducks

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas from all of us aboard nb Preaux

Past present and perfect

History isn’t something in the past if you live on the waterways. It is part of the present, entwined in daily life, in constant reminders, as we walk on and in the very footsteps of the past worn into stones and steps, past bridge rubbing bands worn into deep grooves by the ropes attached toContinue reading “Past present and perfect”

Au revoir

Finally we bid farewell to the Grand Union main line and turn back on the Leicester Line. How far we shall get with water shortages remains to be seen, but we are about 14th in the queue for Watford Locks. They are due to reopen at 10am on Monday for just a week, all beingContinue reading “Au revoir”

Enjoying a final flourish

It’s here, and it feels wonderful to embrace autumn, particularly this year after the long dry spring and summer, that turned everything to dust. Living and working on a boat brings nature and the changes of seasons to you in a way that living in bricks and mortar cannot. We are in and out intoContinue reading “Enjoying a final flourish”

Is this trip a stage too far?

Is this the journey that’s going to finish us? We turned onto the Kennet and Avon, aiming to head through Berkshire, Wiltshire, and then to Avon. We have now been on the canal for two weeks, and only now are we feeling we might survive it. Never have we shouted at each other so muchContinue reading “Is this trip a stage too far?”

Bag bottoms and historic Arms

Blindgötu, cul-de-sac, sackgasse, the bottom of a bag – dead end doesn’t sound an attractive proposition whatever the language (Icelandic, French and German as well as English here). To reach a dead end means you’re not making any progress, you’re unlikely to succeed, but this week, dead ends have literally been our focus. Heading somewhereContinue reading “Bag bottoms and historic Arms”

Travelling in the footsteps and hoofprints of history

1805. Admiral Lord Nelson told his men that England expected them to do their duty as they approached the combined French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar, knowing many would lose their lives. As the smoke of cannons cleared, it was apparent the smaller fighting fleet of the British had triumphed, although 5,000Continue reading “Travelling in the footsteps and hoofprints of history”

Resuming work/life/move balance

Humans (and dogs) are adaptable beings. We’ve slotted comfortably back into our usual move-moor routine after the winter mooring and winter stoppage delays. The weather has been glorious, which has made boatlife and the usual chores that go with it, a delight. Cleaning windows in the sun is a pleasure. Watching the sunlight stream throughContinue reading “Resuming work/life/move balance”

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”

Building resistance while getting scuppered

Our coddiwompling is coming to an end for a while as winter draws near. It is possibly my favourite season living afloat and we’ve decided to try something new this year. For the first time, we’ve determined to try staying in one place for the winter months near our family. A couple of weeks agoContinue reading “Building resistance while getting scuppered”