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?”
Tag Archives: challenge
Celebrations, challenges and meeting Winston
We made it up to Langley Mill and through the first lock on the Cromford Canal, gaining our 10th IWA Silver Propellor Challenge location on my birthday to acquire the delightful present of a rather unique location plaque! Getting here up the Erewash was a challenge itself, to be honest, but one worth undertaking. ItContinue reading “Celebrations, challenges and meeting Winston”
New beginnings, a new challenge and a reboot
I feel like I’ve returned home to a parallel universe after my time away. I left just about 10 days ago in periodic warm summer days, but I’ve returned to what is clearly autumn. Uniforms and backpacks are taking over the early towpath from habitual dog walkers; leaves fluttering from hedgerows and trees like confettiContinue reading “New beginnings, a new challenge and a reboot”
Totally swamped
Exhaustion, relief, elation, achievement, fear and pride all in one week – a veritable tidal wave of emotions has swept us along. A week ago we were moored at Gunthorpe on the non-tidal River Trent waiting to leave to head towards the tidal Trent. We had our anchor at the ready, our lifejackets on whateverContinue reading “Totally swamped”
Taking control can change everything
We started our week in Marple, feeling frustrated and stuck. We finish it 52 miles, 31 working locks and 1 tunnel further on, feeling positive and upbeat in one of our favourite places. Moored as we now are at Great Haywood, on the edge of the historic Shugborough Estate, we are treating ourselves to aContinue reading “Taking control can change everything”
Comfort zone 0: Benefit immense (apparently)
History tells when the Athenians learned the Persians had landed at Marathon en route to attack Athens in 490 BC, a messenger ran to Sparta for help. This first ‘marathon runner’ covered 260 kilometres of rugged terrain in less than two days! A runner (probably the same poor chap) subsequently ran from Marathon to AthensContinue reading “Comfort zone 0: Benefit immense (apparently)”
Sod’s Law and Tiger Traits
This Year of the Tiger is about courage, bravery, and resilience. We’ve all been developing and drawing on those in these recent years, but perhaps now more than ever as post pandemic stresses build, we are going to need our tiger qualities. In a small way we’ve drawn on them a lot this week, discoveringContinue reading “Sod’s Law and Tiger Traits”
Pickingupducks 