In one of his 43 poems – yes, 43 – about the life of a river, Ted Hughes observes: The winter floods have ruined her. She squats between draggled banks, fingering her rags and rubbish.” And so it is as the flood waters drop on a river leaving debris hanging from overhanging branches andContinue reading “Soar-ing deep, high and demanding”
Tag Archives: History
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”
Belonging as boat people and walking with royalty
How long does it take to put down roots, to feel a sense of belonging, to feel part of a community? Being a nomad, I reckon a couple of days often does it for me, but I am aware it’s different for each individual. For the first time for a very long time, we haveContinue reading “Belonging as boat people and walking with royalty”
Historical perspectives and Operation Sanctuary result
We did it. The fable of the tortoise and the hare proved valid for (certain) narrowboats and their crews in 2025. Slow, dogged determination won the day against The Drought and The Closure of Locks to Preserve Water (capitals all mine!). Slow it may have been but stressfree it was not. We left Thatcham outsideContinue reading “Historical perspectives and Operation Sanctuary result”
National wonders or damp squibs?
More than 50 years ago Robert Aickman, co-founder of the Inland Waterways Association compiled the original list of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways.’ With our descent of the Caen Hill a flight last Saturday we have now travelled through or along each of these, and we would take issue with Aickman on several ofContinue reading “National wonders or damp squibs?”
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?”
Free-floating anxiety management
It doesn’t matter how many times you launch yourself into new ventures, there is always a frisson of fear, an nagging anxiety, concern over what might happen (even when you know you have prepared, even over-prepared for every eventuality). There are those nights of unsettled sleep, butterflies in the stomach, irritability, and edginess. It’s theContinue reading “Free-floating anxiety management”
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”
Reflections on many, many things!
Happy Easter everyone! I was delighted to be near this boat this week in a bit of serendipitous mooring! Hire boats packed with multigenerational holiday makers are evident on the waterways this week, which is great to see. As Boatdog and I passed a moored one we heard a small girl being reassured by herContinue reading “Reflections on many, many things!”
Pickingupducks 