One of the most popular and most watched episodes of Grand Designs was that of woodsman Ben Law, handbuilding his cruck-framed home in the Sussex woodland he manages. The thought he put into making the wood the centrepiece of his incredible home and the care with which he handcrafted every element appealed not just toContinue reading “Biophilia indoors is bringing evident benefits”
Tag Archives: travel
We’re done – it’s over.
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.”
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”
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”
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”
For you
Living and working afloat isn’t stressless or plain sailing, but it is full of wonder, surprise, and physical achievements. All of these are uplifting. Combined with slow travel with a top speed of 4 mph, it is a calm way to live. We are very fortunate in many ways. So this year, your Christmas cardContinue reading “For you”
Tenterhooks, astonishment and unbelievable fortune
Setting a goal and being thwarted can be a challenge. We’ve been thwarted many times in our aim to reach our first ever winter mooring, but last Saturday was the first chance for us to try and make the trip across and up a river to reach our spot – and we went for it.Continue reading “Tenterhooks, astonishment and unbelievable fortune”
How do you wait?
How do you wait – patiently, productively or frustratedly? By the time you read this we hope the enforced hebetude of the past weeks will have left us and we will be on the move, making our way at last in the chill morning air across the misty River Trent onto the River Soar. EveryContinue reading “How do you wait?”
Pickingupducks 