Comedian Chris McCausland got us thinking this week that we all really could benefit from making more of an effort at living (that doesn’t mean doing something big like say ballroom dancing, although if that’s your thing – dance away – Voltaire would approve!). An antidote to pretension at the Hay Festival, where we sawContinue reading “We all need to put more effort in”
Tag Archives: travel
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”
Sometimes you just have to move on…
We’re back on the move, with this week encapsulating the variety of life afloat on the inland waterways of Great Britain. In five days we’ve travelled 28 miles up 42 locks. We’ve moored in a city (surprisingly quiet considering we were alongside university student accommodation), outside a village (peaceful) and in the middle of fieldsContinue reading “Sometimes you just have to move on…”
Biophilia indoors is bringing evident benefits
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”
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”
Pickingupducks 