Blogs
Keep up to date on the latest adventures and musings from boaters blogs.
20 November 2024
Hillmorton
NB Harnser
It was 1°C when we left home and we caught up with the gritting machine on the A11 by which time it was 3°C, the best we saw on the dashboard display was 5°C. Towards the end of our journey
Farewell to an old friend but hello to a new family member
NB Free Spirit (Jameisons Afloat)
So.... the stove...crikey, has it really been 6 weeks since that was done? In those six weeks, a new addition to the family has arrived and the first snow of winter (or is it still autumn?) gave a good 4
18 November 2024
Dazzling Jewel on test
NB Briar Rose
The December *Canal Boat* is out, and includes my boat test on *Dazzling Jewel* by [Cain Narrowboats][1]. [1]: https://www.cainnarrowboats.com/
Job's a Good'un
NB Herbie
The restoration of Herbie's hinged aft hatch lid is complete, no thanks to me. All the thanks go to my mate Rick who has lovingly and skilfully turned this into this Not a simple job because he had to cut
16 November 2024
16 November 2024 at 17:58
NB The Maisibert
We returned to Bude today without the dogs so we could have a look around the town first we visited Bude Castle where we saw the history of GCHQ we drove past the real dishes yesterday, tonight we have Cornish
Bully Boy Battery Cables. 8th November
NB Oleanna
**(Tech Post by Mick)** When I installed the new LiFePO4 lithium batteries back in the spring of this year, I had ordered cables that were too long. Better too long than too short! At the time, I didn’t have the
How do you wait?
Pickingupducks
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
15 November 2024
15 November 2024 at 16:25
NB The Maisibert
As the dogs had been left at the cottage the last couple of days so today we took them to Sandymouth Bay for a run and then back to the cottage.
15 November 2024 at 16:21
NB The Maisibert
The dogs have enjoyed their stay this is despite being left the last couple of days.
14 November 2024
14 November 2024 at 18:31
NB The Maisibert
After saying our goodbyes to Elaine and Colin we visited Westward Hoe to check out the beach for the dogs tomorrow but think it might be a bit rough for them.
14 November 2024 at 18:27
NB The Maisibert
We met Elaine and Colin from Torquay at Bideford Quay today for a long overdue catch up.
13 November 2024
13 November 2024 at 23:18
NB The Maisibert
Today we went to Barnstaple because Hilary's Great Grandfather was a vicar there as we had no information a phone call was made to her cousin who gave us a place name. A bit of Google research gave us the
Crick
NB Briar Rose
I came up to the boat yesterday afternoon, as I had a boat test to do today. This morning was very foggy across the marina. It was also foggy when we got to Crick for the boat test, so we
12 November 2024
12 November 2024 at 17:50
NB The Maisibert
Later this afternoon we travelled to Hartland Quay, it seems this area has one major road the A39 the rest are single track roads where we met several tractors and obviousally it is muck spreading season.
12 November 2024 at 17:36
NB The Maisibert
First port of call today was Clovelly which is a fishing village which is owned by one family where all the homes are rented out, because of the cobbled streets everything is delivered to the properties by donkey's pulling sledges.
Pond cleaning
NB Wakahuia
On Wednesday a couple of weeks ago, when David went out to make a cup of tea at about 8am, he saw that Kevin was already starting work, getting set up for the big pond clearing that he and Josh
11 November 2024
11 November 2024 at 16:20
NB The Maisibert
Today we took the dogs to Bude for them to play on the beach, even Cassie walked all the way after her episode just over a week ago. Even had a canal (Bude Canal) which was used to transport sand.
11 November 2024 at 16:12
NB The Maisibert
After a five hour drive we arrived at the cottage and the sun shone on our arrival, even the dogs were tired after the journey and soon settled in.
9 November 2024
Going for a festive make or break?
Pickingupducks
This is the run-up to Christmas in our family – four birthdays in rapid succession, then barely a pause before the festive season presents take over our thoughts. It is a time that, for many, can literally make or break
7 November 2024
A Ride In The A. 3rd November
NB Oleanna
A document listing requirements for Oleanna’s repaint has been compiled. An order made for primer, undercoat, replacements and filters placed. The living room rug keeps on being murdered (the fish is innocent by the way!). My work room has been
6 November 2024
From blacking: Day 2
NB Briar Rose
As I was ahead of schedule I had a pretty relaxed start to the day. I walked up to the village as I’d arranged to meet Kathryn for a cup of tea in the cafe when they opened at 10am.
5 November 2024
From blacking: Day 1
NB Briar Rose
I drove up to Weedon yesterday after an early shift, stopping at Brent Cross Tesco on the way for some shopping, and arriving at about 6.15. Steve at [Grand Union Narrowboats][1] had kindly moved the boat over to the towpath
4 November 2024
My mate Tezza who died last week
NB Percy
I post this as I know it'll pop up in future years to remind me. Not looking for comments just a memory - they are very important to me. I lost a good friend. Tezza to us Terry to family.
3 November 2024
Adding more maps
NB Floydtilla
**Last of the latest batch of maps updated** * [River Weaver][1] * [Caledonian Canal][2] * [Crinan Canal][3] * [Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal][4] * [Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal][5] * [River Derwent][6] * [Pocklington Canal – Navigable Section][7] * [Grand Western Canal][8]
2 November 2024
Shh! Don’t Tell Tilly. 29th October
NB Oleanna
*Viking Marina* **Checking out the view** Our return to Scarborough was perfectly timed so that after all the unpacking we could enjoy an evening walk in Peasholm Park. We weren’t the only ones to enjoy Moonlight on the Lake, there
Go slow and say no for a better life
Pickingupducks
We move slowly through life living and working on a narrowboat, but we get as much if not more done than we used to, at a fraction of the stress. Our stresses are perhaps different, but the pace at which
1 November 2024
New Home Mooring
NB Harnser
Away just after ten from what was probably the quietest mooring all trip, no cars, no motorbike, no trains, no early morning joggers, I can’t say I even noticed an owl. Passing the private plot moorings just past Brinklow marina
31 October 2024
All Oaks Wood
NB Harnser
A dull start to the day with light drizzle, first job a traditional English breakfast from Playwrights, they open at 8-30 and we were the first customers of the day as we wanted to get away in good time. With
Echoes of Historical Tragedies: Spirits Along the Canals
Widebeam & Wellingtons
Canals, with their serene waters and picturesque landscapes, have long been witnesses to the ebb and flow of history. Yet, beneath the...
30 October 2024
Coventry Basin
NB Harnser
A very dull day today as we set off along the Coventry Canal. I don’t know who attached the clock to the telegraph post but its not telling the truth.[[DSCF9975]][1] Charity Dock doesn't disappoint with its display of interesting and
29 October 2024
Marston Junction.
NB Harnser
Again last night we had rain, we also had very few TV channels and no Three mobile signal, that is why the blog went out today. The clock on the wall may have changed but the ones in side us
Atherstone top lock
NB Harnser
Well another wet night but fine this morning although we did have some fine drizzle and strong breeze as we travelled to the locks, but thankfully the flight was dry. The changing of the clocks is not going too well,
28 October 2024
Tillys Turn. 25th October
NB Oleanna
*Viking Marina to Scarboreugh!* ***Me*** ***Sorry if you are having your morning Ding Ding, but I am a boat cat and I’m allowed to talk poo boxes.*** ***Now, I far prefer to use shore based facilities than my poo box,
27 October 2024
Polesworth
NB Harnser
We of course we ate in the Dog and Doublet last night with the oriental menu from Peter’s Wok Kitchen. During the early evening this raft arrived and was moored outside the pub, it was still there when we left
Map and more Canal and River maps
NB Floydtilla
More canal / river maps added to the list, now with even more information and description added. * [Caldon Canal Combined][1] * [Union Canal][2] * [Forth and Clyde Canal][3] * [River Ancholme][4] * [River Avon – Warwickshire][5] * [Manchester Ship
The Last Ding Ding. 24th October
NB Oleanna
*Viking Marina* It may have been the person who heads off in a vehicle at 6 something in the morning that woke me up, but it gave me a chance to check emails and see if we’d had any substitutions
26 October 2024
Dog and Doublet
NB Harnser
After the heavy rain yesterday evening it turned into a clear sky with bright stars and aircraft flying over, Birmingham is quite a busy airport. This morning it started a little misty but it was soon a clear still day,
Big Blue Bum. 23rd October
NB Oleanna
*Sykehouse Junction to Viking Marina* **Morning viewing** No rush to be away this morning, we’d woken to quite a bit of dew, so no point in trying to get some paint on the grabrail, it would have only got in
Celebrations, challenges and meeting Winston
Pickingupducks
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
25 October 2024
Going the Wrong Way Down a Narrowboat Canal Tunnel
Narrowboat Life Unlocked
Our narrowboat adventure continues as we leave Lymm on the Bridgewater canal and head for the tunnels we have a delay after some generator problems. It’s too late to travel but we have no choice and-end up stopping in the
Wiggins Hill Bridge
NB Harnser
There were three boats on the Star City pontoons in the end last night and we all left within minutes of each other around 10 o’clock. The first went up Garrison, the second, a Wilderness turned round and went back
Spaghetti Fork. 22nd October
NB Oleanna
*Castleford to Sykehouse Junction, New Junction Canal* Yesterday was the start of Chippy panto rehearsals for* [Jack and The Beanstalk][1]*. I’d be wrong if I said I wasn’t missing working on it this year. I’d also have rather been at
24 October 2024
Star City again
NB Harnser
Last night we ate at [Ciaro][1] a small Italian restaurant right on the towpath at Gas Street Basin, its set in a couple of ground floor rooms and basement of a house. Before we set off this morning I spotted
Precautionary Nutty Chocolate. 21st October
NB Oleanna
*Castleford and York* Storm Ashley arrived with us quite late on yesterday. More wind than rain. The level in the pound had come up and our fenders weren’t doing their job, but after a bit of adjustment we could settle
23 October 2024
Oozells Street Loop again
NB Harnser
First job this morning was a visit to the Bumble Hole Visitor Centre to deposit some paper back books and of course to buy a few more. Then it was off down the Dudley No 2 canal to Hawne Basin
Mushrooms and Ashley. 20th October
NB Oleanna
*Castleford* Well the generators here at Castleford are a touch quieter than they’ve been in the past. The last one finally went off at 12:30, that’s at night! **Breakfast** We’re in finishing things off mode on board at the moment
22 October 2024
Bumblehole - Windmill End
NB Harnser
Last night we ate at [Bistrot Pierre][1] and had a window table overlooking the canal. They were filming Peaky Blinders on the canal between us and Broad Street Tunnel. They had extended the length of the tunnel with scaffolding towards
Key Of Power Locks. 19th October
NB Oleanna
*Above Fall Ing Lock to Castleford Moorings, Aire and Calder Navigation* Yesterday Mick had checked the stoppage notices again for our route eastwards. The flood locks were in use on the Aire and Calder, all were user operable apart from
21 October 2024
Oozells Street Birmingham
NB Harnser
After we moored up yesterday we went for a short walk to the park behind the junction toll house. The bridge and the track that CRT put in for the restoration work is still there. Looking at the house it
20 October 2024
Kings Norton Junction
NB Harnser
Yesterday evening was nice and clear, I went out to adjust the TV aerial and looking up at the sky there was along row of Starlink Satellites right from the horizon to directly over our heads. Someone posted on Facebook