Jumping The Final British Passport Hurdle

Nine years after his first successful UK visa application, Barry finally receives his British passport from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Back on Board Before Retreating and Picking Up Barry’s ILTR Permit

Travelling back to Barry on Wednesday involved a variety of transport. Firstly a water bus to the airport, which took an hour. Very pleasant. Then a couple of hours wait turned into three, as the first flight to Amsterdam,was delayed. I'd been tempted by the offer to check in my hand baggage for free as … Continue reading Back on Board Before Retreating and Picking Up Barry’s ILTR Permit

Day Fifteen – Living In Interesting Times and Good News to Report

We've noticed a prolific amount of posters titled "May You Live In Interesting Times", but not really investigated what they were promoting. Until that is, we decided to wander along the waterway after our buffet breakfast, and found a garden filled with spectacular sculptures. Wow! Again! Just before walking, we went up in the lift … Continue reading Day Fifteen – Living In Interesting Times and Good News to Report

Day Twelve – Plus Ca Change To Colmar

After yesterday's uplifting (pun intended!) experience, this morning felt as damp as the weather. Packing and cleaning and wondering why we bought so much bottled water and kitchen towels amongst other excesses! It was a short lived dampness though as the day definitely brightened incrementally. After a complex conversation or two, we managed to get … Continue reading Day Twelve – Plus Ca Change To Colmar

Day Eleven – An Exciting, Albeit Unexpectedly Damp, Day

The Inclined Slope of St-Louis-Arviller, is one of the reasons Barry and I favoured this particular French canal and route when asked to choose by Kerry and Tony. Viaduc SNCF Construction began in 1964, and completed in 1968. In May of that year it was filled with water, though the first boats didn't go through … Continue reading Day Eleven – An Exciting, Albeit Unexpectedly Damp, Day

A Bostin time in Boston despite Stump and Windmill disappointments

We suspect few narrowboats venture as far east as Boston - especially during the harshness of the British winter. Since leaving Nottingham two weeks ago, we've only seen two other moving boats, each in quick succession, not far from Saxilby. As we're ticking off the few Inland Waterway routes we've NOT yet navigated (there's not … Continue reading A Bostin time in Boston despite Stump and Windmill disappointments

Feeling the benefits of inserting a pause

I (mostly) love our life. The infinite variety, frequent uncertainty, and adventurousness we experience. Occasionally it becomes overwhelming. Especially the recent 14 weeks non-stop working portion! I'm confident 2018 promises to bring many gifts our way; I'm also anticipating a few challenges. Mum will be a cause for concern as her Alzheimer's continues to take … Continue reading Feeling the benefits of inserting a pause

A short and slightly scary stay in Handsacre …

Since early October we've been successful in our choice of fourteen day moorings. Until this week ... Actually that's not strictly accurate. The moorings, as always, are Barry's choice. Not mine. So the 'we' is stretching the truth a little. Geography, especially of the UK Inland Waterways, is not one of my strengths. Handsacre appeared … Continue reading A short and slightly scary stay in Handsacre …