Feeling a little over exposed on Areandare

Apologies to readers who erroneously thought they'd find a blog post all about Saltaire yesterday! I'm away at mum's till tomorrow, without my laptop charger, so drafted the post yesterday morning before my battery died. I asked Barry to work his magic on it before I return tomorrow, and he accidentally pressed 'publish' rather than … Continue reading Feeling a little over exposed on Areandare

Brilliant Birmingham Greenways map and a journey with bonuses

I caught up with Barry and the boat in Birmingham last Monday, after an emotional weekend in Brighton saying 'farewell for now' to my beautiful, brave younger daughter. I'll miss her loads, and my mini-breaks to the seaside. It reminds me of the spirit of Gisborne, though the beaches are a complete contrast. Gisborne's are … Continue reading Brilliant Birmingham Greenways map and a journey with bonuses

Moving boats – and a return journey I never expected to make

It's been another full, fun and fascinating week for Barry and I living our 'life less ordinary'. You know the saying '... like ships that pass in the night"? Well that's been us more so than our 'normal' recently - and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Maybe that's one of the crucial … Continue reading Moving boats – and a return journey I never expected to make

Floating Market Fun in Fazeley Followed by a Photo Shoot

I'm loving gathering information for our weekly 'Trading Tales' feature - we'll publish a new one every Friday at 12 midday, as long as I'm given stories to share. You won't be surprised to hear the inaugural post by fun-loving Heidi and The Pirate Boat  was rather popular! With the season now in full swing, last weekend … Continue reading Floating Market Fun in Fazeley Followed by a Photo Shoot

An up and down weekend at St Richard’s Festival in Droitwich

“Stay in the gazebo or you’ll catch your death!” Adults often say the most ridiculous things to children without thinking. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at this startling statement uttered by a parent of children waiting to have their faces painted. Luckily they all saw the funny side too. “Oh look. There’s death. … Continue reading An up and down weekend at St Richard’s Festival in Droitwich

Boat businesses – it’s all go on and off NB Areandare

Winter may be the time of hibernation for many animals. We may have come to a standstill in relation to continuous cruising, but definitely not in regards to 'working'. Making self-employment on/from a boat work I recently read entrepreneurs leave behind 40 hour working-weeks to find more freedom and flexibility in their life. This resonated … Continue reading Boat businesses – it’s all go on and off NB Areandare

All snug and warm on Areandare – more coal and kindling would help …

We're loving our new look Areandare. The cut out of the dividing wall from the kitchen to the lounge has made a huge difference to the feel of our living area, and transporting meals and drinks is so much easier. What we omitted prior to leaving Oxley Marine, was the opportunity to buy more coal … Continue reading All snug and warm on Areandare – more coal and kindling would help …

Droitwich Festival a great success – now taking life one day at a time …

St Richard's Festival Wow! What a wonderful three days we had last weekend at Vines Park, Droitwich. Last year's festival we visited Helen and Andy  by train on the Sunday, when they were the only narrowboat trading.  Being there, moored alongside them this year, was a dream come true. However, due to the vagaries of life's current … Continue reading Droitwich Festival a great success – now taking life one day at a time …

A super successful time at Alvecote Floating Market – thanks to RCTA

Being unsure what the next four days would bring as we moored up at Alvecote Marina late last Thursday afternoon, we’re pleased as punch (excuse the pun!) to report any expectations we had were met - and surpassed. Michael, Alison and Sandra, part of the collective of 'The Roving Canal Traders Association', organised and advertised widely … Continue reading A super successful time at Alvecote Floating Market – thanks to RCTA