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

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

Maintaining a healthy balance of boating and land-life

So much has happened since I last blogged. I frequently have an intention to post an update, and then get waylaid ... Consequently I've a strong suspicion the blog could be a casualty as one of the spinning plates that I'll allow to stop spinning temporarily, on and off, over the coming weeks and months. … Continue reading Maintaining a healthy balance of boating and land-life

A Marvellous Merry Hill and Magnificent Eagerly Awaited News!

Last weekend Barry and many other traders settled into the embankment at Merry Hill for a Roving Canal Traders Association Floating Market. The event began on the Friday afternoon and evening, featuring an 'Illuminated Boats' spectacle. I was sad to miss the fun of the bustling days and frivolities of the evenings, though I too … Continue reading A Marvellous Merry Hill and Magnificent Eagerly Awaited News!

Timely extra special evidence from C&RT and ‘YOURS’ for Barry’s visa application

It doesn't take a genius to recognise our living and working circumstances are a little outside the 'norm'. As 'Continuous Cruisers', living aboard a 60 foot long, six-foot ten inches wide narrowboat, we're not terribly conducive to ticking boxes exercises. Both being self-employed, running three quite different businesses, only adds to the complexity for those in authority comparing … Continue reading Timely extra special evidence from C&RT and ‘YOURS’ for Barry’s visa application