Photo:
1. The Grand Union Canal below Flecknoe.
2. Wolfhamcote Church
3. A reminder of what is still great (just)about this country of ours.
4. Nine months of one mans struggle against the inevitable comes to a sad end.
5. Windmill at Napton-on-the-Hill
We spent most of August on the border of Northamptonshire and Warwickshire exploring the villages and footpaths that have linked these small communities 'as-the-crow- flies' for centuries. We're slowly heading south to Banbury stopping for a couple of days at a time to enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside and canals with the now infrequent passage of boats that heralds the end of the holiday season.
I love September as the days get noticeably shorter and the chill of Autumn arrives. There is really something special about living this simple life of ours and the freedom that comes with it.
Blackberries, sloes, damsons, plums and apples are in abundance amongst the hedgerows as farmers gather the harvest in and the plough takes over to prepare the way for next years crops. I must have eaten a half pound of blackberries the other evening whilst out with Gunner - delicious!
12th Sep 2010, 11:50
comments (4)
Photo:
1. Margaret and Geoff (nb 'Seyella')
2. Jo and John (nb 'Dragonfly')
We had an eventful August, notably Jim and Helen dropped by for Sunday lunch; Margaret and Geoff (nb 'Seyella'), came over the horizon and moored overnight to catch up since our last get together on the River Weaver; caught up with Terry and Sue (nb Aqua Lady), on a run down to Rugby Canal, who we hadn't seen for a couple of years,; then, Jo and John (nb 'Dragonfly') chanced upon us the other morning on their way back to Huntingdon having come up from the River Thames.
On the run up from Rugby we 'winded' at Braunston Marina to service the boat before heading for Banbury, and to our surprise an old friend from my RAF days popped his head out of the restaurant boat 'Gongoozlers Rest'. We hadn't seen each other for over 12 years, although we'd recently been in touch by email. What a coincidence as he'd only just been talking about us while having lunch with a friend when we drifted past the window. Spooky! Good to see you Martin (you're lucky, the photo of you was to dark).
3rd Sep 2010, 10:02
comments (0)
Photo:
1. New Auckland arrives.
2. Leaving us.
3. Jenny and Mark.
Jenny and Mark arrived on Wednesday to spend a couple of days moored alongside giving us ample time to catch up with each others exploits and what's next on their worldwide travel agenda.
Sadly this is probably their last narrowboat venture and although this is only our second meeting, we've become firm friends. Maybe we'll see each other sometime in the future; you never know.
They left this morning heading for Braunston and the Grand Union Canal to make their way onto the River Soar and back to Northwich via Middlewich. Jen hinted, time permitting, that they may squeeze in a final trip to complete the River Weaver, from Anderton to Runcorn, before flying back to Australia.
We wish you both a safe journey home in September and look forward to hearing from you.
As a famous ships crewman once said 'live long and prosper'.
13th Aug 2010, 23:33
comments (0)
With the sun just about to slip below the yard arm this is the view from where we're moored.
11th Aug 2010, 20:28
comments (0)
Last week we turned onto the Grand Union Canal at Kingswood and after a couple of nights moored north of Shrewley tunnel we locked down the Hatton flight of 21 locks to Warwick accompanied by nb 'Fiona A', crewed by Mike, Fiona and Julian (we couldn't have wished to meet nicer people). If you're reading this guys it was a real pleasure.
After passing through Royal Leamington Spa we stopped at Radford Semele for the weekend and today made our way to Long Itchington north of Stockton. On Wednesday we'll be making the run down to Braunston for the weekend where we've arranged to meet Jim and Helen (nb Val) for Sunday lunch aboard 'wilvir' and to rendezvous with Jen and Mark (nb 'New Aukland') from Australia, who, amongst other things, are spending six weeks afloat before returning to Oz.
More tomorrow................
9th Aug 2010, 20:00
comments (0)
9th Aug 2010, 19:35
comments (0)
On Monday, Ginny took the opportunity to visit her Mum, returning yesterday (Thurs), while me and Gunner remained aboard.
The past week has seen some beautiful evenings unfold with the sun on the horizon casting a dramatic light across a deepening blue sky, subtly reflecting through the high clouds in an ever-changing palette of pinks and reds. Sitting out with Gunner till gone midnight, with not a breath of wind on the air and listening to the 'silence' of the countryside has been magical.
The mornings and evenings have been memorable for all of the above and more. Our relationship with nature and life is very special.
We locked up the canal today, filling the freshwater tank at Lowsonford, and now moored below Kingswood for the weekend before we lock up to Warwick on the Grand Union Canal on Monday.
Our never ending journey continues.....
30th Jul 2010, 18:54
comments (3)
23rd Jul 2010, 20:09
comments (1)
