On a short, cold wet winter’s day, while out driving, I might have passed only one or two other boats all day. But now the canals are fairly buzzing with narrowboats, swans are busy building nests, families are walking the towpaths and the anglers are back in force (although the spring sun doesn’t seem to […]
On the Grand Union Canal
Boats that make me smile
Some boats make me envious – wide beam barges with bright shiny paintwork; some boats impress – beautiful old wooden cruisers, and some boats really make me smile.
Little Venice
Little Venice is one of my favourite places to moor for a few days. It’s near Paddington station from where I can catch a train to work; there’s an interesting and ever-changing line of boats along the towpath and attractive houseboats on the other side; and conveniently it’s at the junction of two canals so […]
Sunset
I left the marina today but didn’t go far, just round the corner and stopped for the night. Sat on top of the wooden cabin with a cup of strong coffee and watched the sun go down and the lights of the marina come on. Nice way to start an evening. Lots of wooden boards […]
Living in the marina
What do I like about living in a marina? The long showers every morning are fantastic. No need to run the engine or light the boiler. The hot water goes on forever. Heaven. The laundry room has an iron and ironing board. I’ve been taking all my clothes to a shop near my workplace and […]
Cold and tyred
Up until now I’d been on the towpath each night and hadn’t stayed in a marina so I thought I’d give it a go. Unfortunately, five minutes from the marina, outside the Turning Point pub (now unimaginatively re-named the Water’s Edge) in Cowley, the engine cut out. The engine restarted normally but a slight turn […]
Calling in the experts
Sean’s the electrician recommended by the boatyard in Uxbridge. He charges very reasonably and he’s sorted out the faulty headlight wiring and replaced the water pump fuses and checked the health of the batteries. The batteries charge up quickly but are getting old – they were bought in 2000 – and will need to be […]
I’m now a narrowboat liveaboard
Bristol Fashion has reached Hemel Hempstead, within commuting distance of my workplace in West London. So I can start living on the boat at last. My Dad has joined me for three weekends in a row. It’s been good to have the extra pair of hands, especially at locks, and he’s enjoyed doing the driving. […]
Stopping traffic
At Winkwell just before Hemel Hempstead the traffic passes across a low bridge over the canal. The bridge is a swing bridge, electronically operated by the boater using a British Waterways key. It’s a great feeling to make the traffic wait while your boat goes slowly by. My family was on hand today to help […]
Going It Alone: narrowboating solo
Going It Alone by Colin Edmondson. I highly recommend this boater’s guide to working a narrowboat single-handed.
Blisworth Tunnel
Only my second day on the boat and I had to travel through the 1.75 mile long Blisworth Tunnel. I have to admit to being rather nervous about the prospect. But it’s wonderfully spooky being in a long tunnel.
An inauspicious start…
I arrived at Whilton Marina early and picked up the keys to Bristol Fashion. Like many boat keys they are attached to a ball of cork – if you drop your keys in the canal you want them to float! The marina had put Bristol Fashion on the canal, pointed in the direction of London, […]