The best laid plans etc.
My dream, once I retired from the force was always to sail Emblem round Europe in particular visiting Norway and the Baltic, I thought it was a very good Best Laid Plan, but, My Best Laid Plan went Awry when I met Laura.
So we joined forces and my Best Laid Plan was to retire and then we would cruise the canals of England. My best Laid Plan went Awry when we were blessed with the arrival of Lilian.
My Best Laid Plan was to bring our family up on our narrow boat enjoying our lifestyle and all it had to offer. My best Laid Plan went Awry when we met AMY.
Amy is a 55' x 10'6" barge, She is brand new, spacious, and waiting for us to move aboard.
I think it finally hit home that we were short of space when I had tripped over one of Lilian's chairs for the forth time in one day, and of course, staying in the caravan in Morecambe showed just how much space can be available if the set up is right.
Lady Elgar was my ideal Narrowboat. She was all I ever wanted in a canal boat. A traditional stern, engine room, top spec fit out from a craftsman, a well designed and attractive hull/shell and a boat to be proud of. She has served us well for these last 2 years and it is with some regret that she is now up for sale.
It is with no regret that by Friday, Amy will be our new home.
So, wide beam cruising here we come.
I haven't told laura yet but I aim to take her as far north on the Grand Union as possible, that should be just short of Birmingham before we meet Narrow locks.
Blisworth and Braunston tunnels will be interesting as I understand wide beam boats are supposed to arrange passage with British Waterways so they can make sure no other boats come the opposite way while you are navigating the 14' wide tunnel.
I have never seen a wide beam north of Milton Keynes and according to the guide book, The Grand Union ceases being a wide canal north of Berkhamstead. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Dare I even say the words....My Best Laid Plan is...............
Will post some pics as soon as we have the green light
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Canals and pretty lights
Friday saw us visiting Laura's Aunt and Uncle in Hest Bank near Morecambe. Their house is almost alongside the Lancaster Canal so we all took a walk along the towpath for an hour or so. The canal here has some splendid views across Morecambe bay over towards the lakes, sadly we neglected to pick up the camera so no shots of our stoll.
There were a couple of boats moored up around Hest Bank visitor moorings, the most unusual of which was a narrowboat with a Turf roof. Im not quite sure of the advantages or disadvantages of having your roof covered in grass but it was certainly a talking point.
That evening we drove down to Blackpool and joined the line of traffic to view the Illuminations.
Lilian as expected slept through them so missed the attraction. Laura did some videoing so at least she'll be able to see them when she is older.
Today we will be tidying up the caravan and packing ready for the long journey home tomorrow morning.
Geoffs top tip of the day,
Dont take photos using flash through windscreen at night
There were a couple of boats moored up around Hest Bank visitor moorings, the most unusual of which was a narrowboat with a Turf roof. Im not quite sure of the advantages or disadvantages of having your roof covered in grass but it was certainly a talking point.
That evening we drove down to Blackpool and joined the line of traffic to view the Illuminations.
Lilian as expected slept through them so missed the attraction. Laura did some videoing so at least she'll be able to see them when she is older.
Today we will be tidying up the caravan and packing ready for the long journey home tomorrow morning.
Geoffs top tip of the day,
Dont take photos using flash through windscreen at night
Thursday, 17 September 2009
The Lancashire Witches
My brother and I used to sit around my Great Grandmothers chair in her little bungalow and listen while she told us both the tales of the Witches of Pendle Hill.
Being just small children we used to lap up the stories of Old Mother Demdyke and not so old mother Chattox and their evil deeds in and around Pendle, Whalley and Clitheroe. So yesterday, the three of us set off over the moors and fells of Lancashire on the trail of the witches.
Its a fantastic drive out of Lancaster climbing high up onto the moors with excellent views over the Lune valley and over to the Lake District. Some may call the Lake District Cumbria but to me it has always been and will always be Lancashire.
We then dropped down off the tops into the Forest of Bowland and parked up alongside the Trough of Bowland which is a small shallow river running through the valley which we used to paddle in as children. Lilian had her feed while Laura and I scoffed some of the butties and pies we had prepared for the journey.
From the trough we continued on over to Barley neath the shadow of Pendle Hill. We passed through some lovely little villages, some with tea rooms and all with what appeared from the outside some very welcoming Inns.
Our day finally ended up at Dovestones Reservoir where we finished our rolls and even lashed out on buying a cup of tea each from a snack wagon.
Sadly we saw no signs of any Witches on the way although we did come across a Sheep called keith who advised us against "stopping in these parts"
Highlight of the day for Laura was "being on my honeymoon, sitting in the car out of the wind eating a meat and potato pie drinking a stewed cup of tea watching my husband feed the baby"
Oh yes, she has now decided she doesnt want a widebeam anymore, she now wants an old farm on the side of a moor looking out onto Pendle.....I may have to start working more overtime.
Lancashire really is one of Englands most beautiful counties.
A small brook or Clough pronounced cluff running through Bowland.
Keith the Sheep and a couple of mates warning travellers not to go any further
Pendle Hill
Dovestones
Being just small children we used to lap up the stories of Old Mother Demdyke and not so old mother Chattox and their evil deeds in and around Pendle, Whalley and Clitheroe. So yesterday, the three of us set off over the moors and fells of Lancashire on the trail of the witches.
Its a fantastic drive out of Lancaster climbing high up onto the moors with excellent views over the Lune valley and over to the Lake District. Some may call the Lake District Cumbria but to me it has always been and will always be Lancashire.
We then dropped down off the tops into the Forest of Bowland and parked up alongside the Trough of Bowland which is a small shallow river running through the valley which we used to paddle in as children. Lilian had her feed while Laura and I scoffed some of the butties and pies we had prepared for the journey.
From the trough we continued on over to Barley neath the shadow of Pendle Hill. We passed through some lovely little villages, some with tea rooms and all with what appeared from the outside some very welcoming Inns.
Our day finally ended up at Dovestones Reservoir where we finished our rolls and even lashed out on buying a cup of tea each from a snack wagon.
Sadly we saw no signs of any Witches on the way although we did come across a Sheep called keith who advised us against "stopping in these parts"
Highlight of the day for Laura was "being on my honeymoon, sitting in the car out of the wind eating a meat and potato pie drinking a stewed cup of tea watching my husband feed the baby"
Oh yes, she has now decided she doesnt want a widebeam anymore, she now wants an old farm on the side of a moor looking out onto Pendle.....I may have to start working more overtime.
Lancashire really is one of Englands most beautiful counties.
A small brook or Clough pronounced cluff running through Bowland.
Keith the Sheep and a couple of mates warning travellers not to go any further
Pendle Hill
Dovestones
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Not the Slough Canal Festival
I almost got excited a few weeks ago when I was reminded of the approaching Slough Canal festival during the weekend of 12th Sept. I then thankfully remembered that I was getting married that weekend and laura may not appreciate my non attendance.
Originally we were going to have a couple of weeks away on Lady Elgar for our honeymoon due to peanut still depending on her sterilised bottles and not really being old enough to travel abroad, however, we suddenly came up with the idea of doing something a little different and still giving the illusion of going away.
At short notice, I trolled the t'internet and we found a lovely little static caravan right on the seashore of Morecambe bay in Lancashire.
A quick phone call to the owners Audrey and John showed our choice of week was available and all was then booked.
The Caravan is lovely and the view form the front is stunning with superb sunsets, plentiful wading birds to view through binoculars and views across the bay to Fleetwood and the mountains of the lake district. You can even see Blackpool Tower on the far horizon which is all lit up at night as the Illuminations are currently on in that town.
The downside to this caravan is, I was silly enough to compare it internally with what a wide beam boat would be like. Guess what, Laura is now looking at wide beams lol.
heres a few pics of our journey so far
The view from our window
Sleeping beauties
Ready for a grand day out
Originally we were going to have a couple of weeks away on Lady Elgar for our honeymoon due to peanut still depending on her sterilised bottles and not really being old enough to travel abroad, however, we suddenly came up with the idea of doing something a little different and still giving the illusion of going away.
At short notice, I trolled the t'internet and we found a lovely little static caravan right on the seashore of Morecambe bay in Lancashire.
A quick phone call to the owners Audrey and John showed our choice of week was available and all was then booked.
The Caravan is lovely and the view form the front is stunning with superb sunsets, plentiful wading birds to view through binoculars and views across the bay to Fleetwood and the mountains of the lake district. You can even see Blackpool Tower on the far horizon which is all lit up at night as the Illuminations are currently on in that town.
The downside to this caravan is, I was silly enough to compare it internally with what a wide beam boat would be like. Guess what, Laura is now looking at wide beams lol.
heres a few pics of our journey so far
The view from our window
Sleeping beauties
Ready for a grand day out
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Mr & MRS
Friday 11th September finally saw the joining together of Laura and myself in matrimony.
We met family and friends at the registry office in Sutton for the ceremony then progressed onto the Police sports club in Bromley for an evening reception.
The day went very well albeit very quickly which didnt give me enough time to admire my beautiful bride. (she scrubs up nicely)
Our thanks go to family who travelled some distance to be with us, Lauras Aunt and Uncle from Lancaster, My Brother and Sister in law and nieces from Rochdale and Laura's other Uncle,Aunt and cousins from Birmingham.
Special thanks Go to our Neighbours Ian and Lydia from Nb Serendipity for looking after Lilian overnight into saturday. They missed the reception due to horrendous traffic on the motorway giving them a 3 hour journey to Bromley which should only have taken an hour at the most.
Apart from the bride, the most popular attraction was little Lilian who was introduced for the first time to many of her relatives.
A big thank you again to all those who made our day extra special.
heres a few pics
My mum with Lilian
Lauras mum tending lilian
We met family and friends at the registry office in Sutton for the ceremony then progressed onto the Police sports club in Bromley for an evening reception.
The day went very well albeit very quickly which didnt give me enough time to admire my beautiful bride. (she scrubs up nicely)
Our thanks go to family who travelled some distance to be with us, Lauras Aunt and Uncle from Lancaster, My Brother and Sister in law and nieces from Rochdale and Laura's other Uncle,Aunt and cousins from Birmingham.
Special thanks Go to our Neighbours Ian and Lydia from Nb Serendipity for looking after Lilian overnight into saturday. They missed the reception due to horrendous traffic on the motorway giving them a 3 hour journey to Bromley which should only have taken an hour at the most.
Apart from the bride, the most popular attraction was little Lilian who was introduced for the first time to many of her relatives.
A big thank you again to all those who made our day extra special.
heres a few pics
My mum with Lilian
Lauras mum tending lilian
Monday, 13 July 2009
Peanut
Her timing was perfect. After waiting 9 months with much anticipation, Peanut finally decided to arrive on her expected due date of 8Th July.
Laura woke me at just after 7am and advised me she was going to phone the hospital as she thought it was time. After explaining to them her Labour symptoms they advised her to come in and so we packed the car and headed off to the maternity ward.
By 8am Laura was in the delivery room and so we settled down for what we thought would be a long, and for her , painful day.
The pain was certainly there but just under 6 hours later, Peanut arrived safely.
She weighed in at 8.7 pounds.
Shortly after she was dressed and placed in a cot, we were suddenly brought back to reality as Laura suddenly began to hemorrhage quite badly. The room then filled with 8 people all working away on Laura, making pin cushions out of her arms with injections and various drips and drugs being introduced intravenously into the back of both her hands.
After a little while the Doctors managed to settle Laura down and peace once again returned to our room. Thankfully Laura soon recovered herself and we once again settled down with our new Daughter to see through the rest of the day.
Lilian Rose aka peanut
Laura had to spend a few days in hospital while they made sure she was fully recovered and eventually we made our way back to Lady Elgar and home.
Our neighbour Lydia made sure our return was aptly marked.
Time seems to have flown by in the couple of days we have been at home and we've had to get used to the shortage of sleep and total attention that Lilian needs but we are both very proud and grateful for this gift we have been given
Laura woke me at just after 7am and advised me she was going to phone the hospital as she thought it was time. After explaining to them her Labour symptoms they advised her to come in and so we packed the car and headed off to the maternity ward.
By 8am Laura was in the delivery room and so we settled down for what we thought would be a long, and for her , painful day.
The pain was certainly there but just under 6 hours later, Peanut arrived safely.
She weighed in at 8.7 pounds.
Shortly after she was dressed and placed in a cot, we were suddenly brought back to reality as Laura suddenly began to hemorrhage quite badly. The room then filled with 8 people all working away on Laura, making pin cushions out of her arms with injections and various drips and drugs being introduced intravenously into the back of both her hands.
After a little while the Doctors managed to settle Laura down and peace once again returned to our room. Thankfully Laura soon recovered herself and we once again settled down with our new Daughter to see through the rest of the day.
Lilian Rose aka peanut
Laura had to spend a few days in hospital while they made sure she was fully recovered and eventually we made our way back to Lady Elgar and home.
Our neighbour Lydia made sure our return was aptly marked.
Time seems to have flown by in the couple of days we have been at home and we've had to get used to the shortage of sleep and total attention that Lilian needs but we are both very proud and grateful for this gift we have been given
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Oostende Voor Anker Pt 2
A big part of the festival is Beer.....I mean music. There are bands and folk singers playing at 2 venues throughout each day. They range from 5 piece Irish style groups to 10 dutchmen singing sea shanties.
Our personal favourites are a group called Hot Rats. Well worth going to see them if ever you get the chance.
This is them on the stage outside st peters church
Derek, our third crew member is a self confessed Hot Rats groupie. Here he is coming back laden with a bottle of specially brewed Oostende Voor Anker beer which we felt had to be consumed during the concert incase it spoilt while sitting in the bottle
They ended each of their sessions with a musical number featuring Phil, their resident spoons player
If you love boats of all shapes and sizes then its a must day out
Our Skipper Steve taking a turn around the deck of Valonia
Sunday afternoon although very hot was also very windy. This tall ship struggled a bit getting into her berth which was in the larger tidal Montgomery Dock. The crew of the three small yatchs behind her got a little twitchy
Finally, hidden very well amongst all the other boats I spotted an English Narrowboat. Sadly they were rafted up 6 boats from the pontoon so I never got a chance to meet the crew. They also blog about their cruising on the continental waterways and it can be found here Wandering Snail
Our thanks once again to the organisers and people of Ostend for a very warm welcome and such excellent hospitality during the weekend.
Sadly no commemorative plaque for me this year but you never know maybe Lady Elgar might make an appearance one day.......in my dreams lol
Our personal favourites are a group called Hot Rats. Well worth going to see them if ever you get the chance.
This is them on the stage outside st peters church
Derek, our third crew member is a self confessed Hot Rats groupie. Here he is coming back laden with a bottle of specially brewed Oostende Voor Anker beer which we felt had to be consumed during the concert incase it spoilt while sitting in the bottle
They ended each of their sessions with a musical number featuring Phil, their resident spoons player
If you love boats of all shapes and sizes then its a must day out
Our Skipper Steve taking a turn around the deck of Valonia
Sunday afternoon although very hot was also very windy. This tall ship struggled a bit getting into her berth which was in the larger tidal Montgomery Dock. The crew of the three small yatchs behind her got a little twitchy
Finally, hidden very well amongst all the other boats I spotted an English Narrowboat. Sadly they were rafted up 6 boats from the pontoon so I never got a chance to meet the crew. They also blog about their cruising on the continental waterways and it can be found here Wandering Snail
Our thanks once again to the organisers and people of Ostend for a very warm welcome and such excellent hospitality during the weekend.
Sadly no commemorative plaque for me this year but you never know maybe Lady Elgar might make an appearance one day.......in my dreams lol
Oostende Voor Anker
Thanks to Laura and my mate steve conspiring together I was packed off friday afternoon to catch the Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels and then local train to Ostend.
I knew Steve was making the trip in his new boat but being only 5 weeks before the expected arrival of Peanut I'd not made any plans as its a four day festival plus a couple of days either side for the crossing from England.
So it was a very nice surprise indeed to come home from work one evening last week and Laura presnted me with my train tickets. I finished work Friday morning, got a couple of hours sleep then caught the Underground from Uxbridge to St Pancras and just 2 hours later saw me waiting at Brussels Midi for the Intercity train to Ostend. Another hour and there I was, bum firmly in place on a chair in Flanagans bar drinking my first Grimbergen and catching up with the gossip from many old friends made over the years that we have been going to the festival.
It was the 10th anniversary of Oostende voor anker and I had only missed 2. Steve had only missed 1.
some pics of the event
London St Pancras Eurostar Terminal
Waiting at Bussels Midi for the connection to Ostend
Mercator dock looking towards the Station
My Berth for the weekend, MV Valonia an ex 1969 pilot boat
Ill add some more pics later when ive got them off the camera
I knew Steve was making the trip in his new boat but being only 5 weeks before the expected arrival of Peanut I'd not made any plans as its a four day festival plus a couple of days either side for the crossing from England.
So it was a very nice surprise indeed to come home from work one evening last week and Laura presnted me with my train tickets. I finished work Friday morning, got a couple of hours sleep then caught the Underground from Uxbridge to St Pancras and just 2 hours later saw me waiting at Brussels Midi for the Intercity train to Ostend. Another hour and there I was, bum firmly in place on a chair in Flanagans bar drinking my first Grimbergen and catching up with the gossip from many old friends made over the years that we have been going to the festival.
It was the 10th anniversary of Oostende voor anker and I had only missed 2. Steve had only missed 1.
some pics of the event
London St Pancras Eurostar Terminal
Waiting at Bussels Midi for the connection to Ostend
Mercator dock looking towards the Station
My Berth for the weekend, MV Valonia an ex 1969 pilot boat
Ill add some more pics later when ive got them off the camera
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