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
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Well congratulations! I can see why you need more space, although we have mixed feelings of course as we like mooring alongside you in Lady E. Will you get a new mooring, or will they have to move us along somewhere?
I hope they find someone worthy of Lady E too.
Afterthought . .
Don't forget you'll also be able to take Laura (and Lilian) up the Lee and Stort.
Congratulations from me too Geoff!! All best laid plans seem to make some changes along the way, but can I say you are still more or less living according to plan?
The new widebeam sounds ideal (much the same width as my own Vereeniging). I'm sure you'll be very sad to say goodbye to the good Lady E. I wish I could buy her myself! All the same I'm looking forward to seeing pics of the new beauty!
I've seen it! Neil mentioned the probable brokers on his post and I went and had a look. The first thing I found was the Amy. Fantastic, Geoff. You'll wallow in all that extra space!
Welcome to the widebeam wanderers community!
Heather
WB Takey Tezey
www.takeytezey.blogspot.com
Wow, thanks for the best wishes folks.
Its all sorted, ill try and get some pics of what we've don so far.
thanks again for your thoughts
geoff & laura + peanut
(very excited)
Post a Comment