tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35187941576647260472024-03-13T16:51:43.230+00:00NB AREandAREThe travels and adventures on the British waterways of Sandra (writer) and Barry (photographer) from New Zealand Barry Teutenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00950213054191395603noreply@blogger.comBlogger435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-9757307929593697002014-05-08T09:00:00.002+01:002021-12-03T17:32:08.222+00:00Come and visit us on Wordpress - our new blog!<div style="text-align: justify;">
We had an email recently from a blog follower saying he hadn't realised we'd moved our blog somewhere else - he'd been wondering why we hadn't posted on this one for a while.</div>
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So, in case you're also wondering where we've gone - you can now find us at<a href="http://www.barryandsandra.com/" target="_blank"> www.barryandsandra.com</a><div><br /></div><div>From that site, you can also purchase Barry's gorgeous waterways-related Greeting Cards and Digital Jigsaws - <a href="https://barryandsandra.com/greetings-cards-and-photography-shop/" target="_blank">https://barryandsandra.com/greetings-cards-and-photography-shop/</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4l-CrqWD2Q/U2qvoMTrQVI/AAAAAAAADG8/n_2c6xP6HvA/s1600/IMG_5983.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4l-CrqWD2Q/U2qvoMTrQVI/AAAAAAAADG8/n_2c6xP6HvA/s1600/IMG_5983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Barry and <a href="http://www.thehomebrewboat.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Home Brew Boat</a> last weekend at St Richard's Festival, Droitwich</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-63098961072229751122014-04-10T19:30:00.000+01:002014-04-10T19:30:01.719+01:00We've finally moved!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whilst blogging is important to us, we're aware of the need to be very mindful of our time - prioritising our energy towards our boating businesses. It's imperative we start to earn a sustainable income over the next 12 months or we'll be heading back down to the Southern Hemisphere in 2015 with our tails between our legs. <br />
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We're both extremely grateful to have you all watching in expectation to see how we progress!</div>
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One of the changes we've finally decided to make, after almost five years of allegiance to 'Blogspot', is to change to a new blog on '<b>Wordpress</b>' specifically for 'Areandare' (and our continuing commitment to the canals of England and Wales).<br />
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This blog will remain active, and on the 'Waterways Ranking' site, but we're unlikely to write any more posts once we start there ...<br />
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Which is actually from today!<br />
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In anticipation of our first trading event at the Spring Market on Saturday, at The Bond, Digbeth, Birmingham, we've 'launched' the new blog.<br />
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There's a number of differences and similarities to Blogspot, and it's going to be a learning curve so bear with us and do feel free to comment on the change or anything we post about. It's always good to hear from you all.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfYH7jaxmiQ/U0bCyQsfqgI/AAAAAAAADGY/5Mf_pOj769E/s1600/1532009_1386760761544722_1819498995_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OfYH7jaxmiQ/U0bCyQsfqgI/AAAAAAAADGY/5Mf_pOj769E/s1600/1532009_1386760761544722_1819498995_o.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Click <a href="http://nbareandare.com/2014/04/10/the-first-post-launching-the-home-brew-boats-inaugural-trading-event/" target="_blank">here </a>for the first post.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Birmingham, West Midlands, UK52.486242999999988 -1.890400999999997152.176760999999985 -2.535847999999997 52.79572499999999 -1.2449539999999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-85148486338597581292014-04-10T10:00:00.000+01:002014-04-10T10:00:03.187+01:00Barry steps across the Wolverhampton 21<div style="text-align: justify;">
These photos, from my iPhone, aren't up to Barry's quality, but they tell the story nonetheless.</div>
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On Tuesday I took a turn driving through the Wolverhampton 21, giving Barry the opportunity for some fresh air and exercise working the locks.</div>
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We were blessed to encounter every single lock in our favour, a rare occurrence! So though we weren't rushing, we did manage to get up the flight very swiftly - especially with Barry confidently stepping across every lock gate without fear or hesitation.</div>
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Someone commented about always having a foot or hand on one thing as you do it - Barry can manage it with a foot on each gate - he must have a wide reach!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKzzzBUY3X0/U0Uq__djI3I/AAAAAAAADFQ/5EMjRCoBxTs/s1600/IMG_5627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKzzzBUY3X0/U0Uq__djI3I/AAAAAAAADFQ/5EMjRCoBxTs/s1600/IMG_5627.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The bottom of the flight ... </i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMRvtU6qzHs/U0Uq_V6kFJI/AAAAAAAADFM/P0zhJ24rCJI/s1600/IMG_5628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HMRvtU6qzHs/U0Uq_V6kFJI/AAAAAAAADFM/P0zhJ24rCJI/s1600/IMG_5628.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Intermittent sun and showers during the day - and a mostly straight run</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHyMApSlONs/U0UrBS4GOhI/AAAAAAAADFc/VmBLdW99R1k/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHyMApSlONs/U0UrBS4GOhI/AAAAAAAADFc/VmBLdW99R1k/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>No problem at all - look at the focus in his face!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EsyGfIJ2muY/U0Urer443XI/AAAAAAAADF0/3IhGRRo9Zfo/s1600/IMG_5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EsyGfIJ2muY/U0Urer443XI/AAAAAAAADF0/3IhGRRo9Zfo/s1600/IMG_5633.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>It gets very industrial around here ...</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-risHYZitGDY/U0Urfr42wgI/AAAAAAAADF8/fHWDw8A16MI/s1600/IMG_5634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-risHYZitGDY/U0Urfr42wgI/AAAAAAAADF8/fHWDw8A16MI/s1600/IMG_5634.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>… ducking under the railway lines</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uU_h_NpVaao/U0UrGy8npjI/AAAAAAAADFk/4mWLMfQNh08/s1600/IMG_5636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uU_h_NpVaao/U0UrGy8npjI/AAAAAAAADFk/4mWLMfQNh08/s1600/IMG_5636.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The top lock - two hours and forty minutes later</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbXf-jqTosU/U0UrGMxCRnI/AAAAAAAADFo/ObEuB280G5c/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbXf-jqTosU/U0UrGMxCRnI/AAAAAAAADFo/ObEuB280G5c/s1600/IMG_5637.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A very pretty BW sign to offset the busy cityscape</i></b></div>
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My younger daughter Kim and her friend Sean travelled from Brighton and joined us at Cosely, just one train stop from Wolverhampton, for a couple of nights.</div>
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More family times - marvellous.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz7iIFnTHkQ/U0UtWuvem4I/AAAAAAAADGI/CPUzlHBJSgY/s1600/IMG_5642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kz7iIFnTHkQ/U0UtWuvem4I/AAAAAAAADGI/CPUzlHBJSgY/s1600/IMG_5642.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Cosely station - very convenient thank you!</i></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-36183581776705068332014-04-09T12:02:00.001+01:002014-04-09T13:47:16.429+01:00From a family wedding weekend, to our first festival! <div class="MsoNormal">
The slow boat lane has been a little crazy and hurried of late.</div>
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Last weekend we travelled all the way to Bampton in Devon,
obviously not by narrowboat! <a href="http://www.enterprise.co.uk/car_rental/home.do" target="_blank">Enterprise </a>in Cannock collected us from <a href="http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefoxandanchorcrossgreen/findus/" target="_blank">The Fox and Anchor</a> at Cross Green, near Wolverhampton, and we filled in the requisite paperwork for a five-day
hire car contract.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It really is a fantastic service for boaters with no other
means of transport. The luxury of being picked up and dropped back at your mooring site makes
not owning a car only a tiny challenge (and expense) when we have to travel distances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We collected my elderly parents, and endured the long stretches of blandness on the M5 for two and a half hours. The obligatory
service station stop is a must to keep the driver (me) alert, and bladders empty. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vg4f5aMfbs/U0Ug2rNXSvI/AAAAAAAADEg/lvttYpi9j0E/s1600/IMG_5569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vg4f5aMfbs/U0Ug2rNXSvI/AAAAAAAADEg/lvttYpi9j0E/s1600/IMG_5569.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Me and my dad at the service station - sunshine, hurrah!</i></b></div>
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I find motorways to be such mindless means of transport, packed full of hurried hunks of metal which all too frequently lead to accidental meetings at break-neck speed of said vehicles. I’ve been very fortunate so far not to be involved in a ‘motorway smash’, and fully intend to keep it that way!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s one of the reasons I love(d) New Zealand – the only ‘motorways’
are in Auckland, though in a few of the other ‘big’ cities admittedly there
are highways. Throughout the remainder of the country the roads are single
lane, and generally there’s hardly any traffic, so driving anywhere, for me,
was always a dream. </div>
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There were also the most delightful cafés dotted along any
route, serving fresh food and gorgeous coffee. Compare that to the motorway
service stations of UK, serving ‘fast food’ (gross - I use the word 'food' loosely here) and mass-produced packet sandwiches – no
competition. </div>
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<o:p></o:p>To put it into perspective, in <a href="http://www.newzealand.com/uk/gisborne/" target="_blank">Gisborne</a> we had only two sets of traffic lights in the whole city. I know that having to deal with horrendously packed roads is one of the prices we pay for choosing to be here,
living a luscious life on the canals, and being so close to my family.</div>
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And what a beautiful family I have, scattered around
England, so the rare times that we all congregate in one place are extremely
precious. With great-grandchildren now amongst the generations, there are 32 members! So it takes a rather large house to accommodate the clan (how I'd love to have a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marae" target="_blank">Marae</a>, a Maori family meeting house, where we could all congregate frequently). </div>
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Sam, my niece who
was getting married, and my younger sister Viv, did a sterling job in finding
<a href="http://www.duvaleprioryexevalley.com/" target="_blank">Duvale Priory</a>, where they had a few different barn conversions for the wedding
guests to stay. The Walsh family were gathered in one, which was very special.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTZJd3s4wpc/U0UqE9hxqUI/AAAAAAAADFE/F4ZvS80QpqU/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTZJd3s4wpc/U0UqE9hxqUI/AAAAAAAADFE/F4ZvS80QpqU/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The Walsh family accommodation on the left</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The Walsh sisters - Vivien (mother of the bride), Linda, Sandra and Katherine</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clHbLZ8RnjI/U0UnZzWEuQI/AAAAAAAADE4/GExSeo12N9Y/s1600/1613924_10152041752927916_7355943920647316769_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clHbLZ8RnjI/U0UnZzWEuQI/AAAAAAAADE4/GExSeo12N9Y/s1600/1613924_10152041752927916_7355943920647316769_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Sam and Jack's Humanist ceremony</i></b></div>
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It was also our grandson’s first birthday on the Friday,
meeting all his cousins for the first time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Returning to the boat on Monday, we didn’t quite time the
schedule to fit everything in. I ended up dropping Barry off at The Fox and
Anchor, with our bags and shopping (and a pint because it’s only polite when
you’re sitting in their beer garden), taking the car back to Cannock, and being
dropped back. I got a half pint of lager and took over the bag-sitting, while Barry
walked to the boat (we had to moor it away from the 48 hour moorings, so a
ten-minute walk), turned it around and moored up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the meantime however, the sky decided to empty itself on
us in a deluge that soaked us to the skin. Barry’s Goretex waterproof was in
one of the bags by my side, and whilst I had mine on, it didn’t cover my legs,
which had only a leather coat for protection. The towpath quickly became a
muddy stream.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I sat by the side of the canal, drenched and dismal,
thinking “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what on earth am I doing living
on a boat?</i>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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At least it wasn’t too cold – though we did need to undress
completely and change into dry clothes as soon as possible.</div>
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<h3>
Our First Festival</h3>
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Now we’re on our way to the first trading festival of The
Home Brew Boat, at <a href="http://www.springmarket.co.uk/#!spring-market" target="_blank">The Spring Market, The Bond, Digbeth, Birmingham.</a> It’s on
Saturday 12<sup>th</sup> April, from 12 midday to 6pm. We’re very aware it’s
going to be a work in progress discovering the vagaries of towpath/canal-side
selling.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do come along if you're in the area. Our fabulous friends Helen and Andy will be there too, selling their '<a href="http://wildsidepreserves.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Side</a>' Jams and chutneys as well as another 60 or so traders.</div>
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Exciting times ahead!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-38029520015874150462014-04-01T10:24:00.000+01:002014-04-01T10:24:16.861+01:00Catching up - more steps and more power!<div style="text-align: justify;">
We're fast forwarding 13 days from our last published location, to get the blog up to date. To be fair, we've not travelled far from Market Drayton during that period, for various of reasons.</div>
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Last week I spent a few days on land in London with my eldest sister - staying in a four-star hotel near Regents Park. A luxurious temporary contrast to living in a confined space! We even had a bath in the room. Bliss! Conversely, witnessing hoards of people speeding around in their everyday busyness, reminded me once more why we've chosen to live slowly on a narrowboat.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asKn9QL9tik/UzqEH2cDVWI/AAAAAAAAC-A/Lthj5kghSK8/s1600/IMG_5511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asKn9QL9tik/UzqEH2cDVWI/AAAAAAAAC-A/Lthj5kghSK8/s1600/IMG_5511.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Piccadilly Circus at night - busy, busy</i></b></div>
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Then on Sunday I left Barry again - to join my three sisters for lunch, and spend 24 hours with my mum and dad for Mother's Day, and my father's 94th birthday. Wow! Parents still living, together, and mostly healthy and happy. Miraculous.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtv6jxUEQmA/UznFuGMfVFI/AAAAAAAAC9w/H76jatDRhdI/s1600/IMG_5537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtv6jxUEQmA/UznFuGMfVFI/AAAAAAAAC9w/H76jatDRhdI/s1600/IMG_5537.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Family celebration of a Sunday carvery, at <a href="http://leakingwell.com/" target="_blank">The Leaking Well</a>, Dunhampton</i></b></div>
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Barry gives the impression he loves being left alone occasionally, and manages perfectly fine without me - well apart from the kitchen/cooking challenge! I believe it's healthy to spend time apart. Living together 24/7, however much you love someone, has its frustrations and challenges. The theory is we'll appreciate each other more too.</div>
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We're currently in Penkridge, having spent time moored at Cheswardine, Norbury Junction, Wheaton Aston, Brewood, Coven and Acton Trussell.<br />
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Here's a pictorial representation of our journey, with accompanying captions from Barry (as most of these journeys I've been 'working' indoors, or locking) ...<br />
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<b><i>The wharf at Market Drayton</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The happiest fishermen we've seen for a while!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Tyrley Locks looking a bit bare without all the foliage</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Sandra taking it in her stride</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Interesting to see cut hay this early in the season</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Tyrley Top Lock</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Through Woodseaves Cutting and the first of the high bridges, No 58 'Holling's Bridge'</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Then 'High Bridge' with a fallen tree across the cutting</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The winds and storms have done some damage to the trees through here</i></b></div>
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<b><i>CRT workers were busy clearing it up and offered us as much wood as we wanted</i></b></div>
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<b><i>It's an impressive cutting considering it was all done by hand</i></b></div>
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<b><i>'The Wharf' tavern at Cheswardine, our mooring for a night</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The sun came out in the morning making for very pleasant cruising</i></b></div>
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<b><i>An old stable at Fox Bridge near Little Soudley</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Past Cadbury Wharf at Knighton</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Across the almost mile-long Shebdon Embankment (I guess this is where all the spoil came to from the cuttings)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The Anchor at High Offley, where we were recommended to visit - sadly we were a bit early and they were closed, next time we'll time it better!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Through Grub Street Cutting ...</i></b></div>
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<b><i>… and under the famous High Bridge (yes, there's more than one called 'High Bridge'!) ...</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJrBNXT-9AM/UzmtfdXPbdI/AAAAAAAAC8A/QU8wUE6V1EA/s1600/P1550883A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJrBNXT-9AM/UzmtfdXPbdI/AAAAAAAAC8A/QU8wUE6V1EA/s1600/P1550883A.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>… and another mooring at Norbury Junction</i></b></div>
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<b><i>They were about to lighten our bank account considerably here!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>So close to you Sue and Vic - another time …</i></b></div>
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As you can see, I managed some more stepping-over the lock gates - but admittedly I've also found myself unable to on another day. So I'm just going to play it by ear and not be too hard on myself. I know I CAN, and I'm fine if at times I can't, for whatever reason.<br />
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We were sad not to meet up with Sue and Vic from <a href="http://noproblem.org.uk/blog/busy-busy-day-at-norbury-junction-and-non-the-wiser/#comments" target="_blank">No Problem</a> whilst at Norbury Junction, as they'd left their boat for the weekend. We haven't seen them since 2010 - maybe this year sometime?<br />
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<b><i>The remainder of the canal arm to Newport, though it's currently under restoration</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSsiDSDMwwE/Uzmtj_XTfUI/AAAAAAAAC8w/g2ZoNGBZW1A/s1600/P1550909-Panorama1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSsiDSDMwwE/Uzmtj_XTfUI/AAAAAAAAC8w/g2ZoNGBZW1A/s1600/P1550909-Panorama1.jpg" height="196" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A panorama shot as we left Norbury the next morning</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Travelling through Gnosall Heath</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxKOnvOWhXM/UzmtkB09KZI/AAAAAAAAC80/vSPM1WN45QA/s1600/P1550932A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxKOnvOWhXM/UzmtkB09KZI/AAAAAAAAC80/vSPM1WN45QA/s1600/P1550932A.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The picturesque canal-side Boat Inn</i></b></div>
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<b><i>A very slow passage through Gnosall as there was a fishing competition stretched from one end of town to the other</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Under the short Cowley Tunnel (81yds)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>More high bridges unique to the Shropshire Union Canal (though they're not <u>all</u> called 'High Bridge'!)</i></b></div>
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We had a few days of no internet signal - so took the opportunity to watch the remaining episodes of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland_(season_1)" target="_blank">Homelands Series One</a> on the DVDs <a href="http://captainahabswaterytales.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Helen and Andy </a>had lent us. Goodness, that's gripping drama isn't it? We're hoping they have series two waiting for us …<br />
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We're still on the '<a href="http://thefastdiet.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fast diet'</a>, though with me being away, and we've both had a bit of a cold, it's gone down to one day a week for a couple of weeks. But that's okay.<br />
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Daylight saving has been and gone, so the nights are increasingly lighter and longer. The weather is definitely milder, and there's a definite promise of sunshine and blue skies - mostly! The trees are sprouting their vibrant new growth, daffodils are blooming their yellowness all along the towpaths, and the birds are tweeting away merrily.<br />
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Sadly the midges are also waking up as the temperature increases, and pestering us from time-to-time!<br />
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More power</h3>
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Whilst at Norbury Junction, we decided to bite the bullet and buy new batteries. When we purchased Areandare almost 12 months ago, the previous owner had purchased one new-ish battery out of five. But their power, on the cut, just wasn't lasting. It's likely the 'new' one wouldn't have enough power to support the others. We figure that having to have the engine on so much to boost the batteries, when we're not moving, costs in diesel. So new ones should pay for themselves over a period of time. At least that's the theory ...</div>
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Barry managed to work it out so we have six domestic batteries now, which is even better. Since then, we haven't heard the alarm going off in the evening to say the power's run out.<br />
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So now we're up to date - hurrah!<br />
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Happy April everyone - one quarter of the way through 2014 already - amazing.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Penkridge, Staffordshire, UK52.725155000000008 -2.116371999999955752.648197500000009 -2.2777334999999557 52.802112500000007 -1.9550104999999558tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-26476318105791554202014-03-31T17:43:00.001+01:002014-03-31T17:46:21.747+01:00Lock gate step-over disclaimer!You have to be a little cautious when putting your words out into the world.<br />
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And I know this.<br />
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Every so often I write something that touches a nerve for someone, and <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/stepping-confidently-over-lock-gates.html" target="_blank">yesterday's post</a> was one of those.</div>
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While writing the story I recall thinking it would be a good idea to write some sort of disclaimer - I didn't want people to start stepping over lock gates willy nilly and then coming back and suggesting it was all my fault for encouraging such foolishness if something went awry!</div>
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But I forgot.</div>
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So thank you Martin, for commenting, and raising awareness of the fact that actually, the step-over, if you don't make it to the other side, can indeed be catastrophic. My imaginary 'catastrophising' was not out of context! Luckily when his wife didn't make it, she didn't damage herself too much - and it didn't stop her from boating in the future (but then they're 'can-do kiwis', whose resilience never fails to amaze me).</div>
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Whether you step-over the lock gates, or walk around the other end each time, is entirely your choice and responsibility - but you all know this of course ;-)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-14117656187871478542014-03-30T20:00:00.000+01:002014-03-30T20:00:03.286+01:00Stepping confidently over lock gates - when you think you can ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
You must know the saying by Henry Ford? "W<i>hether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right."?</i></div>
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Well last Wednesday I proved it's correct - once again.<br />
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Many (I'd go as far as to say most) things we do, or don't do in life, depend on your chosen or conditioned mind-set. We can look at life as a struggle, and see the world as a 'scary place' (especially if you read the newspapers too much or watch the TV/news!). Or we can make a commitment to perceive it as an amazing adventure.<br />
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Often challenging, occasionally painful, usually interesting, frequently fulfilling and wrapped in wonder.</div>
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I'd decided to 'let' Barry off the stern to do a few locks - well we did have 17 to ascend to get to Market Drayton!<br />
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Knowing how Barry likes to step over the one open lock gate, rather than walk all the way around the opposite ones, to open the paired one (are you still with me?!), that morning my mind began playing all sorts of silly tricks on me.</div>
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I saw this picture of Barry stepping over the gate, but missing or slipping and ending up dropping with a splash into the canal below. He'd likely be holding his camera (where it normally resides when he's locking!), and didn't quite balance well enough.<br />
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The next scene in my made-up mind-movie was Areandare moving towards him, me trying with all my might to reverse or stop her, but not being able to and driving right over him.</div>
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Talk about catastrophising! (I know, it's not a word, but I think it should be!).</div>
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We laughed about it, but I knew it was something I'd feared in the past, which was why it was coming back to haunt me.</div>
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Sure enough, at every lock Barry gaily and confidently stepped across the gates. It certainly saves time. I just averted my gaze and focussed on the steering which was a challenge at times in the narrow locks, but I didn't scrape the new bottom too much ...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ4O8M4BHwQ/UzczT0IM3WI/AAAAAAAAC08/zE6ABeFuMYA/s1600/P1550620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZ4O8M4BHwQ/UzczT0IM3WI/AAAAAAAAC08/zE6ABeFuMYA/s1600/P1550620.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The lovely lock-side cottage in Audlem</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gvlDX8fa86A/UzczTx3BhpI/AAAAAAAAC1A/xvqKOumdAwY/s1600/P1550622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gvlDX8fa86A/UzczTx3BhpI/AAAAAAAAC1A/xvqKOumdAwY/s1600/P1550622.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Oo-er Sandra, you're a bit close to the side there (they're rather a snug fit along here)</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0z5e4ARHZWw/UzczT22CO6I/AAAAAAAAC04/CZDDbOC_M-U/s1600/P1550632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0z5e4ARHZWw/UzczT22CO6I/AAAAAAAAC04/CZDDbOC_M-U/s1600/P1550632.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Lining up for the lock - with the pressure of the side overflows, you have to over compensate. Not as easy as it looks ...</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wzPH3skCuR8/UzczVmio8LI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/vc7UDDeO0No/s1600/P1550634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wzPH3skCuR8/UzczVmio8LI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/vc7UDDeO0No/s1600/P1550634.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><i>An arty shot!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6EI5w4BlqU/UzczVvfi2YI/AAAAAAAAC1U/JDwGO48fmIU/s1600/P1550638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y6EI5w4BlqU/UzczVvfi2YI/AAAAAAAAC1U/JDwGO48fmIU/s1600/P1550638.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Some of the locks are very close together - and I had to pass other boats mid-way between which was interesting!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNpPwNr85cw/UzczV6XJzGI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/0zG1ksSOgjA/s1600/P1550642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNpPwNr85cw/UzczV6XJzGI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/0zG1ksSOgjA/s1600/P1550642.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>No problem - though why is he looking at me in amazement? Is it because women are rarely at the tiller? Or is he eyeing up Barry's top boxes?</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJHJyr5F-cs/UzczXPriLoI/AAAAAAAAC1g/wnDirTrNdAI/s1600/P1550643A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJHJyr5F-cs/UzczXPriLoI/AAAAAAAAC1g/wnDirTrNdAI/s1600/P1550643A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_o4HQZJ6l0/UzczXVstX-I/AAAAAAAAC1s/Ujz6bfBcgbE/s1600/P1550645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_o4HQZJ6l0/UzczXVstX-I/AAAAAAAAC1s/Ujz6bfBcgbE/s1600/P1550645.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A training boat along the route - an ideal place to learn the intricacies of locking!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nRGt_dYphU/UzczYM8lGYI/AAAAAAAAC18/Dveneu75_zg/s1600/P1550648A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nRGt_dYphU/UzczYM8lGYI/AAAAAAAAC18/Dveneu75_zg/s1600/P1550648A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><i>And another one safely passed</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wk88_zKHdms/UzczYG-DuiI/AAAAAAAAC10/BbAs_vf2Rr0/s1600/P1550651A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wk88_zKHdms/UzczYG-DuiI/AAAAAAAAC10/BbAs_vf2Rr0/s1600/P1550651A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0I3dnJeXIiQ/UzczY8OCyzI/AAAAAAAAC2I/N1pJkssXgDQ/s1600/P1550652A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0I3dnJeXIiQ/UzczY8OCyzI/AAAAAAAAC2I/N1pJkssXgDQ/s1600/P1550652A.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Evidence of bygone days - markings under bridges from ropes attached to the horses, which used to pull the working boats along the cut</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKG-6l6rzHA/UzczZmtIFNI/AAAAAAAAC2M/PEuaTZ3RV2A/s1600/P1550654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKG-6l6rzHA/UzczZmtIFNI/AAAAAAAAC2M/PEuaTZ3RV2A/s1600/P1550654.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Almost time to swap roles ...</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlc4y9YUdy8/UzczZ3ERX5I/AAAAAAAAC2U/J0RBajoEEUw/s1600/P1550656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xlc4y9YUdy8/UzczZ3ERX5I/AAAAAAAAC2U/J0RBajoEEUw/s1600/P1550656.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMMVax_6LUc/UzczakRqzaI/AAAAAAAAC2c/HjN53UmZsOw/s1600/P1550661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMMVax_6LUc/UzczakRqzaI/AAAAAAAAC2c/HjN53UmZsOw/s1600/P1550661.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Yet another half dosey doe (for the barn dancers amongst you!)</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd5RnrXO_H4/Uzcza8i9CiI/AAAAAAAAC2o/LReWlcuYWEE/s1600/P1550665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd5RnrXO_H4/Uzcza8i9CiI/AAAAAAAAC2o/LReWlcuYWEE/s1600/P1550665.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Another female in charge of the driving - good to see</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHXaVHdPrk/UzczbTSDGxI/AAAAAAAAC2s/tK_yle4jZl8/s1600/P1550667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHXaVHdPrk/UzczbTSDGxI/AAAAAAAAC2s/tK_yle4jZl8/s1600/P1550667.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Just enough room for a 'narrow' boat!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0g-TZTIX3i8/Uzczb76d9PI/AAAAAAAAC20/WkNlOalmlnY/s1600/P1550669A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0g-TZTIX3i8/Uzczb76d9PI/AAAAAAAAC20/WkNlOalmlnY/s1600/P1550669A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>There's a lotta locks Cilla!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQfn2gkGHrs/UzczcA84y7I/AAAAAAAAC28/Lpr9a3RmJUY/s1600/P1550671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQfn2gkGHrs/UzczcA84y7I/AAAAAAAAC28/Lpr9a3RmJUY/s1600/P1550671.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Having some fun in the water</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFmWYHjmL2A/UzczckYYN7I/AAAAAAAAC3E/vcybcjYsBYk/s1600/P1550673A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFmWYHjmL2A/UzczckYYN7I/AAAAAAAAC3E/vcybcjYsBYk/s1600/P1550673A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Yet another lock - but who'd complain when you're out in the countryside seeing sights like this?</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzBSKsdJgsk/Uzczc7U4UBI/AAAAAAAAC3M/JZooUEvILHQ/s1600/P1550674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HzBSKsdJgsk/Uzczc7U4UBI/AAAAAAAAC3M/JZooUEvILHQ/s1600/P1550674.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>And this - home baking to tempt worn out boaters at the lock-side - Barry had a sample but we rested temptation to purchase (as we already had some ginger cake on board!)</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9Jc1YaV0t4/Uzczd2tmIAI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/5s85ORSU-Eg/s1600/P1550680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9Jc1YaV0t4/Uzczd2tmIAI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/5s85ORSU-Eg/s1600/P1550680.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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After the first 11 locks were completed, I'd had enough of standing still at the back of the boat, so suggested a swap. </div>
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I'd sort of gingerly attempted the 'step across' last year, but hadn't felt terribly enamoured at the prospect, and my fearful thoughts scared me out of it. This time I'd decided it couldn't really be that difficult. Could it?</div>
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So on the first lock, safely out of Barry's view behind a bridge, I stepped onto the walking platform of the open lock gate. Looking over at the other platform, it suddenly didn't seem too far. So I said to myself loudly "<i>Yes you can, yes you can, yes you can!</i>" And yes, you've guessed it - I DID IT! Barry was right (he generally is!), it was just a step. A big step admittedly, but definitely a step and not a jump.</div>
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It wasn't a one-off, I did it a few more times, just to prove to myself I could.</div>
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Oh, and Barry caught me on camera on the third lock step while I wasn't looking …<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgOH5CqIY-8/Uzc58YM34uI/AAAAAAAAC30/p-MMVq3g8ck/s1600/P1550681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgOH5CqIY-8/Uzc58YM34uI/AAAAAAAAC30/p-MMVq3g8ck/s1600/P1550681.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>One small step for Sandra ...</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y6YyHoPVao/Uzc58hsWjTI/AAAAAAAAC3s/HXb1kqRus54/s1600/P1550682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y6YyHoPVao/Uzc58hsWjTI/AAAAAAAAC3s/HXb1kqRus54/s1600/P1550682.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span id="goog_17493005"></span><span id="goog_17493006"></span>But a giant leap for womankind!</i></b></div>
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We arrived at Market Drayton in the early evening, 17 locks completed, of which I displayed my fearlessness 7 times!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDSue7LRLeY/Uzc58roEGiI/AAAAAAAAC3o/dHRWlbziviY/s1600/P1550687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDSue7LRLeY/Uzc58roEGiI/AAAAAAAAC3o/dHRWlbziviY/s1600/P1550687.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>One of the five Adderley locks </i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5LfW-UnuIc/Uzc59q-tUKI/AAAAAAAAC38/oC2GPeOTYyU/s1600/P1550694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f5LfW-UnuIc/Uzc59q-tUKI/AAAAAAAAC38/oC2GPeOTYyU/s1600/P1550694.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A calm and peaceful canal - reflections from a line of moored boats</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_dVUVSX9o0/Uzc5945wdqI/AAAAAAAAC4E/O0hAF2YLEGQ/s1600/P1550696A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E_dVUVSX9o0/Uzc5945wdqI/AAAAAAAAC4E/O0hAF2YLEGQ/s1600/P1550696A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Someone loves their Susan</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFOnzM8xoFo/Uzc5-f8wObI/AAAAAAAAC4U/TZB9YW4zKnc/s1600/P1550703A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFOnzM8xoFo/Uzc5-f8wObI/AAAAAAAAC4U/TZB9YW4zKnc/s1600/P1550703A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Waterside developments at Market Drayton</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Safely moored up for the night, Wednesday 19th March, after hours of driving to travel six miles!</i></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4Penkridge, Staffordshire, UK52.725155000000008 -2.116371999999955752.648197500000009 -2.2777334999999557 52.802112500000007 -1.9550104999999558tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-32979841540415830582014-03-29T20:47:00.000+00:002014-03-29T20:47:30.941+00:00Milling around the dead centre of Audlem - and the best chips!<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's 11 days now since we were in Audlem, but I've only just got the rest of the photos from Barry of our walk into the village!</div>
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They're so impressive, showcasing such a smashing canal side Shropshire venue, I felt we had to share them with you.</div>
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Right next to The Shroppie Fly is <a href="http://www.audlemmill.co.uk/" target="_blank">Audlem Mill</a>, where you'll find an immense selection of crafts to suit most tastes - rag rugging kits, knitting needles and wool, embroidery, and an array of canal-related literature.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXkCSEM5Wtc/Uzcm0Dh_UJI/AAAAAAAACz4/SPnJpM25RPA/s1600/P1550609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXkCSEM5Wtc/Uzcm0Dh_UJI/AAAAAAAACz4/SPnJpM25RPA/s1600/P1550609.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The impressive building of Audlem Mill</i></b></div>
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We visited the Mill during our first boating trip in 2009, and I purchased a cross-stitch 'lace plate' for those idle evenings of quietness (which surprisingly are few and far between!). </div>
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Admittedly I completed most of it during that trip, but now, almost five years later, I've yet to finish it! As you can see below, the interesting part is done, it's the beige around the outside and the pattern on the edges that has ground my motivation to a standstill!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMUPNeWjuQM/UzcqDEE6glI/AAAAAAAAC0o/YNOSjXxRVvQ/s1600/IMG_5498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMUPNeWjuQM/UzcqDEE6glI/AAAAAAAAC0o/YNOSjXxRVvQ/s1600/IMG_5498.jpg" height="640" width="572" /></a></div>
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One day, I hope, I'll commit the time to finishing and framing it!<br />
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Barry nipped across the water to shoot another angle of the Shroppie Fly - and fortuitously captured a boat passing by which adds to the ambience ...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X9A4VSBIfLk/Uzcm0W3HgtI/AAAAAAAACz8/UYl-O_I2YgM/s1600/P1550612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X9A4VSBIfLk/Uzcm0W3HgtI/AAAAAAAACz8/UYl-O_I2YgM/s1600/P1550612.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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And we popped briefly into the bar again - not for a drink mind you, but to get a photo of the BCN butty bar ...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqTRnSXdMgo/UzcmyN3W8fI/AAAAAAAACzo/xw_nkPr9GF4/s1600/P1550606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqTRnSXdMgo/UzcmyN3W8fI/AAAAAAAACzo/xw_nkPr9GF4/s1600/P1550606.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The church is set on a slight hill. We've never ventured inside for some reason, maybe it's pleasant enough just gazing at it's exterior? And what a pleasure it'd be to wait for a bus here - shelter, seating and sufficient waste bins to keep the village smart.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhR4yEML3ec/Uzcmxl9MrHI/AAAAAAAACzU/fW2qS51ukUs/s1600/P1550601A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhR4yEML3ec/Uzcmxl9MrHI/AAAAAAAACzU/fW2qS51ukUs/s1600/P1550601A.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/were-beached-bro.html" target="_blank">Last time we were in Audlem</a> we'd been recommended to visit The Bridge Inn for their apparently outstanding fish and chips. They were indeed delicious, though the mushy peas didn't go down so well!</div>
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On this occasion we'd been told there was now an amazing fish and chip shop at the top end of the village - '<a href="http://www.audlem.org/newsroom/village-chippy-opens-tomorrow.html" target="_blank">The Village Chippy</a>'. After a stroll around the nearby graveyard, we thought it'd be rude not to check out the chips - and we weren't disappointed. They were quite possibly the best we've had in England.</div>
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Thanks George and Ali!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUNaqoiypVk/UzcmxNF-r9I/AAAAAAAACzQ/mbvH4f8uz2I/s1600/P1550600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUNaqoiypVk/UzcmxNF-r9I/AAAAAAAACzQ/mbvH4f8uz2I/s1600/P1550600.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4Gq3lCMjHM/Uzcmv5jJzdI/AAAAAAAACzA/NhpvETSKBCQ/s1600/P1550596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4Gq3lCMjHM/Uzcmv5jJzdI/AAAAAAAACzA/NhpvETSKBCQ/s1600/P1550596.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oL0Rvd4G7Tk/Uzcmv3eTk_I/AAAAAAAACzY/yykO_Y03GfI/s1600/P1550597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oL0Rvd4G7Tk/Uzcmv3eTk_I/AAAAAAAACzY/yykO_Y03GfI/s1600/P1550597.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A very well-kept graveyard. In the distance you can see the canal - this'd be a great spot for Barry to rest in peace at some (very) distant point in the future!</i></b></div>
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To end the current Audlem posts, here's a few more angles of the famous pub and Mill ...</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-39427110968671463332014-03-23T19:00:00.000+00:002014-03-28T09:47:52.197+00:00Meandering to Audlem - festina lente<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last time we meandered along this route in 2009, we felt ourselves rushing through, on a mission to meet up with Barry's daughter Jamie. We'd only been on the canals for a month, after buying Northern Pride and experiencing the Llangollen Canal for our first 'live-aboard' journey. And we hadn't quite got the hang of taking it slowly and understanding that meeting people by predicting where you'd be on a certain day in the future, wasn't as simple as it sounded!<br />
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I recall feeling that sense of needing to speed up to get somewhere fast - then having a sudden flash of realisation - by doing so we'd totally negated the reason we were on a narrowboat. The idea is it's the fastest way to slow down, to marvel and be inspired by the time you have at our disposal to smell the roses, to have oodles of time to stand and stare. Otherwise, what's the point? You may as well be in a car, rushing here and there with blinkers on, looking straight ahead!<br />
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For this experience of the Shroppie, we made a completely conscious choice to <u>really</u> take the chance to relish being on one of the most rural routes on the network. We did have to be somewhere my sister can pick me up from by Sunday (and as you're reading this on said Sunday, I can report we got there just fine), and then Barry needs to get to a location I can get public transport back to the boat the following Thursday. But neither of those places were far away.<br />
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So we do have a bit of a schedule, but it's a loose one.<br />
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Until Saturday 12th April of course, which is our first ever trading festival at <a href="http://www.springmarket.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Spring Market</a> in Birmingham. If you're in the area, do come and see us! We can't promise we'll be able to chat much, depending on the number of customers we have, but we'll certainly do our best to be convivial.<br />
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Festina lente (make haste slowly) is definitely a vital component of our agenda, but we do also do to earn a living. There'll be times when we must go at a faster pace - and we're ok with that.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qojbSWAJUKQ/Uy6524VytQI/AAAAAAAACik/urU5PxjVArA/s1600/P1550536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qojbSWAJUKQ/Uy6524VytQI/AAAAAAAACik/urU5PxjVArA/s1600/P1550536.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A bolt from the blue on the journey!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrsjZmRkA4A/Uy657fFuARI/AAAAAAAACi8/8Ss0lWtTM3g/s1600/P1550537A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrsjZmRkA4A/Uy657fFuARI/AAAAAAAACi8/8Ss0lWtTM3g/s1600/P1550537A.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A vision of calm and serenity</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTVHCGyo1jQ/Uy657PznTiI/AAAAAAAACi4/GoQh4iRLQ4M/s1600/P1550545A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTVHCGyo1jQ/Uy657PznTiI/AAAAAAAACi4/GoQh4iRLQ4M/s1600/P1550545A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A scene of timelessness on the waterways</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw35mBvlY_Q/Uy656IHJmTI/AAAAAAAACiw/GdADhKrEy3k/s1600/P1550550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw35mBvlY_Q/Uy656IHJmTI/AAAAAAAACiw/GdADhKrEy3k/s1600/P1550550.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Single locks now</i></b></div>
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Audlem</h4>
We wanted to stay overnight in Audlem, and go inside the famous 'Shroppie Fly', and were pleasantly surprised to find moorings between the Audlem flight of locks, just a few yards from said establishment.<br />
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A hire boater moored next to us chatted to Barry, regaling tales of food shortages from the pub - among other things, they'd run out of burgers and chips apparently! That wouldn't encourage you to spend your money if you'd been locking all day and been looking forward to such a meal.<br />
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We rarely eat out, so it wasn't a problem for us. After dinner though, we went for a drink in the hope of meeting other boaters and chatting amiably about the historic building.<br />
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<b><i>The Shroppie Fly - approaching and then safely moored for the night</i></b></div>
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We were out of luck. The only other customers were a couple of local young men, who seemed to have an exuberant relationship with the very attractive and friendly blonde barmaid. Definitely not looking to hold a conversation with a couple of old boaters - apart from discussing the extortionate price of a blackcurrant cider and lager mix!<br />
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Ah well, it was a Tuesday night after all. Most establishments are quiet early in the week. Lunchtimes are the busiest period we were reliably informed, as passing trade takes a break after descending the previous eleven locks, or before tackling the ascent!<br />
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They had the latest copy of Waterways World available, and a Daily Mail - so we sat like a couple of old codgers drinking our pints (mine was a mango and raspberry cider, I'm not keen on beer) and reading. To be honest, we rarely do such a thing so it was a real treat. Though once we'd read much of the bad news in the paper, we remembered why we avoid them …<br />
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We hadn't realised the pub had recently re-opened after a refurbishment. There was a couple of letters in the WW about it which was fortuitous. One was of interest discussing the sad loss of previous memorabilia:<br />
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"<i>… Measham teapots, lace plates, brasses, narrowboat fittings, etc, were subsequently sold as the business went through various financial traumas …"</i> And:<br />
"… <i>a rare wall-size, original, historic waterway map, reputed to have belonged to Thomas Telford …</i>"<br />
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The interior now contains bright and modern furnishings, though with some interesting photography by a local professional. And luckily they saw fit to retain the front of BCN 'Joey' boat at the bar, which lends it an air of authenticity.<br />
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With lots of tables outside, it must be veritably buzzing during high season here. We wish the new owners good luck with their venture.<br />
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The next morning we took the opportunity to experience the beauty of Audlem once again, it's such a pretty little village ..<br />
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<b><i>The delightful <a href="http://stjamesaudlem.org.uk/" target="_blank">St James Church</a>, Audlem, dating from the 13th century</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Audlum cemetery, what a majestic entranceway </i></b></div>
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<b><i>An array of patterns and colours - beautiful</i></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Audlem, Crewe, Cheshire East CW3, UK52.98647 -2.512955000000033652.9673525 -2.5532955000000337 53.0055875 -2.4726145000000335tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-25528719695273077332014-03-22T21:32:00.000+00:002014-03-23T11:08:30.223+00:00Doing the Bunbury shuffle<div style="text-align: justify;">
The internet coverage is rather sporadic on the Shropshire Union, so we've got a little behind in our posts …<br />
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<h3>
Back to Scott's Bar</h3>
Last Saturday we surprised everyone at Scott's Bar in Tattenhall Marina and turned up for the weekly entertainment. It was a quiz night organised by Jeff, and we teamed up with Mike and Jane. Fortunately we came second - it's more than our life's worth to win again!<br />
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Great to see you all again - if all goes to plan we'll be back in the autumn.<br />
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Right! Time to move south and leave our autumn/winter 'comfort zone'. There's work to be done …<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEv2Ej7B6pg/Uy3yEAxUljI/AAAAAAAACgg/fF-R2MK-htA/s1600/P1550378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEv2Ej7B6pg/Uy3yEAxUljI/AAAAAAAACgg/fF-R2MK-htA/s1600/P1550378.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Heading down the Shropshire Union, we spotted this guy guarding someone's boat - looks like a bit of face painting competition!</i></b></div>
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Beeston to Bunbury</h3>
A few wide locks still to do on the way. They take a bit of filling, and the gates certainly give you a good work-out! We did <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/bloggers-at-barbridge-and-checking-out.html" target="_blank">Beeston Iron Lock with Tom and Jan</a> last August, on our way to Tattenhall Marina before Barry had to return to NZ.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60JNvkSBntw/Uy3yEk4lDzI/AAAAAAAACgo/7ECHQ1oj2GI/s1600/P1550387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60JNvkSBntw/Uy3yEk4lDzI/AAAAAAAACgo/7ECHQ1oj2GI/s1600/P1550387.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Who needs to go to a gym when you can pump iron at a lock?</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwQm7aOZtMA/Uy3yEoni4FI/AAAAAAAACgk/Y4AV-ECevdE/s1600/P1550395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwQm7aOZtMA/Uy3yEoni4FI/AAAAAAAACgk/Y4AV-ECevdE/s1600/P1550395.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Beeston Iron Lock - with some swanky new lock gates in-situ</i></b></div>
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During our lengthy stay at Tattenhall, Barry took the opportunity to make some top-boxes for extra storage, and he's had a number of people admiring them and asking where he got them from. Someone even suggested he could start a business making them! No thanks! The hours he put into it wouldn't be able to be reflected in the price. But they do look rather smart don't you think?</div>
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He's a clever kiwi ...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGSNrjMy7i4/Uy3yFZh2MMI/AAAAAAAACgs/_ifGg9jDqRg/s1600/P1550408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGSNrjMy7i4/Uy3yFZh2MMI/AAAAAAAACgs/_ifGg9jDqRg/s1600/P1550408.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Three top-boxes sitting in a row</i></b></div>
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Passing Barbridge Junction, where we bought <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2009/04/welcome-to-bloggings-of-barry-and-sandy.html" target="_blank">Northern pride in April 2009</a>, we continued south on the Shropshire Union for the first time since that year.</div>
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Arriving at Bunbury late afternoon, we needed a few groceries but had no idea if there was any hope locally. So we had a walk to explore, just in case there was anything around (unlikely on a Sunday evening I know!).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iniPTalnbtU/Uy3yG8vyNuI/AAAAAAAAChA/GmVE447Rwd0/s1600/P1550414A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iniPTalnbtU/Uy3yG8vyNuI/AAAAAAAAChA/GmVE447Rwd0/s1600/P1550414A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Bunbury Staircase (only two steps though!) bottom lock</i></b></div>
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There was a pub in the village, advertised on the sign under the bridge above saying it was ¾ mile away. Slight understatement - more like one and a half miles! Unsurprisingly, it turned out to be one of those restaurant establishments, looking rather too lofty for the likes of us in our comfortable 'boaty' clothes, so we just had a stroll instead and admired the buildings.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5e5qxBhiyk/Uy3yHUdXC-I/AAAAAAAAChE/QQPIBHmgZLg/s1600/P1550418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5e5qxBhiyk/Uy3yHUdXC-I/AAAAAAAAChE/QQPIBHmgZLg/s1600/P1550418.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Bunbury appeared to be a</i></b><b><i> very well-to-do village </i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QSohY4X8sg/Uy3yHh5Xq7I/AAAAAAAAChI/EhxXimQuRZ4/s1600/P1550420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QSohY4X8sg/Uy3yHh5Xq7I/AAAAAAAAChI/EhxXimQuRZ4/s1600/P1550420.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Charming Alms Houses …</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21hP2kBBuFk/Uy3yJAS1l8I/AAAAAAAAChU/_tPGAOibpRU/s1600/P1550424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21hP2kBBuFk/Uy3yJAS1l8I/AAAAAAAAChU/_tPGAOibpRU/s1600/P1550424.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>… and black and white cottages</i></b></div>
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Not a shop in sight though. Ah well, nothing urgent needed. It'll wait.</div>
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<h4>
The Bunbury Shuffle</h4>
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Monday began as a very wet and cool morning, not in the least enticing for lock-work. However, luckily for us by lunchtime it abated a little, so we set off.</div>
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In this staircase, unlike most others, it's possible for two boats to pass from the top to the bottom lock - or vice versa. In fact last August, we did it with two of us in the top lock and one in the bottom which was an interesting concept, but seemed to work just fine!<br />
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This time, we did the 'Bunbury shuffle' with one other boat - very smoothly.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRT9IZv0i7o/Uy3yNupS9zI/AAAAAAAACiA/FmXvpQ6Yowk/s1600/P1550474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRT9IZv0i7o/Uy3yNupS9zI/AAAAAAAACiA/FmXvpQ6Yowk/s1600/P1550474.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Nantwich</h3>
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Barry drove again. I got more exercise and simultaneously listened to a one and a half hour webinar on coaching ethics through my iPhone and headphones! What a great way to work - while you walk. The wonders of modern technology never cease to amaze me.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xs9dEzcLO0/Uy69ORSGjNI/AAAAAAAACkA/cEwtLf3vuBU/s1600/P1550490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6xs9dEzcLO0/Uy69ORSGjNI/AAAAAAAACkA/cEwtLf3vuBU/s1600/P1550490.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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We travelled as far as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nantwich" target="_blank">Nantwich</a>, mooring on the embankment there. Apparently the ground here, when it was first built (by hand of course), was unstable, delaying the opening. At that time, the canal from Nantwich to Autherley Junction was called the '<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_and_Liverpool_Junction_Canal" target="_blank">Liverpool and Birmingham Junction Canal</a></i>'. Thomas Telford, who designed the new 'fast route' (hard to believe nowadays isn't it?), sadly died before its 1835 beginning.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y_gLmBTgmw/Uy69OJlYtvI/AAAAAAAACj8/EFOf2Bg58JQ/s1600/P1550527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Y_gLmBTgmw/Uy69OJlYtvI/AAAAAAAACj8/EFOf2Bg58JQ/s1600/P1550527.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The embankment</i></b></div>
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Still needing a few groceries, we took the opportunity for some more fresh air and exercise, and walked into the town. We'd not stopped here last time we passed by in 2009.</div>
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Crossing the river Weaver, it soon became apparent that this was a very fine town. Unfortunately, Barry had used all the battery up on his camera, so only had his phone on him to capture the black and white timbered buildings, many dating back to 1684. There was a great fire in Nantwich in December 1583, which sadly destroyed many structures. Being re-built, they've managed to remain extremely sturdy - or at least they appear to be.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dz-XQ-9_oc/Uy3xYoCvEqI/AAAAAAAACgM/UOAb11fyBTI/s1600/IMG_5479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dz-XQ-9_oc/Uy3xYoCvEqI/AAAAAAAACgM/UOAb11fyBTI/s1600/IMG_5479.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Barry takes some shots on his phone - though he's not been able to get them off it yet! You'll have to make do with mine</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pMB6fSDHus/Uy3xbydXe1I/AAAAAAAACgY/EHGiNLRG7BQ/s1600/IMG_5481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pMB6fSDHus/Uy3xbydXe1I/AAAAAAAACgY/EHGiNLRG7BQ/s1600/IMG_5481.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Still standing - but a looking a tad wonky!</i></b></div>
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A short distance from the centre, we found a huge Morrisons store. I literally had only a few items on my shopping list, but decided to grasp the chance to fill the freezer and fridge while the opportunity presented itself. I ended up spending £85 - good job I took a few sturdy bags with us.<br />
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I'm off to London for a few days with my eldest sister, early next week, so I won't have to shop now before I leave Barry boat-alone - again!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Wheaton Aston, Staffordshire, UK52.713986 -2.222091999999975152.6755085 -2.3027729999999753 52.7524635 -2.1414109999999749tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-30766837809078201822014-03-19T16:00:00.000+00:002014-03-19T18:33:28.759+00:00Moving along to Christleton, then back to Tattenhall - witnessing a spectacularly sensational sunset<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a good stock up in Tescos last Monday, we cruised back to Christleton, saying a fond 'farewell for now' to Chester - on a beautiful, spring, blue-sky day.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13vJo1ZfmsA/Uyg6y8wcIcI/AAAAAAAACbc/PRexjaF6NZQ/s1600/P1550272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13vJo1ZfmsA/Uyg6y8wcIcI/AAAAAAAACbc/PRexjaF6NZQ/s1600/P1550272.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRr8rr6pFiM/Uyg6zV6lIfI/AAAAAAAACbg/Cb22NRAV3fA/s1600/P1550281A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRr8rr6pFiM/Uyg6zV6lIfI/AAAAAAAACbg/Cb22NRAV3fA/s1600/P1550281A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mooring once more just alongside <a href="http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecheshirecatchristleton/" target="_blank">The Cheshire Ca</a>t, we took full advantage of the mild weather and enjoyed a stroll to this charming Cheshire village on Tuesday.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgHqC5yRLJM/Uyg61AdUjbI/AAAAAAAACb0/T4jLnatZTjA/s1600/P1550283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgHqC5yRLJM/Uyg61AdUjbI/AAAAAAAACb0/T4jLnatZTjA/s1600/P1550283.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A quintessentially British village</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKQ_DkcivGY/Uyg61QH1k9I/AAAAAAAACb4/GrxCAJy75Ow/s1600/P1550284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKQ_DkcivGY/Uyg61QH1k9I/AAAAAAAACb4/GrxCAJy75Ow/s1600/P1550284.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Many a mansion in these parts!</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fHMhHFjqJm8/UyhBQJKJ_kI/AAAAAAAACd8/R0S3u0sY08s/s1600/IMG_5457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fHMhHFjqJm8/UyhBQJKJ_kI/AAAAAAAACd8/R0S3u0sY08s/s1600/IMG_5457.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>You don't get too many days like this in March - having a crafty lunchtime pint at the pub</i></b></div>
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Barry enjoyed his last game of badminton at the High School in the evening - he'll miss that on our travels. Does anyone know any good badminton halls in the midlands that may take 'random' visitors?</div>
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On Wednesday, the lovely Jill came to see us for a spot of lunch, on her way to Cheshire Oaks. She's off to Bali en-route to Australia soon, so we don't know when we'll meet again.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIAaabMPD9o/Uyg61eGlLPI/AAAAAAAACcA/rpOIWN1P9AQ/s1600/P1550288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIAaabMPD9o/Uyg61eGlLPI/AAAAAAAACcA/rpOIWN1P9AQ/s1600/P1550288.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Jill and Sandra say goodbye for a while</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Yes - Barry's had a recent hair cut!</i></b></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Leaving mid-afternoon, Barry was driving the boat to Tattenhall, while I played catch-up with a few things inside. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4cFCdtdAHE/Uyg65IRwMcI/AAAAAAAACc0/mtRgNMYYmug/s1600/P1550331A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4cFCdtdAHE/Uyg65IRwMcI/AAAAAAAACc0/mtRgNMYYmug/s1600/P1550331A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b><i>The seemingly endless row of boats along the route</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Fading light, but it's getting later before the sun goes down now</i></b></div>
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At dusk, he called on the phone (we have an internal phone from the stern to the kitchen!), to tell me to look outside.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">The sun was low on the horizon looking like an orange Smartie. It was so clearly outlined at one point, it could've been a press-able button. I don't think I've ever seen the sun in such glory - so much so that I couldn't decide which of Barry's photos to leave in so I posted them all ...</span></div>
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I realise looking at these that it looks like they've been photoshopped - but seriously, this IS what the sun looked like! Is it some sort of phenomenon from something?</div>
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Not to be out-done, the moon was looking rather marvellous later on too!<br />
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Isn't nature incredible?<br />
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It's such a blessing to be out doors most of the time, and able to watch these breathtaking sightsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2Audlem, Crewe, Cheshire East CW3, UK52.98647 -2.512955000000033652.9673525 -2.5532955000000337 53.0055875 -2.4726145000000335tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-22011010150821260372014-03-18T11:48:00.000+00:002014-03-19T18:33:47.493+00:00A last look at Chester - for a while!<div style="text-align: justify;">
We decided to enjoy another couple of days in Chester last week, before heading south on the Shropshire Union. We adore this city, such a friendly, welcoming feel to it.</div>
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Barry captured some more delights …</div>
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<b><i>Such a tiny house - maybe dolls really live here??</i></b></div>
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He had a walk around when I was off the boat visiting my daughter and grandsons Friday to Saturday afternoon. Along the way of course there's The Albion Inn, described as a 'Classic Victorian corner street pub' (it'd be rude not to drop in if you're ever passing by!).</div>
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When he arrived, the pub was packed with people, many dressed in tuxedos. It was a Friday night, he thinks they were dressed up for a posh 'do' at <a href="http://www.chestergrosvenor.com/" target="_blank">The Grosvenor Hotel</a>. Within a short time of him arriving, everyone left! I'm pretty sure he'd had a shower in the morning, and hopefully wasn't wearing his 'holy' jeans, so it's unlikely he was the cause for the evacuation - but you never know! </div>
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Good for the bank balance though, he only stayed for the one pint after that before walking around the wall - again! I think we've both done it three times.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CL5kVEdM2xs/Uydh32qnA7I/AAAAAAAACW0/aeadv9eIJOw/s1600/P1550146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CL5kVEdM2xs/Uydh32qnA7I/AAAAAAAACW0/aeadv9eIJOw/s1600/P1550146.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://www.albioninnchester.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Albion Inn</a></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tviqdasO74k/Uydh4K8U6YI/AAAAAAAACW4/CC7I3LD7VMk/s1600/P1550148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tviqdasO74k/Uydh4K8U6YI/AAAAAAAACW4/CC7I3LD7VMk/s1600/P1550148.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Lots of little ice-cream kiosks line the river bank</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Even the weir looks like it's had a bit of a clean up</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Loving the abundance of daffodils, such a British tradition</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The side of Chester Castle along the wall</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Crocuses are another mainstay of spring in UK</i></b></div>
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On the Saturday night we went to some friends for a delicious chicken curry. They're both looking fab, shedding the pounds through Weightwatchers, so the meal wasn't calorie laden as curries can be, which was great for us too. We're still on the '<a href="http://thefastdiet.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fast Diet</a>' where you reduce your calories to 500 for women, and 600 for men, on two days of the week.</div>
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When I say 'still on', if you know anything about it you'll be aware it's 'for life'! Barry was unsurprisingly a little alarmed when I informed him of this the other day. Once we've reached a weight we're comfortable with though, we can alter it to just one 'fast' day a week ...</div>
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So you may notice us slimming down a little, over the coming weeks! </div>
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Before we left the boat on Saturday evening, we were happy to see our 'neighbours' from Tattenhall Marina moored up not far from us. We could only stop by for a short while before our curry night, but hoped to see them on Sunday.</div>
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Luckily we did! We were all ready to move up the Northgate Locks at the same time which was most fortunate. Apart from the fact that we got the order a little awry!</div>
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The bottom lock was empty, and I saw that Liz had gone up to open the paddles and fill the top two.</div>
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Barry and Andy motored into the bottom lock together, and I duly closed the gates. Retrospectively, that wasn't the best thing to do!</div>
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As the top two locks were filling, Liz and I were merrily chatting away. A few gongoozelers were congregating, including a family with a young boy who was terribly excited to be included in the winding up and down of paddles and gate opening and closing.</div>
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Looking down at the boys, I realised that they were rising as we were talking - now that shouldn't be happening! By some means, filling the top two locks with the bottom lock gate shut, caused the bottom lock to also fill. So it was a very slow process to get the bottom and middle locks level.</div>
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Lesson learnt.</div>
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When it says bottom lock empty top two locks full - it means exactly that!</div>
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<b><i>Andy looking chirpy on a sunny Sunday morning</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Liz and Andy discuss the conundrum of a filled bottom lock before the middle lock is full - not sure where Barry went ...</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Ah well, it'll all work out in the end they smile</i></b></div>
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<b><i>We'll mis you guys! Maybe we'll get to moor next to you again later in the year?</i></b></div>
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Passing the wall again, I chose to walk. This time, after all the comments on our <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/descending-chesters-northgate-staircase.html" target="_blank">last 'Chester' post</a>, I knew a lot more about this quaint foot bridge across the canal.</div>
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As Mike so kindly messaged:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">"<i>The bridge in the first picture is called the "Bridge of Sighs", this was built by Joseph Turner (who was also the architect of the Bridgegate and the Watergate) in July 1793 for the sum of £20 in order to prevent the many, often successful, attempts to rescue condemned prisoners in the Northgate Gaol when they crossed the canal cutting to the chapel of Little St. John and the 'apartment made for prisoners' to receive the last rites of the church before their execution."</i></span><i> </i></blockquote>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6yfElC94_w/Uydh-yJgjYI/AAAAAAAACYo/nE3TL71ciCY/s1600/P1550184A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g6yfElC94_w/Uydh-yJgjYI/AAAAAAAACYo/nE3TL71ciCY/s1600/P1550184A.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfKgrV2mVBM/Uydh_j06nuI/AAAAAAAACYw/qkmC0zpmd5k/s1600/P1550196A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OfKgrV2mVBM/Uydh_j06nuI/AAAAAAAACYw/qkmC0zpmd5k/s1600/P1550196A.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<b><i>The impressive medieval <a href="http://www.cheshirenow.co.uk/king_charles_tower.html" target="_blank">King Charles Tower</a>, dating from the 13th century</i></b></div>
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On Sunday <strike>we</strike> I cooked a roast beef lunch for Lisa, Rob and the gorgeous grandsons - making the most of their last chance to have a Sunday dinner while we're only a short drive away.</div>
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After lunch we did another short wall walk - though not the whole thing. Strangely enough, Lisa, who's lived near Chester for about 6 years, has never walked the wall. And I discovered she's never walked along by the River Dee either! So we took the opportunity to go there. The sun was shining brightly, and there were hoards of people buzzing around the waterside. Ice-creams were popular - and so was one of the pubs which I think was showing a rugby match.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isvnlWVajPw/UydiAPk6v5I/AAAAAAAACY0/Dr35IpGwE10/s1600/P1550224A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isvnlWVajPw/UydiAPk6v5I/AAAAAAAACY0/Dr35IpGwE10/s1600/P1550224A.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Blooming marvellous outside Chester Cathedral</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3wR0Jca4Og/UydiArYxk3I/AAAAAAAACZA/JVS7pJyNbK8/s1600/P1550241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3wR0Jca4Og/UydiArYxk3I/AAAAAAAACZA/JVS7pJyNbK8/s1600/P1550241.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Such a fine day</i></b></div>
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What a glorious day. We'll miss Chester. But the time has come to move out of the area and get trading from <a href="http://www.thehomebrewboat.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Home Brew Boat</a>!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-46716647110080649342014-03-15T16:45:00.003+00:002014-03-15T16:49:21.216+00:00Well worth watching - Great Canal Journeys <div style="text-align: justify;">
Although we choose not to have a TV on board, we do occasionally watch programmes via the Internet that interest or inspire us.</div>
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We'd heard that Prunella Scales and Timothy West had filmed a four-part series called <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/great-canal-journeys/episode-guide" target="_blank">Great Canal Journeys</a>, and the first one was on The Kennet and Avon which we loved travelling along in 2010. The 'M4 of the day' as they so aptly describe it.</div>
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On Thursday night we watched part one. What a well-thought out and scripted programme, showing the canals of England and Wales in such a positive light, with the British actors proudly boasting their involvement in the K & A restoration over 20 years ago, and their decades of narrowboat ownership and holidays. </div>
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They travelled from beautiful Bath, to the Caen Hill Flight of locks, and finished at Devizes. We've fond memories of this stretch, as Barry's friends Dickie and Sandra, from Rottingdean, <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/monday-dickie-and-sandra-arrive-at-caen.html" target="_blank">joined us at the lock flight </a>, staying on board all the way <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/little-shower-in-bath.html" target="_blank">to Bath</a>. Such fun!</div>
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We loved Timothy and Prunella's comments when they first looked around their hire boat, and saw a 'telly' in the lounge area. </div>
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"<i>Oh no! We don't have a telly on board. We have crosswords, games and conversation!"</i></div>
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Fabulous. People after our own hearts. Though of course nowadays we do have the internet, which tends to stifle the above activities somewhat!</div>
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We were interested to watch Pru visiting the <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2010/08/sells-green-to-bradford-on-avon-and-cut.html" target="_blank">Floating Salon hairdresser</a>, where Barry and I also had our hair cut. It's very encouraging to see her still there and loving the lifestyle. She does, of course, have a wide beam boat rather than a narrowboat - I don't think it would be possible to run such a business in a width of 6 foot 10 inches!</div>
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We'll be watching the next three episodes - though probably on my iPhone with unlimited data rather than the laptop as it ate up a lot of data streaming the programme, and we'll run out which we've learnt is an expensive challenge!</div>
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Oh, and we've <b>passed the 200,000 page views since our last post </b>- thanks to everyone who stops by here to share our journeys.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-80528512779634923522014-03-13T14:09:00.002+00:002014-03-13T14:09:57.025+00:00Ellesmere Port Part 2 - lots of fabulous photos!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life's taking a bit of getting used to being back out on the cut. </div>
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In the evenings we're running out of power again, today we ran out of water, and it's rather chilly at night-time.</div>
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Barry's worked out today that the biggest drains on the batteries are the fridge and freezer. What to do about that though? It's blissful having a good sized fridge and freezer, saves so much time and money not having to shop every couple of days like we used to on Northern Pride.</div>
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The water isn't such a big deal, as we can now divert some from the back tank to the front, thanks to Barry's neat adjustments.</div>
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And the coolness won't be for long - we've seen some glorious sunshine over the past few days which bodes well for warmer times to come. We'd have the stove on at the back, but the boat's rather full of <a href="http://www.thehomebrewboat.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Home Brew Boat </a>supplies for that now. By next winter we plan to have a stove at the front which will make a huge difference to the comfort of living aboard during cooler times.</div>
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We've had a week full of the company of family and friends, so the blog's a little behind …</div>
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<b>Ellesmere Port, Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th March</b></h3>
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Barry adored the <a href="http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/national-waterways-museum" target="_blank">National Waterways Museum</a> at Ellesmere Port, there's so much history to capture! Heralding from New Zealand, whose history is relatively recent, these are the sorts of sights that delight him and his camera.</div>
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First thing on Wednesday we needed a few groceries, and asked at the museum where the nearest store was. They pointed in a 'straight ahead' direction, which we duly followed for about a mile before we realised there was no way we were getting close to a shop! So we turned around and went the other way and found a few shops along the main road to the town. Good exercise though!</div>
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The area couldn't be described as salubrious, with lots of rubbish lying and flying around. We'd been told there's not much in the area apart from the museum. I'm sure there must be, we just didn't look hard enough.</div>
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We suspect the friendly folks at the museum assumed we had a car, as their instructions involved a roundabout which couldn't be seen from the museum entrance. Things look different when you arrive by narrowboat.</div>
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By the time we'd got a few groceries, we only had a short time to look around as we had a visitor arriving to share lunch with us. The husband of a wonderful midwife who was my mentor as a student midwife back in the late 1980s, Mike, fortuitously works close to the basin. I haven't seen him in person for many years, so it was fabulous to catch up. Sadly we forgot the obligatory photo! We'll just have to see him again this year, with his lovely wife Anita.</div>
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The afternoon and following morning were spent wandering around the expanse of the museum. It really was worth the trip up, so many people doing so many amazing things to preserve so much history.</div>
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<b><i>The Pumphouse and Accumulation Tower</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Part of the basin below the three locks, where you can moor for £4 a night (it's included in the museum entrance of £6.50pp for one night)</i></b></div>
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The '<a href="http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/national-waterways-museum/exploring-the-museum/porters-row-cottages" target="_blank">Porters Row Cottages'</a> - a delightful row of terraced houses, each recreated to a different era - from the 1830s, to 1900s, 1930s and 1950s - fascinating to see how simply people lived</h4>
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More history ...</h4>
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<b><i>An old red telephone box - remember when this was the only form of communication when away from home? It even has an authentic phone in it, complete with the old dark cord (I love the way Barry has shaded the shot, so the box looks like a Tardis!)</i></b></div>
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Lots of old wooden working boats, sitting and waiting their turn to be renovated - they just need more funding to be able to proceed. Let's hope they don't decay too much in the meantime …</h4>
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<b>A beautiful old working boat, '<a href="http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/national-waterways-museum/the-museum-collections/historic-boat-collections/friendship" target="_blank">Friendship'</a>, that belonged to Joe and Rose Skinner, the two last 'Number ones' on the system, found in the <a href="http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/national-waterways-museum/exploring-the-museum/the-island-warehouse-exhibition" target="_blank">Island Warehouse Exhibition</a></b></h4>
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A modern-day working boat being towed gently to the port on the Manchester Ship Canal, which flows alongside the museum, adjacent to the River Mersey</h4>
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<b>Leaving the museum on Thursday morning, back up the locks </b></h4>
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All-in-all, an interesting place to spend some time.<br />
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We've been back moored in Chester, then Christleton, and are now back where we started at Tattenhall - though this time moored outside the marina! We've filled up with water and diesel - and I was thankful to be able to get to Zumba Gold again this morning.</div>
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Tomorrow I'm taking the opportunity to get the bus to my daughter and grandson's home in Malpas, and Lisa and I have also planned an evening out together - what a treat!</div>
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The Home Brew Boat business is coming along nicely, despite a small hiccup in the website not loading properly on some mobile devices. But Barry's on it with his technical savvy brain, so please bear with us anyone who's having challenges, it's just minor teething problems.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-35541349233900341662014-03-07T18:00:00.000+00:002014-03-07T18:00:03.289+00:00Ellesmere Port and The National Waterways Museum - part one<div style="text-align: justify;">
We explored some more new territory on our meander to Ellesmere Port on Tuesday, on another pleasant spring day.</div>
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To be honest, there's nothing terribly exciting of note along the way, but the fact that it's a lock-free journey makes it a relaxing one.<br />
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I took the opportunity of walking 4km of the mostly well-kept towpath. I'm loving being able to get lots of fresh air and exercise again, now we're moving around.<br />
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There was an interesting long stretch of moored boats - encompassing an eclectic assortment of shapes, sizes and states! Here's just a few ...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcwWzJXjego/UxipU-4XkkI/AAAAAAAACOw/3Q-K2EOOG4w/s1600/P1540910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcwWzJXjego/UxipU-4XkkI/AAAAAAAACOw/3Q-K2EOOG4w/s1600/P1540910.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Barry's been looking forward to visiting <a href="http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/national-waterways-museum" target="_blank">The National Waterways Museum</a> for a while - we'd have come sooner if one of the locks from Tattenhall to Chester hadn't been shut during the early winter.</div>
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Within a short time of mooring by the museum, after filling up with water, I was getting off the boat at the bow when somehow my grasp of the windlass in my hand loosened, and we watched in horror as it slipped slowly into the murky water! Surprisingly, it's the first time I've done it. Luckily we have two!</div>
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We were too late to look around the extensive site on Tuesday, so completed some paperwork and went down the staircase locks (not nearly as deep as Chester!), and moored in the rather lovely basin for two nights.</div>
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Here's some of Barry's images from that first evening to whet your appetite ...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn1fHrd00Gg/UxipVEF0GkI/AAAAAAAACO4/nIgbiZXzNcE/s1600/P1540920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn1fHrd00Gg/UxipVEF0GkI/AAAAAAAACO4/nIgbiZXzNcE/s1600/P1540920.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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After mooring up, Barry went for a walkabout with camera in hand. </div>
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In the glorious dusky light, what's mostly an industrial landscape, though interspersed with some fine developments and historical boats around the museum and basin, became quite enchanting ...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YyM6rp7Z0oM/UxipW3fjkZI/AAAAAAAACPo/92OHwaRu4h0/s1600/P1540935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YyM6rp7Z0oM/UxipW3fjkZI/AAAAAAAACPo/92OHwaRu4h0/s1600/P1540935.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-35084034188285048152014-03-06T16:07:00.001+00:002014-03-06T18:37:53.011+00:00Descending Chester's Northgate Staircase Locks - not a problem<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've been delving into virgin territory, for us, these past few days. Having navigated around 2,000 miles of the Inland Waterway system in 2009 and 2010, there's not that many routes we haven't done at least once!</div>
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The staircase locks in Chester are one of them.<br />
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Approaching the locks was interesting as there's work in progress on the towpath, making it inaccessible until just before the top gate. It also meant that once I was off the boat I couldn't read the instructions - which wasn't terribly helpful! So I walked down the staircase, checked there were no other boats ascending or wanting to, and figured the principle must be like other staircase locks we've experienced.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCiBhaFRTHs/UxiU7vgoEdI/AAAAAAAACL4/Z07nsRQo-TU/s1600/P1540768A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCiBhaFRTHs/UxiU7vgoEdI/AAAAAAAACL4/Z07nsRQo-TU/s1600/P1540768A.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Approaching</i></b></span><b><i> the locks, skimming past the Chester Wall - the bridge in the </i></b><span style="background-color: #fafbfb; text-align: left;"><b><i>foreground is where the condemned made their final walk before being executed </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWl9wW1XY5U/UxiU7t_UURI/AAAAAAAACL0/yfn-UUZGh_M/s1600/P1540773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pWl9wW1XY5U/UxiU7t_UURI/AAAAAAAACL0/yfn-UUZGh_M/s1600/P1540773.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Instructions inaccessible on foot!</i></b></div>
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The first one needs to be full of water, the next two empty. Check.<br />
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In fact, the second one was so devoid of water you could see the bottom of the lock, which was a little unnerving - you wouldn't want that to happen with the boat inside!<br />
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But all was fine. Barry cruised in smoothly, jumped out and took a few photos, then disappeared into the depths!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKpq6UMrhHg/UxiVarNp6iI/AAAAAAAACMU/7f2VwzJu35c/s1600/P1540775A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKpq6UMrhHg/UxiVarNp6iI/AAAAAAAACMU/7f2VwzJu35c/s1600/P1540775A.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Into the top lock ...</i></b></div>
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People often comment that it's generally women doing the 'hard' work of the lock paddles, with the men getting the 'easy' job of driving the boat. Whilst they have a point, in general I think women would rather be getting the exercise and not stuck in a dark, dank hole twiddling their thumbs!<br />
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Barry and I do share the doing or driving of locks, but admittedly he does more of the latter than me. And it works fine.<br />
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The paddles were rather stiff, and the gates heavy, so it was an excellent upper body workout! Barry and I are currently on the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Fast-Diet-Intermittent-Fasting/dp/1780721676" target="_blank">5:2 'Fast' diet</a>, entailing eating only a quarter of our usual calories on two days of the week. We both need to shift a bit of weight, and the deciding factor is the possibility of living longer and with less health problems by intermittent fasting.<br />
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And Monday just happened to be one of the '2' days! So rather than seeing it as hard work, it gave me a sense of accomplishment that I was getting lots of fresh air AND exercise.<br />
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On a clear day, the view from the locks is magnificent, with the Welsh mountains in the skyline. Chester is such a fine city, we've loved being here in the north west of England.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALBu_VeiP8M/UxiVaeJImfI/AAAAAAAACMM/Nqza-iSw3s4/s1600/P1540776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALBu_VeiP8M/UxiVaeJImfI/AAAAAAAACMM/Nqza-iSw3s4/s1600/P1540776.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Quite a view from up here ...</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6auCpuFM8n4/UxiVZW0xvYI/AAAAAAAACME/C9yPBbO5oXk/s1600/P1540780A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6auCpuFM8n4/UxiVZW0xvYI/AAAAAAAACME/C9yPBbO5oXk/s1600/P1540780A.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Amusing passing gongoozlers whilst pumping iron ...</i></b></div>
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<b><i>oo-er, you wouldn't want to be down there ...</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Get back onto the boat now Barry, she's going down ...</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZCbfjpYSws/UxiVcpT29UI/AAAAAAAACMs/ArtF4Vu8m_A/s1600/P1540805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZCbfjpYSws/UxiVcpT29UI/AAAAAAAACMs/ArtF4Vu8m_A/s1600/P1540805.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Into the second lock ...</i></b></div>
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<b><i>All done - hello up there!</i></b></div>
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We moored for the night opposite the historic <a href="http://www.taylorsboatyard.co.uk/about.html" target="_blank">Taylor's Boatyard</a> - one of the oldest complete working side yards in the UK, dating right back to 1845. The 48 hour moorings before the boatyard appeared to be inhabited by a number of boats looking most unlike temporary visitors! It'll be interesting to see if the same ones are there when we return - about 72 hours after passing through.<br />
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Monday was a fairly balmy evening, with the spring sunlight dancing happily on the water and surrounding buildings, so Barry and I strolled around the area, then sat peacefully on a bench for a while, making the most of experiencing the changing season.<br />
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<b><i>Some rather nice new developments in the basin</i></b></div>
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<b><i>And a plaque commemorating <a href="http://www.ltcrolt.org.uk/" target="_blank">L.T.C. Rolt</a>, born in Chester, 11th February 1910</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The historic Taylor's Boatyard ...</i></b></div>
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<b><i>… with two delightful working boats temporarily moored</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Areandare looking happy in the evening sunlight</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Look at that blue sky! Gorgeous </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Another view of Taylor's Boatyard</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The lock leading out onto the River Dee</i></b></div>
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<b><i>A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roving_bridge" target="_blank">'roving' or 'turnover' bridge</a>, originally built for horses pulling narrowboats to change sides</i></b></div>
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I love new beginnings, the excitement of watching fresh life emerging in spring, and looking forward to longer, lighter days - and more warmth and sunshine! However, I'm also aware that ...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<i>If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."</i> ~Anne Bradstreet</blockquote>
Next stop Ellesmere Port - another first ... </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6Chester, Cheshire West and Chester, UK53.193392 -2.893074999999953453.117285 -3.0544364999999534 53.269499 -2.7317134999999535tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-50473630054700614102014-03-04T22:06:00.002+00:002014-03-04T22:06:57.278+00:00Spectacular scenery from Barry's recent day trip to north Wales<div style="text-align: justify;">
The lovely Mike, Barry's drinking buddy from Tattenhall Marina, kindly took Barry out on a day trip to north Wales while I was away visiting my parents recently.</div>
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Barry's given me a selection of photos to post - only he has no idea the names of the places apart from the final picture!</div>
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Regardless of that, I thought they were so stunning that they'd be worth posting. I may be rather biased towards the spectacular scenery to be found in New Zealand, but I reckon these can just about match it. What do you think ...</div>
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This final one is of <a href="http://www.pistyllrhaeadr.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pistyll Rhaeadr</a>, the United Kingdom's highest waterfall. When they were walking towards it, Barry realised he'd seen it somewhere before - on photographs of my eldest daughter Lisa's wedding to Rob in June 2005. We had an amazing weekend here, celebrating their commitment to each other. Family and friends camped in the grounds of the waterfall, and the reception was held in a yurt in the same field. A magical place indeed, where you'd imagine fairies living joyfully.</div>
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In fact, I've just checked out their 'weddings' page, and <a href="http://www.pistyllrhaeadr.co.uk/weddings.html" target="_blank">Lisa's wedding photo and the group of family and friends is posted there</a>! She's the one with the rainbow bridesmaids - well fancy that!</div>
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We're now moored at Ellesmere Port, having easily negotiated the staircase locks in Chester and spent a night in the basin there. Once Barry's uploaded the photos, we'll post them - they're certainly pretty deep locks!</div>
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<a href="http://www.thehomebrewboat.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Home Brew Boat </a>is coming along nicely - we had our first online order this week which is most encouraging. Do get in touch if you're interested in knowing more about how to brew within the confined space of a narrowboat, Barry has a very clever way of brewing beer without having to use bottles!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-70597823293293789272014-03-02T19:32:00.000+00:002014-03-02T19:38:52.463+00:00Thank you Tattenhall Marina - Haere Ra (farewell) - we'll be back!<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was rather sad to say goodbye to the friendly folks at the marina yesterday. Our first venture into marina life was a great success, and we're thankful we chose Tattenhall for many reasons, including:</div>
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<li>Clean, well-kept grounds in the beautiful Cheshire countryside.</li>
<li>Glorious sunrises to behold looking out at the distant hills, with Beeston Castle on the horizon</li>
<li>Stunning sunsets to watch behind the workshop.</li>
<li>Plenty of parking (for those with cars, or us when we had a hire car)</li>
<li>Scott's Bar - open every day for hot drinks and food, and most evenings for drinks and socialising.</li>
<li>Camaraderie amongst the boaters is very evident, we experienced lots of helping each other out in a myriad of ways (the lovely Mike even took Barry out on a day trip to Wales when I was at my parents recently, photos to follow).</li>
<li>Chandlery and workshop on site - with a competitive rate for hull blacking.</li>
<li>Minutes from a bus route to Chester and Whitchurch.</li>
<li>A short walk to the Cheshire Ice Cream Farm - a fantastic play park, farm shop, farm animals, soft play, ice cream shop and indoor games area.</li>
<li>A rather precarious walk to a delightful village, with a Post Office, Chinese, Thai, Indian and English restaurants; great cafe, three pubs (one we loved loads and it felt like our 'local'), hairdressers, butcher, library,in fact everything you could wish for really!</li>
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I'm sure there's more assets I haven't mentioned, forgive me Scot and co if I've missed out anything important! I did ask Barry what he loved most about the Marina, to see if there was anything I hadn't thought of. His reply? Rather predictable really - "<i>The bar</i>"!</div>
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<b><i>Sandra's</i></b><i><b> face seems to say "Do we really have to leave the home comforts of the marina?"</b></i></div>
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<b><i>Some of the <strike>motley crew</strike> lovely people we've met during our stay</i></b></div>
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<b><i>A couple of the team who keep the wheels turning, Tom and Scott - 'Dodgy' (not sure why they call him that?) Dave escaped before we could get him in the photo!</i></b> </div>
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<b><i>Crew Areandare outside Scott's Bar</i></b></div>
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<b><i>The Chester Day Boat on possibly it's first run of the new season from the marina</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Scott's photo of us leaving, copied from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tattenhall-Marina/151751961572657" target="_blank">Tattenhall Marina Facebook page</a></i></b></div>
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That's it then! We're back on 'the cut'. And it's not too bad - so far! In fact it's quite lovely.<br />
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Our plan is to go up to Ellesmere Port this week, and return to Chester by Thursday evening so I can get the bus to my daughter's on Friday. Checking our Nicholson's guide today, we got a fright as it said the National Waterways Museum is only open weekends from November to March which would've scuppered our best laid plans (which hinge around friends and family as well as us!). A phone call later and we're relieved to discover they're open 7 days a week - phew! That's the disadvantage of relying on a 2009 waterways guide!<br />
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While we're in the area, we'll get to socialise with a few lovely people. Mike is the husband of a midwife who was my mentor in the late 1980s when I worked in the community. He works in Ellesmere Port and will come to the boat on Wednesday for lunch. Wednesday evening we're hoping Lisa's brother-in-law and nieces are coming to visit. Then on Saturday we're going to Elaine and John's home, right by the canal approaching Chester, for dinner and board games!<br />
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What a wonderful life we have.<br />
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<b><i>Loving the calm and serenity back on the canals - first stop overnight at Christleton Saturday</i></b><br />
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Our first locks since August held no challenges for us today, and the rain was mostly kind - only a few light showers.</div>
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<b><i>Sandra's all wrapped up and back into locking - as if she's never been away!</i></b></div>
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I'm a little apprehensive about the doing the rather deep <a href="http://www.vrchester.co.uk/chester-cheshire-tour/source/northgate-staircase.html" target="_blank">staircase locks in Chester </a>tomorrow. We watched a boat descending when we visited last summer, and last Friday evening chatted to a couple with recent experience who explained the concept (they're all slightly different!). It's like a lot of things in life I expect, so long as we read the instructions first, and follow them, we're unlikely to go wrong. At least that's the theory ...</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4Chester, Cheshire West and Chester, UK53.193392 -2.893074999999953453.117285 -3.0544364999999534 53.269499 -2.7317134999999535tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-6280495173864261142014-02-27T21:37:00.000+00:002014-02-27T22:10:21.633+00:00Launching AreandAre and 'The Home Brew Boat'<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's the time of year when boaters who've moored up cosily in a marina for winter, are about to head back onto the system. Just in time for the snow if we're to believe the media! Yikes!<br />
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After 10 days in dry dock, Areandare was re-launched on Wednesday with a shiny new bottom - days before we leave Tattenhall Marina on Saturday. We plan to travel up through Chester and on to Ellesmere Port to visit the <a href="http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/national-waterways-museum" target="_blank">National Waterways Museum</a> - we've not been that far up the Shropshire Union before. Following that we were looking forward to meandering along the Llangollen Canal again (it was our first journey aboard <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2009/04/llangollen-end-of-line.html" target="_blank">Northern Pride in April 2009</a>), before heading further south, but sadly it's closed until 4th April due to preventative measures to stop a potential breach caused by the wet winter.<br />
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We're getting a few essential jobs done before we're back out on the cut, and relishing the remainder of our 'hooked up to electricity and water point only centimetres away' time!<br />
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Barry's put an extra connection linking the washing machine water tank to the main one, so <strike>if</strike> when we run out in the wilds of the waterways, miles from a water point, we'll be able to move the water from one tank to the other - rather than running out mid-shower as has been known to happen!<br />
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We'll buy another bag of coal so we have sufficient supplies to light the stove at the stern - where we may find ourselves snuggling in the evenings to come. The luxury of having radiators on any time we wish, especially first thing in the morning to lure us out of bed, will soon be a distant memory - a scary thought when they're forecasting frosts for spring! And the electric blanket each night we've grown accustomed to? Not a chance! Ah well, back to the trusty hot water bottle.<br />
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What's been the most priceless part of being moored here for six months, is lots of precious time with my eldest daughter and grandsons, as we're just a short bus ride away. What a wondrous blessing. It'll be painful to leave, as travelling back to Malpas from wherever we are won't be easy (or cheap!). Plus with two children under five, driving to us isn't a simple project. But I'm sure we'll find ways to meet up as much as possible. We've been so fortunate to have this time together after previously living in opposite hemispheres for most of 8 years!<br />
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And now onto the exciting news …<br />
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Launching 'The Home Brew Boat'</h3>
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After many years of planning and preparation, we can now officially launch <a href="http://www.thehomebrewboat.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Home Brew Boat'</a> to the blog.<br />
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Before giving any more details, let me reassure anyone who may have concerns, <b>we've followed due process </b>(if you think we've missed anything though, please get in touch!). <br />
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We have permission from CRT to trade (Home Brew Boat, Facepainting and photography), appropriate business insurance and Public Liability, our official CRT Trading License will arrive shortly and be displayed proudly, and we're members of the Roving Canal Traders Association (RCTA).<br />
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We have two fabulous suppliers, and Barry's spent an inordinate amount of time on the <a href="http://www.thehomebrewboat.co.uk/" target="_blank">website set up</a> (check it out, there's all sorts of useful and interesting information about home brewing, as well as things to whet your appetite if you've never tried it - or did it decades ago and are curious to know how it's changed!).<br />
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We've made two sales so far, to people in the marina. And anticipating excitedly our first on-line sale!<br />
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We have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehomebrewboat" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>, with almost 100 'likes' less than a week after it was set up, and a new <a href="https://twitter.com/nbareandare" target="_blank">Twitter account (for Areandare</a>). We'd love to link up with any readers there if you use such social media.<br />
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Where will we be trading?</h4>
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We'll trade as we travel, while we build up related resources, like Barry's arrived-in-the-post-brand-new-today business cards …<br />
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But mostly, we'll trade at canal related festivals.<br />
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We were honoured to be 'hand picked' and approached to be one of 50 traders at the Birmingham <a href="http://www.springmarket.co.uk/#!exhibitors" target="_blank">spring market </a> The Bond, Fazeley Street, Digbeth on Saturday 12th April. That'll be our first ever trading festival, so if you're in the area do come along and say hello!<br />
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Following that, we've these events confirmed so far (click on the links for times):<br />
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<li>18-21 April - <a href="http://www.tamworthherald.co.uk/market-looks-sure-float-boat/story-20617090-detail/story.html" target="_blank">Alvecote Floating Market</a></li>
<li>3-5 May - <a href="http://www.strichardsfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank">St Richard's Boat and Car Festival, Droitwich</a></li>
<li>13-15 June - <a href="http://www.midfest.org.uk/" target="_blank">Middlewich FAB (folk and boat) Festival</a></li>
<li>29 June - <a href="http://www.lymmtransport.org.uk/" target="_blank">Lymm Historic Transport Day</a></li>
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There's a few others we're in the process of booking, all in the midlands or the north west.</div>
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It's fabulous to be part of a growing community of trading boats, helping to keep people interested in the Inland Waterways, and providing a way of supporting people to live this lifestyle whilst earning an income. It's certainly not for, or available to, everyone, but we're extremely pleased and proud to promote the 'working boat' concept, albeit in a much pleasanter way than in previous centuries.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-40511869881918501442014-02-20T17:33:00.002+00:002014-02-20T17:33:38.559+00:00Rain stops painting - but there's blooming daffodils!Maybe I spoke too soon about the change of weather?<br />
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One coat of blacking went on yesterday, on a gloriously fine day. Sadly today there's been intermittent rain and even a scattering of hail, so no more painting was possible.</div>
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<b><i>Getting the first coat on yesterday</i></b></div>
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It's our last week at the lovely Tattenhall Marina next week, but it's looking likely that we'll only be back on our pontoon for a couple of days. Ah well, such is life, we can't change nature. And our tiny challenge pales into insignificance when we imagine the people in UK whose homes are under water from the persistent rain of the current winter here.</div>
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<b><i>Daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses and primroses</i></b></div>
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On a brighter note, spring is most definitely starting to show her face and colours. Last year the daffodils didn't bloom in many areas until at least April - and we're constantly being told how mild this winter has been.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-80034091241382759622014-02-19T09:20:00.003+00:002014-02-20T10:46:04.937+00:00Areandare has come out!<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've taken the opportunity of getting Areandare's bottom blacked before we leave Tattenhall Marina on 1st March, and Monday was the big day. It's the first time we've seen her hull, or probably anyone for a while, as we chose to have just an in-water survey before we bought her last April.</div>
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The speed and proficiency with which a very heavy hunk of steel (Barry reckons around 15 tons) is removed from the water is incredible. We were actually on board while she was being lifted - most surreal!</div>
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Last Tuesday I got a phone call from the Marina asking where we were - there'd been some sort of communication mix-up as they had last week booked and we had this week. We're thankful they chose to go with our plans in the end - the difference in weather conditions couldn't be more stark!</div>
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Yesterday the gunk was scraped off the hull, along with the remaining surface coating (and the poor fresh water mussels!). Barry scraped the part from the gunnel to the rubbing strake - for those that don't know, that's the line that takes most of the knocks and runs all around the boat about a foot below the gunnel. Are you impressed I know that? I actually had no idea, and had to ask Barry, and then do a google check for the spelling! The boatyard only scrape and black up to the strake, so it seemed sensible to do the remainder while she's out of the water.</div>
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In the meantime, we're living firmly out of the water, on a slight but very noticeable lean as the concrete slopes! It does ensure the water drains from the shower easily - there's a positive in everything!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-65634043636245654792014-02-15T16:32:00.001+00:002014-02-15T22:15:10.690+00:00Ten fun and fruitful days - and a wet, windy Worcester!<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been an interesting ten days, with two courses, two visits to the dentist (ouch!), a tick on my women's health check, three nights out, two nights with my eldest sister, catching up with lots of friends I haven't seen for years, and spending time with mum and dad whilst sorting a few things out for them. Phew!</div>
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I've succeeded in getting my mum as the main driver for their car insurance from 8th March, as my dad can no longer drive. Mum hasn't been the main driver for many years, so has no no claims bonus. When I tried to get myself on dad's insurance last year, with a company called <a href="http://www.rias.co.uk/?gclid=CKLe8eXFzrwCFUQUwwodsyEAnQ" target="_blank">RIAS</a>, I was informed that as I hadn't lived in England for the past three years I was too much of a risk to be insured! Hilarious, as my dad at 93 seemed a far greater risk from my experience. Oh, and I had no claims discount for life in NZ, who'd accepted my UK no claims in 2005 when I arrived, but UK don't reciprocate. Why was I in the least surprised?</div>
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This time I took the opportunity to shop around a little, and got a great quote very quickly and simply from 'Saga' - who were quite ok with the fact that I'd been a renegade and lived in another country! RIAS quite happily let us go, without question. When I phoned <a href="http://www.ageuk.org.uk/" target="_blank">AgeUK</a> for a quote, they said that because mum hadn't been the main driver for years, and had no no claims, they wouldn't insure her! Unbelievable! There must be loads of elderly women who haven't been the main driver for years and then need to get insurance. AgeUk are supposed to care for elderly people - it seems not in this case.</div>
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Hurrah for <a href="https://www.saga.co.uk/" target="_blank">Saga</a>!</div>
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Meanwhile Barry's been busy sorting things for his business on the boat. He tells me he was runner up at the shuffleboard contest last Saturday, and then again at the darts match at Scott's Bar at Tattenhall Marina on Thursday. I suspect he may've been losing on purpose, to maintain friendships! But then again …</div>
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My face painting course with '<a href="http://www.casesfaces.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cases Faces</a>' in Ormskirk, was fabulous! I've got most of the equipment I need to get started now, and I'm really looking forward to transforming children's faces magically and seeing their eyes light up when they see themselves as a tiger, a clown or maybe a butterfly? I just need to find some volunteers to paint their faces, take photos, and have a portfolio of my own creations ready.</div>
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I've always loved it when there's a face painter around at festivals, so it'll be neat to be the person painting! I've had a bit of practice on my grandson and his friends, as well as nephews, so it was good to learn more about the art of it and have a beautiful face to decorate.</div>
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<b><i> <span style="text-align: center;">Me and Janet, from Cases Faces, with my butterfly face painted by one of the participants of the beginners workshop</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i>My tiger - not bad I think?</i></b></div>
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I'm still working on a name for the business - does anyone have any ideas? I'm thinking of 'Magical Faces', but open to suggestions.</div>
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England is certainly turning on the charm for my first British winter since 2004 isn't it? The memories of how long it lasts and how miserable the weather can be, is all coming flooding back to me! Excuse the pun - especially those who are marooned or suffering. Luckily in the Marina all is ok, and my family haven't been personally affected so far.</div>
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My parents are about twenty minutes drive from Worcester, and we drove there yesterday for my dad's podiatrist appointment. Fortunately it wasn't through town - we wouldn't have made it if it had been, as the main bridge was closed.</div>
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Hard to believe this is the same city we moored up at in June (see the post <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/wonderful-worcester-and-another.html" target="_blank">here</a>). They're experiencing the worst flooding in history, with levels rising above the devastation of 2007. Mother nature can be very cruel.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGzlVPyacxE/Uv-Nu1vs6hI/AAAAAAAACFs/ZvISFdy1zPQ/s1600/IMG_5222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dGzlVPyacxE/Uv-Nu1vs6hI/AAAAAAAACFs/ZvISFdy1zPQ/s1600/IMG_5222.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tomorrow I'm dropping in on Andy and Helen from <a href="http://captainahabswaterytales.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wand'ring Bark </a> - their land home not boating one. Just for a cuppa, a catch up, and to return a few DVDs they kindly loaned us. Then it's off to Ashbourne to stay with a friend I've not seen since 2009. Marvellous.</div>
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On Monday it's back to the lovely Barry, and AreandAre. By the time I get there she'll be out of the water and getting ready to have her bottom blacked before we venture back out onto the cut - two weeks from today!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-28938254932524093322014-02-05T14:09:00.000+00:002014-02-05T14:09:51.383+00:00Leaving Barry to fend for himself again ...Tomorrow I'm off the boat for ten days, doing a number of lovely things, including:<br />
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<li>A Facepainting workshop in Ormskirk</li>
<li>A visit to the dentist I've recently registered with close to my parents in Ombersley</li>
<li>A night out with some 'old' (maybe previous would be a better word?!) school friends in Sutton Coldfield - I think a pub crawl was mentioned which could get messy remembering some of our antics in years gone by ...</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A night out with some ex-midwifery colleagues in Mere Green - catching up with some people I haven't seen since I left <a href="http://www.nhslocal.nhs.uk/data-and-tools/maternity-finder-west-midlands/good-hope-maternity-unit" target="_blank">Good Hope</a> in October 2001 after 14 years</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A ladies screening test (no need to mention which bodily part is involved I feel!)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A two-day NLP (<a href="http://www.anlp.org/" target="_blank">Neuro Linguistic Programming</a>) course in Birmingham</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A couple of nights staying with my eldest sister Katherine in Lichfield</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A night out at a Tapas bar in Lichfield with Kath (due to a great deal via Amazon)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Lots of days and nights with my mum and dad</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Taking dad to his chiropodist appointment in Worcester</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Visiting another ex-colleague, this time from my time at <a href="http://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/default.aspx?top_nav_id=1&sel_left_nav=25&tab_id=272" target="_blank">The Royal Free</a>, in Ashbourne in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales</li>
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So I'm packing quite a bit in over a short time! It'll be my last hire car booking with Enterprise Wrexham for a while.</div>
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Barry will remain on board, he's not so good with being away from the boat - and he has plenty to keep him occupied!</div>
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We're in the process of setting up our new 'Wordpress' blog which will replace this one, ready to launch our new businesses. Our Trading Insurance and Public Liability is sorted, we've got the go-ahead from <a href="http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/" target="_blank">CRT</a>, and now just need to get the license to trade (it involves printing and photocopying which I'll do tomorrow night). We've been accepted to join the <a href="http://www.canaltraders.org.uk/" target="_blank">Roving Canal Traders Association</a> (thank you Michael!), and we're booking into lots of lovely boating festivals around the midlands and north west of England from Easter to the end of September.</div>
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It's a little scary at times, this living differently malarky, but we feel as though the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle we've been working towards for the past few years are starting to fit together and take shape.</div>
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Life is short, follow your dreams - don't wait until it's too late to start living is our motto.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKNbzSSwhbc/UvJCjy7FkPI/AAAAAAAACFM/PZLhCI3JhTo/s1600/382519_271022996371272_1514694199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKNbzSSwhbc/UvJCjy7FkPI/AAAAAAAACFM/PZLhCI3JhTo/s1600/382519_271022996371272_1514694199_n.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-81399392629447452502014-02-04T13:04:00.000+00:002014-02-04T13:04:45.779+00:00Why reading a mesmerising book on a bus isn't such a good idea ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since we've been moored at Tattenhall Marina, I've been fortunate to spend lots of time with my eldest daughter, Lisa, and her two delightful sons. Not having our own transport, this has meant a return thirty minute return bus trip each time. I often use this time as a great reason to read on my Kindle.</div>
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Last night was no exception. I'd begun reading '<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Narrow-Margins-laugh-out-loud-about-waterways-ebook/dp/B008LKJ0Q6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391516413&sr=1-1&keywords=Narrow+Margins" target="_blank">Narrow Margins'</a> (how ridiculous is it that you can buy a book for Kindle for 39 pence?) on the bus ride to Malpas yesterday morning, and was really enjoying Marie Browne's writing style and her tale of their business crashing when Rover went bust and subsequent search for a suitable narrowboat to live on after being forced to sell their beautiful four-bedroomed detached home. Quite a stark contrast as you can imagine!</div>
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I was engrossed in the story of how they eventually bought (for a song) an ex-hotel boat, then realised neither of them had ever driven a narrowboat before - seems oddly unbelievable, but she somehow convinced me! </div>
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I was thinking of Sue's comments on a <a href="http://nbnorthernpride.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/so-we-win-again.html#comment-form" target="_blank">recent blog post</a> about some people's narrow-mindedness regarding those of us who live aboard, as Marie described some rather stuck up young people's conversation on a floating cafe (The Gongoozler) Marie bought her bacon sandwiches from ("<i>I can't believe people actually live on these things</i>"), and imagining what I may've said to them had it been me listening. She admitted to herself that a year previously she may have been thinking the same thing.</div>
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I'd reached Chapter nine, where they'd just began their journey from the marina at Braunston to their new mooring in Cambridge, after a day's instruction with <a href="http://www.willowwrentraining.co.uk/" target="_blank">Willow Wren Training</a>. I do recall looking up briefly and seeing a building that wasn't totally familiar, but I thought it was just because of the darkness.</div>
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Then I saw the lights of the 'One Stop' convenience store I'd visited a couple of times on our way back from one of Barry's badminton trips to Christleton, and the reality hit me with a bang that I'd completely missed my stop! Only by ten minutes - but that ten minutes by bus is an awful long way by foot!</div>
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I called out in anguish and the lovely bus driver stopped. How foolish did I feel? "<i>Sorry love, this is the last bus</i>" was all he could muster in response to my "<i>Oh goodness! What will I do?</i>" I suspect that if I'd been the only person on board he would've turned around and taken me back to Tattenhall, but as there were another three people looking sympathetically back at me, that wasn't a possibility.</div>
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I got off the bus without a clue initially as to what I'd do. With a sudden realisation I was actually only a short walk from the canal, I felt a strange sense of relief that I could get 'home', albeit a lot later than anticipated! I phoned Barry, who'd already began to wonder where I was. Luckily by this time I was seeing the funny side of the situation.</div>
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So off I walked in the pitch black, the four or so miles along the towpath, with just an occasional light from a moored narrowboat. I decided against using the 'Map My Walk' app to record the exact length of the evening's exercise, thinking I'd be better off keeping the charge on my phone in case I needed to summon emergency assistance (I wasn't sure what that could've entailed, but I was very much out of my 'comfort zone'!).</div>
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My wonderful husband walked from the opposite direction and met me after just over an hour. I'd fortunately packed our torch, so was at least able to see where I was putting my feet - Barry used his keen photographer's eyesight to find his way in the dark, only stumbling a few times. </div>
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He did however have his new walking boots on!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3518794157664726047.post-42814248847564550562014-02-02T11:59:00.003+00:002014-02-02T12:00:56.836+00:00So we win again!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Barry's been getting to know our neighbours in the Marina over the past few weeks, and yesterday invited them to Scott's Bar for the quiz night. Their response was that they were rather good at quizzes, and they didn't disappoint - thank you Liz and Andy, our current affairs knowledge is rather sparse but you definitely made up for it!</div>
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We won the quiz, with 40 and a half points (I think the closest to us was around 35), though admittedly Barry and I probably only contributed less than 4 of those points! When we got the answers, I realised I'd said out loud one of them but not written it down, so I could've contributed another point!</div>
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Here's the question, no googling, what film is the pub 'The Slaughtered Lamb' in? Heaven knows where my brain had it hard-wired from, but strangely it knew …</div>
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That's three wins on a Saturday night, out of about a dozen - so they're definitely threatening to eject us from the Marina and possibly contacting the visa authorities. But only in jest, they're lovely people and we'll miss the camaraderie of the boating community here.</div>
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Many people who we chat to who live 'on land', look at us in astonishment when we say we live on a narrowboat. If you've never done it it can be challenging to understand what the appeal could be. Those of us who have, or do, know that this way of living differently, and more simply, can bring a lot of joy into every day life. But admittedly it's not for everyone.</div>
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We do love <a href="http://www.tattenhall-marina.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tattenhall Marina</a>, and will miss it when we leave - less than four weeks left now of our winter mooring.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk3Ukwv8oBk/Uu4xIPrOSfI/AAAAAAAACEk/DXQR2Vwn6No/s1600/P1540177A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk3Ukwv8oBk/Uu4xIPrOSfI/AAAAAAAACEk/DXQR2Vwn6No/s1600/P1540177A.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A recent calm day at the marina, with Beeston Castle in the background</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yK9qw3PTHvQ/Uu4xJcC72HI/AAAAAAAACE4/w8LW0auW9NQ/s1600/P1540207A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yK9qw3PTHvQ/Uu4xJcC72HI/AAAAAAAACE4/w8LW0auW9NQ/s1600/P1540207A.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b><i>So many different shapes and sizes of boats</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvrtqLmayaw/Uu4xIoOjx9I/AAAAAAAACEo/wsCEFW5-rZU/s1600/P1540191A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hvrtqLmayaw/Uu4xIoOjx9I/AAAAAAAACEo/wsCEFW5-rZU/s1600/P1540191A.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>A flock of seagulls recently visited us</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHsvI0Almlw/Uu4xIU2YEJI/AAAAAAAACEs/XjzkLgwwARo/s1600/P1540193A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fHsvI0Almlw/Uu4xIU2YEJI/AAAAAAAACEs/XjzkLgwwARo/s1600/P1540193A.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>How do they not bump into each other? Incredibile</i></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4