About Us

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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Friday 17 August 2012

Our final journey.

Our final moorings at the swingbridge. We are actually now moored on the Nottingham canal!!





Pete's moorings and dry dock.

Just as we set off for Langley this morning, the heavens opened and it poured. Typical British summer weather. As if we haven't had enough of the stuff!  Hark at me ranting on about how wet it is and yet, not 2 months ago, I like many others, were praying for rain. Fickle is the word I can only describe for myself.  Having to wear a raincoat at this time of year and getting  horribly hot and sweaty was most unpleasant. Still the majority of our journey was dry so the coats stayed off more then they stayed on.
I had forgotten how pretty the Erewash was. Its only places like Ilkeston that lets the canal down. ( the usual rubbish floating about.) I did notice, though, how incredibly weedy it was. The canal needs more boat traffic otherwise it will become another forgotten and unloved waterway. The good news was I saw no sign of the Azolla weed after Pasture lock. In its place was duck weed, much better to have, in my opinion. Of course the graffiti appeared under bridges, but I felt this lot was rather tastefully done. These kids have a good eye for artwork. If only they would channel it in the right direction.

Mind you, one thing I did notice, was the amount of barbed and razor wire surrounding the factories and even some homes. The wire was particularly prevalent  at the coal merchants near to Barkers lock. We actually met C&RT clearing the bywash and asked why so much wire about. His reply:- To stop a certain boat from continually nicking the coal and other saleable goods from the area. I wonder who he could mean?


It took as about 5 hours to do the 9 miles and 11 locks to the top. In places our prop was fouled by weed rather then rubbish but all in all it was a grand journey to end our travels. So no more blogging from me other then to post a daily photo of the many flowers, birds, insects and landscapes that I have photographed over these past 4 years. To all of you still living your dream. Happy cruising and keep safe. XXX

Signets at Shipley lock.


Unhatched coot egg
Waterlily either side of the channel



8 comments:

Unknown said...

Would like to wish you both all the best for the future, only been following your blog for a few months but have been very entertained and have picked up a few tips for when we start continuous cruising next year! Will still follow your daily pics and updates. Heather & Mike NB Zeena xx

Sue said...

I've really enjoyed your blog over the years, meeting you just the once (am I right?) near Braunston Tunnel.

My very best wishes to you both and hope your future contains everything that you want.

Good Luck! :-D

KevinTOO said...

Best wishes to you both for the forthcoming 12 months. Hope that everything goes somethly with your treatment Ian, and that you don't get too stressed out Irene.
You'll both be in my thoughts, don;t forget to keep us all posted with your news as and when you have the time.
All the best :)
Kevin

Jo Lodge said...

Your mooring looks lovely and nice and close to the services.
You know our thoughts are with you both as Ian undergoes his Chemo and we hope that it does not cause to many problems.
I will keep in touch with you and will of course look in for your wonderful photographs. If we come your way we will give you a knock.
All my love, keep smiling xxxxxxxxxx

Adam said...

Hope Ian's treatment goes well. If all goes to plan, we'll come up the Erewash next month so we'll come and say hello.

Anonymous said...

Wishing you all the best have really enjoyed your blogs i will continue to look daily

Norwyn

NB Shell Bell

Ali and John (NB Triskaideka) said...

We hope Ian's treatment goes well and we look forward to meeting you both out on the cut next year, not just a quick hello as we pass!

Looking forward to the photo posts.

Take care

Ali & John x

Anonymous said...

We have spent much of the summer agonising about putting one of our greyhounds through chemo but as a result she is still alive and not quite kicking but will get there. It is not the same as having it yourself so all I can say is to wish you success with the treatment.

Richard
nb Indigo Dream

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