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.

Tuesday 26 December 2017

Last day.

That's it, Christmas over for another year and only another 364 days before we do it all again. But what a lovely day yesterday, very relaxing watching TV and then an excursion to The Shroppie Fly for drinks before Christmas dinner with all the trimmings cooked in an oven with only one rack and dodgy oven settings. (Turkey crown cooked quicker than anticipated so had to sit covered with foil on the worktop whilst potatoes, pigs in blankets and stuffing balls took its place) but all came good in the end.






I only sat next to Ian for the photo. Pat wasn't going to eat both dinners!
 So today was our last full day on Merlin. Setting off by 9am after enjoying a full English breakfast, it wasn't long before we reached Hack Green locks. It was cold today and the stretch up to the locks and beyond was long, straight and very open. That wind was bitterly cold and Ian and I took it in turns for a warm inside. Pat did the sensible thing and stayed wrapped up and by the doorway to benefit from the heat leaving the cabin.


Hack Green top lock

Nantwich
Aqueduct

Hurleston Junction and Llangollen canal

Passing Barbridge junction we decided to stop past the facilities and by the next bridge. This will leave about a mile to do tomorrow to Bunbury as well as dropping down the staircase locks. Then all that will be left to do is to pack, clean through the boat and await a taxi to take us to Crewe to catch a train back to Hayward. Next adventure will be over New Year when we head off for Great Yarmouth on a coach trip. Hmmm.... seems we are turning out to be quite the travelling pair.



And very lucky once again as not only did I see another Kingfisher but a Sparrow Hawk on the towtath, Kestral and Buzzard.








And also

Dab Chick




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