About Us

My photo
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.

Sunday 29 October 2023

No nature reserve for us.

A problem has arisen with the stove, we can't seem to get it to regulate properly. Every night it roars away no matter how much we try to stop the air flow. Consequently the boat remains very warm and we have moved Toffees bed well away from the heat. This morning Ian had a sudden brainwave, could the fire rope (or Gasket)) sealing the bottom door be the problem. Turns out he was right, no glue holding the rope so with this man of mine carrying almost anything on this boat, out came a tube of heat-resistant rope adhesive and within a minute the job was done. Tonight our sleep will be a bit more comfortable, I know Toffee will appreciate the cooler temperature and it may stop her from trying to settle down beside the bed. 

The day dawned fine again so after breakfast we packed a rucksack with lunch and drinks and set off toward Collage Park Nature reserve.

At the top lock several CRT guys were busy running water down. When they arrived three of the pounds were low although by the time we arrived found them all to be pretty full. 

 It's a fair walk to the footpath that leads to the reserve and a short but dangerous stretch of road without a pavement had to be negotiated before reaching it. We made the 20 m dash and made it just before another car arrived.


Crossing the canal at bridge 133

At the start of the footpath a notice saying no dogs allowed except guide dogs. What a bummer! Never mind we had a feeling this may be the case. So instead of taking the right path we carried straight on. Gosh the path was muddy and the sort that sticks to your shoes making it horrible to walk. A glimpse was seen of College Lake, a chain link fence separates the footpath from the reserve



 

Eventually we came to a road, turned left and about quarter of mile came to the White Lion (now closed) by the canal. It was but a very short walk back to the boat from here and boy was I glad to be back!

Checking the fitbit watch discovered we had walked nearly three miles. I'm knackered, knee hurting and Ian also hobbling but that dog of our sons was still raring to go. Does Toffee ever get worn out?.

And wildlife


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

A lovely pic of Ian and Toffee there, long nature walks are wonderful, but you should put your feet up to allow your tired legs to recover afterwards.
Ann XXx

Marilyn, nb Waka Huia said...

Irene, Is it time for the triggerpoint therapy for your/Ian's knee? Find the point down the front of the shin (outer side) where it hurts when you press in on it - about a handwidth below the knee, I reckon. Press and rub hard for about 30 seconds, do it 6 times a day. And be pleased I'm suggesting that you do it rather than calling Ian to do it for you - he will be much more like me and cause you pain, darling ... Of course, you should do it for Ian - as hard as possible ;-)

Mxx

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

There is no way I can put any pressure on my knee at the moment, far too painful and I'm finding it difficult to walk. But as soon as I'm able I will give your treatment a go. As for Ian, well I will take great delight in doing as you asked and blame the pain it causes all on you! (:
Xxx

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Thanks, Ann, I'm beginning to agree with you. But it's so difficult to watch Ian go off with Toffee and me not being part of the walk. And she goes home at the weekend so I do hope my knee improves for at least another decent walk with her.

Xxx

Blog Archive