[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here we are in the middle of May, finally moved on from Newbury, but now stuck once again in Abingdon on the Thames. Luckily this is one of our favourite towns on the Thames and since being here, have been treated to very hospitable behavior from the lock staff, other boaters, and local merchants. While…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Progress After being snowed in by another “Beast from the East” cold burst, we finally made it from Great Bedwyn to Newbury – a very modest journey of 14 miles and 21 locks. And of course a number of swing bridges that are common along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Along…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cruising We have only cruised as far as Great Bedwyn during February – 14 miles, 13 locks and 1 tunnel from All Cannings. Whilst moving is a very liberating feeling, the weather just hasn’t been very conducive to making it happen. Despite this, we have been moored at some very nice spots. Our first stop…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are in the middle of winter aboard Celtic Maid, and have come to believe that it is necessary to semi-hibernate at this time. Given that for much of the month we only had 8-9 hours of daylight, the tendency to get up late and go to bed early is somewhat overwhelming. Despite this, we did…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]First and foremost we trust that our followers enjoyed happy holidays with family and friends and that not too many impossible to achieve New Year’s resolutions were made! Ours were quite simple: to continue to enjoy our life aboard NB Celtic Maid and to be open to new adventures. Meanwhile, from Bradford on Avon, we…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There is something special about the privilege of cruising a canal for the second time. One is the luxury of having the time to do it. Another is the joy of seeing it in the beauty of a different season. Also, appreciating the differences when you can contrast the trepidation of being a newbie with the…
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We arrived back at Birmingham airport on Monday 25th September after an uneventful flight via Dubai and a very satisfying but tiring trip to Australia via Phuket. Our friends Michael and Jane met us at the airport holding a welcome back sign. it was so good to be greeted and then returned safely to our…
After a wander through Reading in search of a possible vacuum cleaner answer (to no avail) and a few other necessary tools on Thursday we checked in with Rob and Trish for last minute advice before making the decision to head into the Thames River on Saturday. Their advice (which was good and always worth…
Well this is probably my penultimate posting from the Kennet and Avon Canal. Today we bravely ventured along the last part of the canal system and are within cooee of the Thames River. But first things first… We returned from Venice to our boat on Saturday and were so happy to see her so well…
We finally left Newbury on 14th May with fine weather, lower river levels and excitement about finally being “on the cut”!! It felt good to be on the move again and making progress. Our destination was Theale so that we could find a spot to leave our boat in the very capable hands of Chris…