One of the many aspects of our lifestyle that creates both opportunities and challenges is the fact that we can live in the UK on our narrowboat whilst maintaining our connections with family and friends, and conducting all the required health and financial administrivia by returning to Australia at convenient intervals. We have just returned…
DetailsThere comes a time in every narrowboat’s journey that it needs to get out of the water and expose its bottom. This is the story of Celtic Maid’s exposure. Given that we are about to leave her in a marine for the winter while we indulge ourselves in the love and warmth of our family…
DetailsAs the autumn weather settles in on us, our cruising enters a new dimension – slower and more leisurely, frequent pauses to remove the build-up of leaves from our propeller, and the time to admire the scenery of changing colours. It has also been a fantastic time to share our experiences with more family and friends,…
DetailsWe followed up our summer holiday with more exciting adventures. The first visit by one of our children, Thaao, to Celtic Maid. The celebration of Bron’s 60th birthday. A trip to London and Paris for Bron as a tourist. So much excitement indeed. End of summer Cruising Although we were coming to the end of…
DetailsWe have looked forward to taking Celtic Maid to the Lancaster Canal for more than three years because anyone who has travelled it has reported enthusiastically about its peace and beauty. Despite a failed attempts three years ago, our determination paid off and along with our friends Julia and Malcolm Kirk on NB Figment we…
Details[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Currently on the Rufford Arm of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, we are patiently (anxiously) awaiting our crossing of the tidal Ribble Link facilitating our long-awaited five-week cruise on the Lancaster Canal. We attempted this three years ago but were thwarted by a breach on this arm and spent two amazing weeks in Liverpool instead.…
Details[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…
Details[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…
Details[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…
Details[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…
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