April 8

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

So, hurry up and wait. Hmmm. I’ve moved aboard, and all the hassles of moving, I’m sure you can identify with..

And now the big news:I’ve sold the narrowboat, so no going back…

I’m excited- there are no regrets, but there are a few moments of apprehension. I plan to wander down the Thames (with friends) and then finish at Chatham so that I can complete the installation of appropriate equipment for cross-channel and coastal cruising. There is so much to learn, and fix, and prepare…

The first pictures of the boat in it’s new livery… Wait for the maple leaves!

first picture with new name (and MINE!)

first picture with new name (and MINE!)

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March 24

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Ed Mortimer
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forward cabin with ensuite to the left

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main rear cabin with ensuite on the left

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upper helm and sun deck

I’m moving in, so there are boxes and detritus everywhere, but I thought I’d post a few photos of the boat as she is.

I’m spending the next days finishing the move aboard, getting the refit of navigation electronics, and dealing with a few issues that need attending to before I set off.

I expect to spend the next 2 weeks or so getting settled, and then exploring the local Thames, learning how to handle this boat.

lounge and lower helm

lounge and lower helm

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stern with inflatable RIB tender 

 

Posted in adventures afield, Thames and vicinity | 1 Comment

March 18

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

I know, it has again been some time since I posted. Well, winter means much less excitement in the cruising world for me. I find it somewhat difficult and un-fun to attempt to deal with wet ropes in thick wet, cold gloves, amongst other things, so I haven’t moved much. I  HAVE, however, been busy: ringing lots of bells, and making progress in learning methods.

The big news, though, is that I have now acquired “Wandering Canuck Too”

The photo is before she was lifted for inspection, and before renaming. I’m quite (a lot!!) excited about this next phase of my explorations and adventures. I’ll begin with some preparation work, and I’ll have to move aboard, but all that is in preparation for taking the boat down the Thames, across the English Channel, and into the waterways of northern Europe (for starters). I’ll post some more photos as I begin to learn how to run the boat (starting with exiting the crowded marina where the boat is now moored). Watch this space for chronicles of how this process goes!

"Wandering Canuck Too"

“Wandering Canuck Too”

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Feb 20

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

I know- I haven’t posted for quite a while. Here is the news.

I traveled over Christmas back to Canada to visit family and friends. Then, back to Britain, and a month of careful shopping for a different boat. I can report success: I’ve made an offer on a ‘Dutch steel cruiser’, a steel-hulled boat that is designed to be able to safely cross the English Channel, as well as cruise along the coastlines of Britain and continental Europe, while still maintaining the ability to explore the interior waterways of Europe.

I will post photos of the boat, and be resuming regular posts as I start to explore with the new boat. In the meantime, I continue my progress in bell-ringing. I rang some difficult bells on Thursday for a wedding, and am really hoping to complete a quarter peal of Bob Doubles (a particular method), before I start the next phase of travels.

Thanks for following!

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Dec 14

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

Ive spent the last 5 weeks trying to learn the bell-ringing methods of Bob Doubles, and Grandsire Doubles. I think I’m making progress, and thanks to all those of the Daventry Branch of the Peterborough Guild, who have cajoled, led (and sometimes shoved!) me forward.

I’m travelling back to Canada for a month of friends and family there, and then I’ll be back to Britain, preparing for my next adventures in the New Year. Watch this space to keep abreast of the happenings.

In the mean-time, best wishes to all the followers of this blog, for a great Christmas season. I hope you can spend a moment in thanks for the blessings of the past year, and the positive opportunities of the coming year. Best wishes to you all! Take care.

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Nov 6

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

Well, I thought that, having said I was finished with my main objectives, that I would show what I’ve accomplished. Oven the 2.5 years (approx) of cruising, I’ve cruised and explored all of the green highlighted waterways. I’ve missed a few, but for various reasons, they just haven’t been available reasonably on my itinerary.

green shows the waterways I've explored

green shows the waterways I’ve explored

It has been a blast: I’ve seen much of the middle of the country; I’ve met many great people along the way; I’ve had many great experiences both on and off the waterways; I’ve shared my experiences with lots of people who have joined me on my cruising explorations; and, I’ve extended my bell-ringing experience beyond what would have been expected for such a novice.

I’ve seen some of the most memorable sights, and I’ll share a few more:

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River Trent

gorgeous view out the moth of Saddington tunnel

gorgeous view out the mouth of Saddington tunnel

Spring on the Leicester Branch of the Grand union Canal

Spring on the Leicester Branch of the Grand union Canal

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Worcester Cathedral at night on the Severn

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Kidderminster lock with the imposing church in the background

Kidderminster lock with the imposing church in the background

Bosley bottom lock: 114 locks since we left Huddersfield

Bosley bottom lock: 114 locks since we left Huddersfield

Rememberance ceremony in front of Congleton station

Remembrance ceremony in front of Congleton station

sunset on the Aire River at Woodlesford

sunset on the Aire River at Woodlesford

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Llangollen canal into Wales

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Anderton boat lift

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Liverpool canal link between the largest brick-built buildings in the world

Posted in adventures afield, canal experiences, history and excursions, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Oct 30

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

Finished! I’ve toured the major canals and waterways of Britain, and accomplished much of what I’d set out to do. Sure, there are a few smaller waterways I’ve missed, and there will always be opportunities to see more, or re-visit favourite places, but I’m satisfied that I have accomplished the major objectives. Crossing the Pennines 3 times, across the Mersey, visiting York, doing all of the major tunnels and lock flights; I’ve had a blast and been able to share major moments with all sorts of friends, new and old. This has been the experience of a lifetime, and one I’d recommend to anyone.

Now, for next steps. I’ll take a breather, and restore some of my efforts in bell-ringing, in Braunston and area. Although without my mentor and friend Peter, I’ll still have the rest of the people in the Braunston area that will guide me, prod me, and otherwise inspire me to new levels of skill in British change ringing. I’ll also be able to spend some time in reflection for the next phase of exploration.

Thanks for all those followers of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and comments (sometimes pithy!), have enhanced the experience. A few photos of the memorable moments, and some posts over the next few days of further memorable moments. Thanks.

Spring on the Leicester Branch of the Grand union Canal

Spring on the Leicester Branch of the Grand union Canal

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the peaceful Thames

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the MUCH more exciting Thames!

which way is up? Upper Ashton Canal.

which way is up? Upper Ashton Canal.

a leaf-tunnel mooring

a leaf-tunnel mooring

Posted in adventures afield, bell ringing, Braunston, canal experiences | 1 Comment

Oct 25

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Ed Mortimer
pub-side entertainment, or rural travel methods? Marsworth saturday afternoon

pub-side entertainment, or rural travel methods? Marsworth saturday afternoon

I’ve had good times exploring the Grand Union Canal. The 4 days with Nigel were a bonus, and having someone to reminisce about great times past was special. We toured from Uxbridge to Berkhamsted, where Nigel caught the train: the station was about 50m from the canal, so not to difficult a transition. The only impediment was a pub, but we were able to avoid that (it was noon…). I hung around Berkhamsted for the day, intending to ring with their scheduled practice, but no one showed. Oh well, I didn’t call ahead, so that must be expected that plans change.

I have then continued the journey north. I paused at Marsworth for a day of inclement weather (wind and rain) but yesterday was a glorious autumn day, so I made the best of that and continued on to Leighton Buzzard. Another interesting name… The sun is out again, and I’ll continue this gorgeous cruising opportunity.

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Virginia Creeper makes some of the best colours.

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barge and butty combination in the calm of morning

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Oct 20

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

I’ve finished the Lee Navigation- I found that moorings are not nearly as restricted and over-crowded as reported. There was always lots of room and choices. Then, across the northern part of London on the Hertford Union Canal, the Regent’s Canal andthe Paddington Arm of the grand Union Canal. Such important waterways that had such an influence upon the development of London and the transport of materials in the early part of the 19th century. Today, they are really unique heritage assets of England. I was able to easily traverse this huge city at canal speed, and really see the inner workings of London. Moorings were not the issue here, and I stayed in Islington for a night. When I reached Little Venice and Paddington Basin, the issues became apparent about moorings . The canal ‘center’ of London, there was absolutely no place possible to moor, even for one night. All moorings were firmly inhabited by those staying the limits for each mooring (or longer…). I toured through, and continued on to Kensal Green, where the first spaces were available, and comfortable moored for the night.

Then, having made arrangements to meet Nigel, I toured smartly on through Bulls Bridge Junction to Uxbridge. There are some delightfully rural places along here, even though the city is mere meters away behind a hill or hedgerow. With Nigel Toy, friend and former colleague,we toured up the Colne valley, along many lakes, water-filled gravel pits, chalk quarries, and marshlands to Rickmansworth/Croxley Green to a delightful mooring and a short walk to a pub for supper. Today, the morning was clear, the skies pink, then orange then blue, and a wonderful autumn day for canal cruising.

Leaves turning, some delightful forest scenes with carpets of newly fallen leaves, and a brilliant blue sky, the day was idyllic. We made our way past King’s Langley, Abbot’s Langley, Leavensden Green and other exotic-sounding places to Hemel Hempstead, Apsley and Frogmore End to end our day. We had a good day! One has to admire the names of places here: where did the names originate? Why would a place be called Frogmore End? Hmmm. Something to entice a return someday.

Posted in canal experiences | 2 Comments

Oct 13

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to travel and explore, in my wanderings around Britain. I’ve had support from family and friends, and have met many new friends while on the waterways.

I spent a day doing the museum thing in London: the Natural History, The Science, and the Victoria and Albert. All exceptional places, and with many really interesting things. I was significantly impressed with the collections of minerals (including just about every rock type known, I think!). An exceptionally intense day of absorbing. I had also spent a day with Nick walking in the tunnel under the Thames, between the Isle of Dogs and Greenwich. We stood on the prime meridian at Greenwich Observatory and that was cool. As important today as when the concept was developed, drawing lines that converge on each pole was a much harder thing to do and agree upon, than latitude. Even GPS stuff today depends on this for identification of locations on the ground.

Then I started up the Lee Navigation. This was very interesting, especially how quickly urban London was left behind, and the Lee valley wetlands surrounded the navigation. It is a river, sort-of-, much altered and ‘improved’. The locks are very wide and ultra heavy, once the electric assist gives way to pure muscle power. I stopped in Enfield, where the Lee-Enfield rifle of long service was developed. The Royal Gunpowder mills are at Waltham Abbey, where I’ll explore today.

I traveled the length of the Lee, stopping at Broxborough, and meeting the tower captain there. She invited me to their branch meeting in Cheshunt, where I rang. Then Sunday morning ringing in Broxborough on a somewhat recalcitrant 8 (nice sounding though, and great people). I ended in Hertford and am thankful that I didn’t have to stay there more than 12h: issues with people messing with the boat, poor moorings, and a dutch barge cast adrift and blocking the waterway. Not a great finale for this navigation. I quickly abandoned Hertford, and made my way back downstream to Waltham Abbey. Quiet, and very much more congenial! Lots of canoe/kayak/paddleboard activity, but pleasant and polite.

Posted in bell ringing, canal experiences, history and excursions, Thames and vicinity | 1 Comment