Author Archives: Ed Mortimer

About Ed Mortimer

I'm a retired school teacher, now living on my Dutch cruiser in France. I'm touring as much of the canals and river systems as I can. This blog describes what I do and where I've been. I did spend 5 years on first a narrowboat, and then this boat, in Britain.

August 19

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

What a week! We’ve moved along smartly, but in fits and starts. We waited out a monsoon rainstorm in Macclesfield, then spent a couple of days moving down the Macclesfield to Kidsgrove. Some nice weather again, but not the glorious … Continue reading →

Posted in canal experiences, Trent and Mersey | Leave a comment

August 13

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

We’ve moved along from the Rochdale. We spent a day in Manchester, visiting the Museum of Science and Industry, and really got a great impression of the focus of innovation that centered on Manchester and drove much of the industrial … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures afield, canal experiences, Manchester, South Pennines | Leave a comment

Aug 9

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

The Rochdale canal: Well, the canal has many redeeming features and some that are definitely on the disappointing side. We climbed the eastern side with new friends Gary and Liz. We stayed just outside Todmorden at Walsden and enjoyed Grandma … Continue reading →

Posted in canal experiences, South Pennines, Yorkshire | 1 Comment

August 5

Posted on August 6, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

The middle Pennine crossing. We made our way up the Aire and Calder navigation. Engine issues are history; replacement thermostat was what was needed. Although the weather continues mostly cool and cloudy with intermittent showers, there are moments of sunshine … Continue reading →

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August 1

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

From Thorne, we cruised to Barnby Dun, where Pat and Kerry met a former student from their experience in China some 18 years ago. An interesting experience for all. We visited a local museum/manor house in Doncaster, and then returned … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures afield, canal experiences, eastern waterways, history and excursions, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

July 27

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

Return to England and wandering in my boat. I met Pat and Kerry who have looked after the bot while I returned to Canada. They cruised from Rugby to Shardlow, a section the the waterways I have explored several times. … Continue reading →

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July 19

Posted on July 19, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

A very different week! I traveled, instead of by boat at 5km/h, by rail and air to Canada, through Manchester to Calgary, much faster! I spent the week visiting family and friends; primarily at a family reunion at a guest … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures afield | 1 Comment

July 7

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

Back on the canal system. We made our way up the Northampton flight of narrow locks, reveling in the easy, small gates, and good weather (broken clouds, slight breeze). Saw the smoke trails (red, white, and blue) from a distant … Continue reading →

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

July 4

Posted on July 4, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

River Nene: An interesting river, fully navigable from Northampton to the Wash (ocean), it is tidal only to Peterborough. After Oundle, we had some really hot weather, and decided to stay in a lovely mooring outside a pub, which had … Continue reading →

Posted in canal experiences, eastern waterways | Leave a comment

June 30

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Ed Mortimer

We left Ely to do the lock combination of Denver/ Salter’s Lode locks, which allows crossing of the tidal section of the river, and puts us back on the Middle Levels. I misheard the time to be there as 1230h, … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures afield, canal experiences, eastern waterways | 1 Comment