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.

September 21

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

It has been an eventful two weeks in Devon. I cruised from Torquay, around the ‘corner’ to Dartmouth Harbour in a very lovely day’s cruising. However, I have discovered an ever-increasing oil leak from the engine. I tried to have … Continue reading →

Posted in bell ringing, Coastal Britain, history and excursions, Wandering Canuck Too! | 3 Comments

September 4

Posted on September 4, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

After  lovely break in Torquay, with some serious beach weather (and time to enjoy that!), the weather suddenly turned. I had the chance to ring with the local tower in Torquay, and had my first experience with Devon Change Ringing: … Continue reading →

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August 25

Posted on August 26, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

Well, a number of interesting adventures in the last week. We were moored in Exmouth Harbour, and this was ‘exciting’ in more ways than I might wish. We had fun touring to Exeter, and spent a great day there exploring … Continue reading →

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August 18

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

We arrived in Portland harbour, after a rather bumpy ride, through the tide race at St. Alban’s Point, then across the bay. Portland harbour is a created bay, with a large, many-fortressed breakwater. It used to be a major naval … Continue reading →

Posted in Coastal Britain | 1 Comment

August 16

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

We moved on through the Solent (the waterway between the mainland and the Isle of Wight)through ‘the Needles” where lots of ships have come to grief. A fast tide, and lots of underwater obstacles makes for interesting navigation. All was … Continue reading →

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August 12

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

After a very quiet and uneventful trip from Chichester Harbour to Portmouth /harbour, we have spent the last 3 days exploring the many historical museums of this area. Naval history is here! We’ve toured the ancient (Roman ruins and HMS … Continue reading →

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August 8

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

My daughter, Nicole, arrived, and we are exploring  Chichester, and surroundings. Yesterday was a field trip to Arundel, which is the home of the Duke of Norfolk. Arundel Castle has long history, and changed sides twice during the civil war. … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures afield, Coastal Britain | 1 Comment

Aug 5

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

Well, 10 days of sorting out boat issues, trying to figure out possibilities in the very different world of coastal cruising, and exploring the very interesting and diverse area of Chichester: all good times. I know a LOT more about … Continue reading →

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July 25

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

Coastal Britain expedition and exploration begins. I left Ramsgate harbour bright and shiny at 0700h, in order to gain a following tide for as long as possible. We made excellent time, in ideal conditions, surviving a 3 ferry convoy leaving … Continue reading →

Posted in adventures afield, Coastal Britain | 1 Comment

July 22

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Ed Mortimer

And back to Britain. Today, I crossed the channel again, this time from Dunkerque, to Ramsgate. We left at 0715h, and it took about 90 minutes to get through the lift bridges and two locks to get to the sea. … Continue reading →

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