March 28

Hi,

I’ve been getting the boat front cabin renovated, and am just about finished. This will complete the refit of the ‘Wandering Canuck’, and provide good accommodation for guests that wish to join me as I continue to explore the waterways of Britain.

I’ve spent the last month doing the boat work along with the professionals of ‘Days Afloat’ here in Braunston. They are super at getting things right, and working with my ideas. I am looking forward to being finished by April 6, and then setting off northward Apr. 7. Nick and Chris in Pendragon are thinking of traveling north as well, and these really good friends that I met with Pat and Kerry last fall, would be especially good traveling companions. We had thought to go up the eastern side of England, down the Soar and Trent rivers, but there is a major, unplanned stoppage because of a broken lock which is not expected to be repaired until mid-My, so I’ll go north another way. That is still to be determined, but the goal is to spend 2 weeks getting to Nantwich on the Shropshire Union canal, where I will meet Nicole, my daughter for a period of cruising and touring with her.

I have spent the last month working hard to improve my ringing skills. This is a VERY challenging project (and one that will be on-going.) However, I have met some fantastic people through ringing, and I especially want to thank Peter Wenham, the tower-captain in Braunston, and an exceptional teacher of ringing. For a very different (and humbling) example of change ringing, this youTube video is worth a view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyLXKZguQIA&list=FLeLdyAJsTY6Je7Br_Wa19Tg&feature=mh_lolz It is in the Black Bull Inn, near Frosterly near Durham. Noth the lad ringing the treble (the smallest bell). Their ringing is FAR beyond what I can do (yet?).

I will be posting significantly more often as I begin this season’s touring. Check back often, and leave comments if you wish!