July 5

One year on. One year ago today, I set off from Canada on my boating journey. It has been all that I had hoped for, albeit in different ways than I had planned. I’ve spent a significant amount of time (and resources!) refitting the boat, and am very pleased with the results. There are still things to do (and will always be so, I expect…), but the boat is much more comfortable and useable now.

I’ve just had the rear ‘pram’ cover fitted, and although a very different style than I had originally planned for, this folds in 20 sec. so approaching bridges, etc won’t be such a project. We’ll see how things go.

the new pram cover on Wandering Canuck, moored in the New Islington Marina, Manchester.

I had planned to do the Cheshire ring, including the Ashton, Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals, but someone broke lock 10 on The Ashton, and that prevents the Cheshire ring completely. Might take 2 weeks to repair, but they don’t know for sure… I’ll have to change plans, and… Oh well.

I was able to ring at Manchester Cathedral for the branch practice this morning: all 10 bells. I rang the tenor (27hwt- 1390kg) which was a challenge, but managed.

I’m looking forward to being out of the city and back in the canal pace, though Manchester has been a good visit.