C.L. Peache's Blog, page 24

A visit to Manchester to check out the canals and Christmas market. Day 128

Monday 27th November Day 128

Today we decided to head to Manchester on the train. It’s a bit of a faff as we are at Stone at the moment so have to jump on a train to Stoke on Trent which takes 8 mins and then change for Manchester. I don’t think we have ever visited Manchester and one of the reasons for visiting was to check out the canals and see if this is somewhere we will visit next year.

I loved the canal area, it has sort of a sadness to it of times gone by and you can visualise how busy it must have been at the height of it’s popularity. It has that edge to it now as graffiti covers a lot of the dark tunnels and areas but it still has a majestic nod to its history and pride to times gone by.Standing next to the canal as water dripped from the busy train bridges; which ultimately replaced the dominance of the canals and it seems like a hidden world.

We did the usual wander around the Christmas markets and a visit the science museum but what we really love to do is wander down the side streets. Look for the non-tourist areas if you like, completely avoiding all the usual shops as neither of us enjoy shopping. It’s a bit like in London, you can be on Oxford Street, probably one of the busiest streets in the world and if you just walk onto a street parallel it’s almost a ghost town and it’s amazing how many blue plaques there are which have info of someone famous/important who has lived there. That for me, is what visiting a new place is all about.Brilliant day out and cannot wait to visit on the boat, who knows it might be first on the list next year.

As a consequence, I didn’t get any word count at all ((Call yourself a writer!)) I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m not going to reach 50k and I’ve made my peace with it. I’m still going to be over 30k so that’s not bad in a month and since we will be in the marina soon, I’m going to have to knuckle down to get my jersey novel as complete as I can so I know exactly what I want to look at when I visit at the end of next month. This novel has to go back to my publisher for editing mid Jan so I do need to get a move on. It currently sits at just short of 46k and I think my original plan was approx. 70k although my publisher hasn’t put an exact wordcount on it so we will see! ((Oh only another 23k then you can manage that in a month!)) of course I can. I need one of my special writing days where I write 5-7k in one sitting!Until tomorrow… x

((Notice how Peachy doesn’t put the wordcount total at the end??))

Narrowboat adventures… Mon 27th Nov to Sun 3rd Dec – Day 128 – 134

Monday 27th November Day 128

Today we decided to head to Manchester on the train. It’s a bit of a faff as we are at Stone at the moment so have to jump on a train to Stoke on Trent which takes 8 mins and then change for Manchester. I don’t think we have ever visited Manchester and one of the reasons for visiting was to check out the canals and see if this is somewhere we will visit next year.

I loved the canal area, it has sort of a sadness to it of times gone by and you can visualise how busy it must have been at the height of it’s popularity. It has that edge to it now as graffiti covers a lot of the dark tunnels and areas but it still has a majestic nod to its history and pride to times gone by.

Standing next to the canal as water dripped from the busy train bridge; which ultimately replaced the dominance of the canals and it seems like a hidden world. We did the usual wander around the Christmas markets and visit the science museum but what we really love to do is wander down the side streets. Look for the non-tourist areas if you like, completely avoiding all the usual shops as neither of us enjoy shopping. It’s a bit like in London, you can be on Oxford Street, probably one of the busiest streets in the world and if you just walk onto a street parallel it’s almost a ghost town and it’s amazing how many blue plaques there are which have info of someone famous/important who has lived there. That for me, is what visiting a new place is all about.

Brilliant day out and cannot wait to visit on the boat, who knows it might be first on the list next year. As a consequence, I didn’t get any word count at all ((Call yourself a writer!)) I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m not going to reach 50k and I’ve made my peace with it. I’m still going to be over 30k so that’s not bad in a month and since we will be in the marina soon, I’m going to have to knuckle down to get my jersey novel as complete as I can so I know exactly what I want to look at when I visit at the end of next month. This novel has to go back to my publisher for editing mid Jan so I do need to get a move on. It currently sits at just short of 46k and I think my original plan was approx. 70k although my publisher hasn’t put an exact wordcount on it so we will see! ((Oh only another 23k then you can manage that in a month!)) of course I can. I need one of my special writing days where I write 5-7k in one sitting!

Until tomorrow… x

((Notice how Peachy doesn’t put the wordcount total at the end??))

Tuesday 28th November Day 129

A trip to derby where I lived for 16 years to catch up with my friend’s who’s flat, I’m looking after in Jersey. She’s on a visit home so worked out well ((So, what you’re saying is another ‘non’ writing day!! Peachy come on now!)) I know but I had to pick up the key from her and the main reason for the visit to Jersey is to do the final pieces of research for the book and make contact with some of the bookshops.

It’s an interesting trip on the train and a wait for 45 mins on one of the connections but for a change they are on time! On one of them there are a bunch of kids, i would say 16-18 year olds drinking, shouting and if i’m not very much mistaken doing something that shouldn’t in the toilets! The train guard tried to bring them into order but he’s wasting his time. To be fair, they are noisy but not actually trying to cause trouble. Just kids, being kids ((Baring the toilet malarkey!))

Tomorrow is a cruising day and it’s supposed to not get above 4 degrees so I think the heated top will be coming out!

Until tomorrow… x

((And again. Calls herself an Author!!))

Wednesday 29th November Day 130

It’s a last wander into Stone this morning and finally the postoffice is open. Then it’s into Bear for our final coffee and then last bits of shopping from Morrisons we will need for the next few days until we are back in a marina and can have a supermarket shop delivered. It showed how cold it was as the ropes on the roof were stiff and frozen this morning and this afternoon. The temperature is somewhere between 0 and 4 degrees today and will be the coldest we have cruised in…

Fast forward and it’s now 14.19pm and we are moored up just near Sandon Lock. We set off about 11.45 and only had one lock to do which was Aston lock just near the marina. It’s certainly welcome doing the locks when it’s cold although we have wrapped up warm so we actually really enjoy the cruise. To be honest I think as long as it’s not raining, I cannot imagine not loving a cruise. It’s a beautiful clear day with a fabulous blue sky. Despite being wrapped up we have sunglasses on against the glare of the winter sun.

I was planning on having a writing afternoon but we have an amazing signal here and I have about 70 videos to check, edit, file and upload to create the vlogs so I decided to crack on with these. As you know from previous blogs sometimes they can take so long to do. A strong, fast signal is like winning the online lottery lol.

Until tomorrow… x
((At the risk of repeating myself…))

Thursday 30th November Day 131

Wow it was a cold one last night and we wake up to a partially frozen canal and our windows on the inside are well and truly frost bitten! It didn’t feel too bad in the night as we stoked up the fire but I do remember turning over at one point and thinking, do not move. If I move, I will disturb the cold air which is lurking on top of the duvet waiting to strike, so it was best to stay still lol.

Coffee in bed and social media caught up with we then do the morning ritual of taking out the insulated covers we put in the window which have to be prised off due to the ice and then it’s taking a cloth to the windows and wiping off the condensation and ice. This will be an ongoing ritual throughout the day as condensation builds. The trick is to catch it before it drips into the boat!

I’m at the dinette with the gloves my friend crotchet’d for me for writing and I’m trying to get the rest of the videos sorted and uploaded to YouTube whilst the signal is so good. Once we’ve had our final cruise this afternoon, I will probably have a break from filming for a bit. I’ve been filming, editing and creating vlogs pretty much non-stop since we left the marina in July ((OH poor you. It’s a good job I kept out my tiny violin!)) Don’t get me wrong I love doing them but writing has to become my focus once we are in the comfort of the marina and don’t have to think about the usual things like getting water, toilet, bins etc as they are all there on site. Same as shopping, most days we have to find a shop as we can only carry so much and store so much on the boat.

((Tell them the bit you’re most excited about…)) I can have my coffee machine on all the time so that will save me a fortune in coffee shops! The planet killer as Chris calls it, is back. ((Don’t tell Peachy but her machine is about to break!))

Right, I have a break from updating this as we get ready and go for a cold walk up to the lock to check out how iced in the canal is for cruising later as we do so another boat comes into view – they are trailing blazing through the ice and doing a nice job of breaking it. We decide if they can get through, then we will be okay. We have the standard shouty convo from boat to towpath – ((I always thought boatlife was quiet but you boaters are a noisy bunch!)) we then head back to the boat and start faffing but then realise we don’t have much coal left. The stove is on 24/7 so we are using plenty of coal. We should have been more prepared but we didn’t account for the canal freezing over and being a bit of a distance both ways for any services ((Amateurs)) so, we decide to leave it thirty minutes and then we follow in the trailblazer’s wake. We end up chatting them a few times as our paths crisscross over the next few days.

It’s not too bad as we set off but already the ice is reforming where they cruised and the ice breaks against the bow but hopefully the ice is not deep enough to do much damage to the bow. We soon arrive at the lock and all goes smoothly. I take my time as obviously everywhere is slippy and locks are places to be careful whatever the weather. Despite the cold we still have our sunglasses on as it’s a beautiful but cold day with lovely blue skies.

We miss cruising straight into a lock by about 1 minute as the boater had just closed the gate and set off but no matter. I set it and we meet our friend from the other day – think it’s a Muscovy duck so we hand out some well needed birdseed to keep them going in the cold. Lock done it’s onto the next. Three to do today before we get to the marina.

Oh I forgot to say. I rang the marina just to check we could go in a day early and they said that was all fine but their water pipes had frozen so they suggested we try the services at Great Haywood before coming into the marina.

At the last lock of the day, Hoo Mill Lock I’m just about to start filling the lock and a robin lands on the bow and watches my technique. This could possibly be the last lock we do this year and I don’t know if I’m really into signs and things like that, but it does feel like it means something. We put a little bit of bird seed onto the lock side for the robin to enjoy at its leisure. On route we had an email from the marina to say the water is back on so we don’t need to go to the services.

We’d set off at about 11.45ish and finally arrive at the marina at 2.30pm. Wouldn’t you know it the trailblazing boat is on the service point at the marina and just as we come in the entrance another boat comes speeding out from their pontoon in front of us. Turns out he having a pump out ((The boat not the actual person just to be clear!)) so we are third in line. The chap I’ve been chatting to at the marina comes out and signals for us to moor at the side whilst we wait rather than hovering in the marina. Typically, he says they haven’t seen a boat all day. That’s the way it goes.

I pop into the office to sort out the paperwork and get our key fobs and info as well as buying some well needed coal. Chris empties the Elsan whilst we wait for the other boaters finish their jobs then finally it’s our turn. We decided to fill up with diesel and then as the sunsets it’s to cruise onto our home pontoon for the next few months, we could not have timed it more perfectly. Now it’s time to get the boat in order for marina life.

All this has meant that I finished my wordcount on 30,877, which is way short of the planned 50k but I’m still happy with the wordcount as I suspect if I hadn’t have taken part in NaNoWriMo it would have been a lot less and fingers crossed now we are in the marina I will have more time to write. I might even just put out a weekly blog so that will save your inboxes filling up and give me more time to write. I also won’t be videoing as much so that will give me some well needed time back.

Until tomorrow… x

Friday 1st December Day 132

Well, thank goodness we made the decision to come into the marina yesterday as the canal is frozen over this morning and we wouldn’t have been able to get in today or in fact as it transpires for the next few days. I mean it wouldn’t have been the worst case as we would have been on the cut outside the marina but we wouldn’t have had the luxury of electric hook up! We have gone mad on the boat with the electric fire on at night, electric blanket on the bed and the ultimate I can make a proper coffee whenever I want. My life is complete! ((saddo))

It also means we don’t have to think about charging the power bank and can literally watch tv for hours and hours and hours so all those things I’ve been saving up to binge watch I can crack on with.

Today we nip to the marina office and buy some tokens for the washing/Laundry. It cost £30 for four washes/dry which is probably mid-range in prices we have paid elsewhere and is quite a big expense really but I still don’t know if that’s more expensive/cost effective to use these rather than have a proper washing machine on board. It’s a nice feeling as we wander up to wash all the bedding, towels and clothes we have been saving up knowing we were going into the marina.

We also place an online shopping delivery with Tesco, although we didn’t realise because this marina isn’t residential, so we can have deliveries we collect on arrival but cannot have post which the marina takes in ((Wait, does that mean no xmas cards!!!!!!!???????????????!!!!!!!!!!!)), yes. I know. I’m sad. I love cards but someone very kindly bought me a coffee via my website instead of a card so you know, not all bad!

Next job was to sort out a replacement coffee machine as ours is on its last legs as something has broken on the steamer. Amazon customer service was excellent as usual. In the end it was easier to have the cost refunded and then we ordered another one. Although we realised it’s going to be a faff to return it as we don’t have the facility to print labels and some post offices won’t print the labels but we will cross that bridge when we have received the new one and have a box to send it back in.

I faff about on the boat and put the twin tub away behind the bin the kitchen for its winter storage now we won’t be using it. It’s done a grand job so far. Dinner consumed we decide to have a well-earned wander into Great Haywood to visit the pub we like there. It’s very cold but nice and toasty in the pub as they have a real fire blazing and we chat to the owners of the marina who are propping up the bar.

Back to the boat we settle down to listen to some music and chat about what an adventure we have had so far!

Until tomorrow… x

Saturday 2nd December Day 133

We finished the washing job this morning and then tried to fill up with water as the pipes unfroze for a little while but rookie mistake as we left the hosepipe on the roof so that’s frozen! We did fill up a little bit when we were filling with diesel when we arrived at the marina but as the sun was setting, we wanted to moor before it went dark. So, the hosepipe goes into the shower to thaw out. We have enough water for now so can wait for everything to thaw out.

In the afternoon I chuck Chris out ((Charming!)) as I decide I want to have a writing afternoon which I thoroughly enjoy in front of a blazing fire and the Christmas tree lights twinkling. I know I keep saying this but I have finally, finally settled on the structure for the novel after another plot line has slotted into place. So, once I’ve caught up on blogging and vlogging I can proper get stuck in which I need to do as I probably have another 25-30k to write before I hand back to my publisher mid Jan and I need to add description when I go to Jersey.

Nothing else to report for today. You might be pleased to hear that the blogs will likely be much shorter and you won’t need to eat a three-course meal whilst reading!  ((thank goodness!))

Until tomorrow… x

Sunday 3rd December day 134

I wake up at 3am. The result of being a woman of a certain age but… when I look out the window it has snowed heavily in the night! I cannot contain my excitement so stay up a little bit and build up the fire with wood and coal to keep it going then at normal wake up time it will still be alight and warming the boat.

Eventually when I go back to bed I listen to my audio book to try and nod off again. ((Honestly you’re like a child when it comes to Christmas and snow!)) I know, I would rather be like that than being miserable though, being excited about the little things in life is very important.

Our Amazon delivery is due today, my new coffee machine so I make sure we are up at 8am. The delivery is estimated between 9-10.45 so we have brekkie, great ready and then decide to walk to the farm shop to get some milk and veggies as the food delivery is not due until tomorrow and I want a walk in the snow!

It’s wonderful and properly deep snow! We crunch through it and down the lane to the farmshop which is probably about 5 mins walk from the marina, we planned it perfectly as we spot the Amazon delivery van and take the coffee machine from him before getting the supplies from the farmshop and then it’s back to the boat.

I’m now sitting in front of the fire with a toasty log burning updating this. The plan is to go for a walk after lunch and then settle down to an afternoon Christmas film and then after that, finish writing my xmas cards so I can post them tomorrow and add a few chapters to my novel.

Until later…

Plan done. It’s a good job we have a dvd player as the wi-fi signal is a little dodgy so it’s a good job we have a backup. We are hoping to be able to fill up with water tomorrow as the marina have switched it off due to the pipes freezing and chance of leaks. As with most things on the boat the water tank doesn’t have a gauge so the way we work out how much water we have is by looking at the level the boat is sitting at the bow. Technical or what. You can buy an attachment which means we can measure the amount of water going into the tank which attaches to the hose so we might get one of those at some point.

Right, that’s another week done. I think we have learnt that we need to be more organised when it comes to winter! Hopefully next week I will have an update on my book for those who read my blog for the writing updates. ((Literally people only read your blog for my sarcasm and there hasn’t been nearly enough this week))

Until next week… xx ((Or tomorrow if you’re reading the daily blogs))

Blogging and vlogging…

Sunday 26th November Day 127

It’s a lovely busy day today. First job is ‘the big clean’ so we pop the engine on to charge the boat batteries as per usual they are on 50% come morning and we need to charge our power bank as it’s the final MotoGP races of this year so we are looking forward to watching them.

Once the boat is cleaned we film a vlog for YouTube. It’s a full tour of the boat as we haven’t done it for a while or just shown snippets as we’ve tackled jobs. We go through the jobs we have done and what we plan to do. As a result we ended up looking at the first ever YouTube vlog we created which was a quick tour of the boat when we went to visit it after we’d put a deposit on it. All very exciting and we cannot believe how much it has changed. It looks like a different boat. Also, my filming has improved since then lol. ((well, it couldn’t be any worse could it!)) and I did this whole vlog in one take!

Boat cleaned, Chris then takes the toilet cassette up to the facilities to empty using the electric bike, it really does take all the work out of the job. That done we then make use of the bike again as we need to buy some coal and the nearest place is B&M. All done it’s back to the boat and some races watched and upload some videos before a walk to Asda to get some milk and get some exercise in before it goes dark.

After the MotoGP race it was the most important part of the day… ((You forgot to say about the tree!)) Oh yeah, I went to M&S which is right next to the canal and bought my tiny xmas tree, it’s so cute. Then it’s time for tea and Christmas decoration time! The boat is looking very christmassy and cosy.

Tomorrow we plan to visit Manchester ((Erm…)) before you say anything not on the boat! Well, not this year anyway. We are going on the train and hope to wander around the canal area. I also need to start buying some Christmas presents.

It’s been a great day. It’s always nice when the boat is clean and tidy.

Until tomorrow…. X
word count: 0 ((yes that’s zero. Ziltch. Nothing! Calls herself a writer!))  Total: ((same as yesterday so who cares!))

Next week we will be cruising to Great Haywood and hopefully in the marina so we can get some well needed washing done and start cracking on with some jobs weather permitting! ((I don’t think Peachy noticed that the temperatures are dropping so low the canal is likely to freeze…))

Ice… on the inside of the boat!

Saturday 25th November Day 126

Bbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. We wake up to frost on the inside of the windows today as it reaches -3 overnight. At one point I woke up and stuck my hand out of the duvet and it was freezing. We did stack up the fire and we had the central heating on before bed to get the bedroom warm. For anyone who has not seen the inside of the boat we have three main areas. The kitchen, dinette and living room, then the shower room and the bedroom at the front. The stove is in the living room so the bedroom is furthest away from the heat. We also set the heating to come on for an hour between 5-6am just to take the chill off.

I must admit it’s very early into the cold weather so it’s enjoyable at the moment. The sunrise is epic as the heat thaws out the ice as it hits the windows. We decide to head out for a walk up the canal path and enjoy the crisp day. We then circle aound onto Stone high street and I find a bargain pair of boots in the charity shop. Stone has the best charity shops! We then warm up in the café called Bear before heading back to the boat. I also treat myself to some sponges so I can finish cleaning the boat.

Tomorrow is the big day! The xmas tree will be purchased and the decs will be up! ((Woohoo, cannot wait. Love Christmas!)) me too brackets. We also plan on giving the boat a thoroughly good clean and tidy on the inside as I’m going to do an extra vlog with a new tour of the boat ((WHAT?)) I know! The YouTube channel is really taking off so I want to do a tour of the boat showing the jobs we have done and what we intend to do. It’s also easier to answer a few questions people have asked and since the boat will be tidy it’s the perfect time. I will also film decorating the boat ready for the Christmas vlog!

Back at the boat we make a veggie lasagne and settle down to watching MotoGP and I write up this blog, schedule next weeks and upload videos to make the next vlog.

Until tomorrow… Christmas xx

word count: 1,148  Total: 29,830 ((Nearly 30k. you can do it Peachy!))p.s I’ve just realised I’ve now written 60,580 words on my blog since July! Sorry everyone. I hope I’m not overwhelming you? You can change your notification to weekly rather than daily if that helps!

I have a ‘creative’ tantrum!

Friday 24th November Day 125

We wander into Stone to get some supplies before I suggest Chris goes out for a bit so I can crack on with my writing. I really am so behind with NaNoWriMo. It’s weird really as I always manage to achieve my target but I’m not sure I will this year! Although I will try not to give myself a hard time as I have made good progress and sorted out some key areas on the plot. We will also be in the marina next Friday so that will mean much more writing time as we won’t be cruising. ((yeah keep lying to yourself Peachy))

The problem is I’m getting older and it’s just not as easy to pull those late nights. Also living on a boat means a different way of living. If I stay up late it means that I use electric and sometimes we just don’t have enough power to do that. ((Oh yeah tell us another one. It’s just an excuse to go to bed early!)) ssshhh.

Today I have to also get the promotional 1 minute video done for my publisher for Power of Nature. Now you would think I would be able to do easily wouldn’t you? But no, no, no. ((Tell them about your tantrum)) I don’t mind admitting that I nearly cried into the dinette. It’s one thing to write a book it is a totally different set of skills to promote yourself and any author will tell you that the ‘elevator pitch’ ((This is where you basically pretend you’re in a lift with someone and have the time it gets to the next level to persuade someone to buy your book)) I’m terrible at this, absolutely terrible. If you watch my YouTube channel you know what I’m like for forgetting things so trying to even create a 1 minute flawless promotion is so hard. I think I finally did it after perhaps 30 tries and much screaming and having many words with myself. It was annoying because I had the boat to myself so really wanted to focus on my word count for the Jersey book but if I want to make an income from my books then this is what I have to do. It’s totally out of my comfort zone but necessary. Same as the YouTube videos, anyone who knows me, knows I’m the first one to hide from a being video’d and again it’s something I’ve had to learn to get comfortable with because it’s hopefully another possible income stream.

Anyway, I finally got it done and then cracked on with some writing. I feel like I’m pulling teeth with this book. I’ve re-read and re-written the first third of the book so many times I’m sick of it but that’s my own fault because I cannot plan novels. I’ve tried but I cannot do it. I do manage to get a bit done so by the end of the day I feel like I’ve used the time well.

Day done. Until tomorrow… x

Word count: 1,148  Total: 28,682

A problem on the canals…

Thursday 23rd November – Day 124

Another busy cruising day as returned to Stone. It was very sunny and the shades and scarves were on as we cruised down the canal without actually being able to see very much with the sun in our eyes. We have certainly been choosing the right days to cruise and make the most of the nice winter days. It’s surprisingly quiet with regards to other boats and we don’t meet another until everything happens at once!

The first four locks we were through pretty quickly. It makes a difference when going down the locks as it means the boat is on the same level as me opening the locks so Chris can help or we can chat whilst we are doing them. I managed to get Chris to film me doing some of the locks yesterday and today as I’ve been promising my friend and grandson I would show the whole process. When I’m filming I can only film what I’m doing and then I put the phone away for a lot of it as I want to make sure I’m safe. ((Small mercies really. People shouldn’t be asking you to be on camera more than necessary!))

We stop after the fourth lock and have some of the leftover sausage hotpot we decided to call it and then cranked it to do the rest. We did two of the last four when we hit a problem. We emptied the toilet and rubbish but there was some kind of problem with the waterpoint. The attachment kept flying off so we were unable to attach the hose and therefore it was impossible to fill up with water. Thankfully there is the one near M&S which we used on the way up so we will head for that. This is why I’m adamant that we fill up if we come to a waterpoint. Also, I think we could probably get 1-2 weeks without filling up but we like to put fresh in where we can. We have a filter for drinking water but still, it’s good to just top up.

At the next lock it gets interesting ((I doubt that)) So, as we are coming to the lock, we see a boat across the canal and one we work out it’s waiting to go into the boatyard/canal holiday place we hang back and pull the boat to the side. I get off and go and set the lock as the chap from the boat let us know they would be moving his boat in a min. There was another boat coming out of the dock having just had a boat survey done. As I opened the gate they cruised in stealing my lock! ((WHAT! How rude!)) lol, it was just the way it worked out. There wasn’t really anywhere else they could go and they were apologetic that they stole our lock. The current owner was driving the boat and the new owner doing the paddles. Anyway, they did offer to help reset it but I declined and let them crack on so they could focus on what they were doing. ((You’re too nice Peachy))

Lock filled again we then made our way to the last lock of the day. There was a young kid. I would guess maybe 10ish sitting on the lock. He lived in the pub next to the lock and we had a good old natter as I showed him how the locked worked, where the water came from to fill the lock etc and he helped open and close them before heading back into the pub.

It was then onto the water point to fill up and thankfully all working okay. Then as the dark clouds and first drops of rain threatened, we moored up and just got the cratch covers up before it started raining, so we were lucky. The rain didn’t last long and it was surprisingly warm after we’d chilled out for a bit before wandering into Stone as it was the Christmas light switch on. We didn’t hang around for it though as it started raining in earnest so had a sneaky drink in the pub. I will say it was a lovely vibrant atmosphere with lots of fairground rides, people singing on stage and loads of people wandering around. It was nice to be part of it even if we didn’t stay to watch.

Back at the boat now. Fire on and tomorrow is going to be a writing day for me as I’m so behind with all this cruising and I still need to do a promotional video for my publisher so I have a long list for tomorrow and then the Christmas tree will be going up at the weekend!

Until tomorrow. xx
word count: 1,723 Total: 28,682 ((oh that’s a good wordcount for saying you had a busy day. Shows what you can do when you make an effort!))
miles: 3  locks: 8

Boat cleaning day…

Wednesday 22nd November – Day 123

It’s a morning of jobs today as we decide to give the outside of the boat a clean. The covers need some attention and the bow needs hoovering as we use that area to store coal and logs so it gets a bit grubby. We still need to finish grinding the old paint off and then repainting but that is going to be added to the never-ending list of jobs to do once we get in the Marina, as long as we get a break in the weather to do it.

I also start a wash as we have plenty of hot water from popping the central heating on this morning and we are going to run the engine whilst we hoover up as usual the boat batteries are on half come the morning.

As is the norm when starting one job it leads to another so not only do we clean the bow but we also take the mats out of the stern and clean the area which gets covered in mud, leaves and muck from getting on and off the boat when cruising and doing locks. That all done I decide to clean down the gunnel of the canalside as it’s full of leaves and muck which then leads to me climbing on the roof ((Please tell me you fell in!)) No, such luck, and cleaning the solar panels. Not that we are going to get much solar today, it’s not like yesterday at all. It started off a dull day and stayed that way throughout but no rain or wind so that’s a good day in the boating world.

Outside of the boat all spick and span on one side we have lunch and then get cruising. We only have one lock to do today and then we are turning around before the Stoke on Trent flight and coming back so then we can clean the other side of the boat tomorrow. We might aim to moor up as there is an Aldi on this stretch, although we possibly can manage with just the One Stop which is near Barlaston where we intend to return to once we have ‘winded’ the boat at Stoke.

It’s a pleasant cruise past the famous Wedgewood factory which will explore at some point, maybe in the next few days. I keep saying I need to have a full day writing and tomorrow might be the day as it’s looking to be a bit windy. On Friday and Saturday it’s predicting full sunshine but -1 degree overnight and max 6 degrees in the day so the fire will need stoking up. There also looks like there might be rain incoming for the next week on and off so I think along with the cold temperatures it’s telling us to get into the Marina. ((Turns out it’s a good job you listened to yourself for a change!))

I cannot remember if I said but we are booked into Great Haywood marina from the 1st December which is next Friday. I was happy to cruise a bit longer but as I’ve said we do have a lot of boat jobs to do which are easier when we have access to water and electric without the need to think about draining the batteries or getting to the facilities point.

We reach Trentham lock which is a deep on at 11ft 11in! But lovely to work and I explored a little bit around the area whilst we were there and finally got Chris to film me doing some of the lock as I’d promised to show my friends for ages but it’s not always easy to film. I’m certainly not up to the standard of some of these Youtubers who get all the fancy shots!

After Trentham Lock it’s a cruise through to the area of Stoke on Trent. It’s strange to have the fields replaced by lorries, cars and industry once again. I’m not sure when we will be coming back up this way come spring. Weather permitting,  we will do some nice little cruises even when we are wintering at the marina as Great Haywood is a great location for many different arms of the canal. ((You’ve already this!))

We get to the bridge and wind the boat which is a slight faff as the boat nearly grinds out as it’s a bit shallow but we ((Royal we)) get it done and then it’s back the way we came. We have really enjoyed being on the Trent and Mersey Canal, it has so much to offer and as you know I absolutely love the locks on here.

Once moored up – ((Peachy has used the excuse to write this blog to come back into the boat now)) Well, it’s not really any warmer! We don’t normally keep the fire going as it just blows smoke in your face when cruising. Where was I… once moored up I’m going to make a veggie sausage casserole with some leeks we need to use up and some mash potatoes. We might even sneak in some dumplings!

If anything else exciting happens on the route back I will of course report in. Hopefully we will get moored up somewhere near Barlaston again and then poss have a couple of days here before cruising back to Stone. Our original plan was to get back to stone for tomorrow night as they have the Christmas light switch on but we will just have a wander up at night when we get back there. From Barlaston to Stone is more or less a one-day cruise and then the same again to Great Haywood so we have a few days to play around with to explore before it’s into the marina!

Until tomorrow… x word count: 793 Total: 26,950
miles: 10  locks: 2

It’s a long cruise today…

Tuesday 21st November Day 122

((before Peachy starts this will be a long blog so I suggest you make yourself a Bailey with ice and settle down)) Today we are ready to cruise. It’s funny how we are getting the ‘feeling’ to move. We absolutely loved mooring up in Stone, it’s a really lovely market town and we will be back on the return journey and possibly even some little cruises over winter from the marina to here and then maybe down the Staffs and Worcester canal to Penkridge. Another place we like. Being central at Great Haywood Marina gives us lots of options and lots of different canals to explore, weather permitting.

Anyway, off we go and it’s a little move of the boat as we moor up opposite M&S which is more or less on the canal side, so we can fill with water before the first lock of the day; Star Lock, next to the Star Inn (pub) which is in the Guinness book of records for having the most amount of different levels. There is another water point further along at the boat facilities we need to stop at but you know the golden rule! ((Never let Peachy run out of coffee?)) No, not that one but it’s a good one. If you see a water point then fill up. All very well waiting for the next one further up but what if that’s broken or someone else is on the waterpoint – which does happen!

It’s generally a busy day for boats and I’m not surprised since it’s a lovely day, not windy and about 11 degrees in the sun. It was a very pleasant temperature, especially when warming up doing the locks.

Water filled, I make a coffee as today I’ve already said is only 3 miles but 8 locks in quick order so no time to make one in-between. I wander up to set the lock at the pub and Chris cruises the boat into the lock. First lock done. I walk ahead again and let him finish closing the lock gate as I go and set Yard Lock. This is where the statue is for Christina who I suppose is famous on the canals for being the first recorded murder on the cut by working boatmen in 1839! ((not really something you want to be famous for!)) She’d been on her way from Liverpool to London to join her husband and for some reason got a lift on a working boat and the rest is history! There is also mention of Hoo Mill Lock which we have been through a few times! Very sad. I naturally get chatting as another boater comes along so I hop back and board and he gets the lock set ready for his boat.

We quickly arrive at the services and there is a boat already there so we sort of pull into the side and wait until they are finished before doing ours and then as the lock is straight ahead I go and set that one. There really is no rest on this little stretch as they as so close together. One of the paddles is broken on this lock; Newcastle Road Lock so it takes a little longer to empty, ready for us to go in. There has been a few boats coming and going so it wasn’t set in our favour. Another boat came along so again, we had the standard natter about living aboard etc. Most of the people we have met today have their boats in a marina but don’t live on them full time like us. They have a luxury of a bath to go back to. ((Make no wonder you take so long to get anywhere you never stop talking. I thought it was quite funny when the woman told you to open the paddle – amateur!)) Hey, rude, I forgot as I was talking, I’d open the ground paddle but not the lock one as was too busy nattering!

Next lock is Lime Kiln Lock. I don’t think anything eventful happened but at this point I cannot really remember. Maybe I should edit my vlogs before I fill this in so I remember what happened! Through the lock and it’s about 11.15am so we decide to find a spot to moor up for an early lunch. We’ve been on the go since about 8.30am and with another 4 locks ahead I need some food.

Noodles and bread consumed we arrive at Meaford Bottom Lock, which is the first of this flight of four and as I wander to get the lock ready I see it almost full and another boat is just going down in the next lock so rather than empty it I fill it a little bit more and open the gate so they can cruise straight in. It adds a bit more time to our journey but we are not in a rush and the lock was in their favour and those are the rules. They are very grateful and ((Don’t tell me, you stop and natter!)) well of course. Turns out their boat home is Great Haywood Marina and she tells me all about the Wedgwood estate area we are aiming to visit and a few other walks which I know we will enjoy. I think we will know plenty of people when we get into the Marina, although like I said most of the people we have met don’t have them as their full time home. Once their boat is out and ours is in, I walk up to the next lock and with great teamwork we are soon out the second lock; Meaford House Lock and then I walk the short distance to Meaford Road Lock which is simply beautiful. We have been treated to blazing sunshine and bright blue skies since we set off from lunch and it’s glorious.

Again, the next lock is straight ahead so I go and set that whilst Chris closes the lock gate. These ones are tricky to open as were some on another lock but honestly the mechanisms have been so easy, even one-handed windlassing for me! ((It’s all that pie you eat!)) Meaford Top Lock done and just like that the eight locks are done.

We then cruise under approximately 6 bridges where we spot a kingfisher chilling on a branch on the canal. Wonderful to see and then we moor up just past Neil Morrissey pub. We put the cratch covers back up before wandering to the postoffice nearby to send the item I needed to send in Stone. Then it back to the boat. We are both quite tired as it was nearly 2ish when we stop. Lunch was only a 20 min pit stop so we have been cruising and locking for maybe 5 hours ((Oh poor you. Such a hard life you have)) well who needs a gym membership on days like this. We get the fire lit and I relax watching a bit of tele and set a vlog I’d  created to upload to YouTube whilst I’m doing that as I can never only do one thing.

It’s 6.15pm now and I’ve just finished updating this as we all know I will forget if I don’t. We are about to watch a film. Tomorrow, I need to create a 2 min video for my publisher whose advertising Power of Nature to some corporate companies. It’s a good job I’ve got used to the camera although creating a promo is a whole different level. Tomorrow will probably cruise a bit more and go and look at the Wedgewood pottery factory and I have washing to do which is always better when cruising.

Once again, it’s lovely to be on a new stretch of new canal, meeting new people and having adventures!

Until tomorrow… x ps. Time for a Baileys!! ((we’ve all had a litre bottle reading that lot! Hiccup!)) Wordcount:   1,665  Total: 25,210 miles: 3 locks: 8 ((Three miles and it took you all that time?? You need to crank it more and stop talking. You might have a chance of cruising the network before you have to turn into the undead to finish it!))

Writing and wandering

Monday 20th November  Day 121

We were going to cruise today but ended up staying put. I really wanted to get some writing done as ((You’re so behind on your wordcount!)) Well, not only that, there is also something I need to fix and it’s bugging me. So, I cracked on with it and hurrah, I managed to work it out, I think! This is great as it means I can really focus on the backstory of the characters and moving the plot along. This book has certainly been a challenge to expand into a novel.

Later that day we had a wander into Stone as we needed to post something recorded but the post office was shut due to lighting problems. You heard that right! ((The only thing I can think to justify this is that maybe the staff have been moaning about it for so long and as we know at the moment employers don’t always listen to their staff and one day they came and said ‘sod it’ let shut it.)) Quite right Brackets, if this is the case I accept the inconvenience to us. I have no idea how long it’s been shut or when it will open again. We will be returning to Stone so I can update you on this riveting breaking news story!

On route we popped to Asda to get some shopping and then it was back to the boat for an afternoon of editing and uploading vlogs and we have been chatting about the boat jobs we need to do when we are in the marina. Even though the boat is very cosy there is still so much to do but they are all improvements to the boat. I cannot wait to get the shower room painted and also the boat needs a few more cosy soft furnishings to make it more homely. Although Chris is under notice because once the xmas decorations go up around the 1st December then that’s it. No jobs can be done in the main area.

Tomorrow is definitely a cruising day and we are really looking forward to it. The plan is to travel to Barlaston where the ‘famous’ Neil Morrissey pub is. This only about 3 miles from Stone on the canal but it has 8 locks which is two flights of four locks to tackle. We also need to fill with water and the usual boat services so it will be a full day.

Until tomorrow… x

Wordcount: 1,710    Total: 23,545

Narrowboat adventures… Mon 20th Nov – Sunday 26th Nov Day 121 – 126

Monday 20th November  Day 121

We were going to cruise today but ended up staying put. I really wanted to get some writing done as ((You’re so behind on your wordcount!)) Well, not only that, there is also something I need to fix and it’s bugging me. So, I cracked on with it and hurrah, I managed to work it out, I think! This is great as it means I can really focus on the backstory of the characters and moving the plot along. This book has certainly been a challenge to expand into a novel.

Later that day we had a wander into Stone as we needed to post something recorded but the post office was shut due to lighting problems. You heard that right! ((The only thing I can think to justify this is that maybe the staff have been moaning about it for so long and as we know at the moment employers don’t always listen to their staff and one day they came and said ‘sod it’ let shut it.)) Quite right Brackets, if this is the case I accept the inconvenience to us. I have no idea how long it’s been shut or when it will open again. We will be returning to Stone so I can update you on this riveting breaking news story!

On route we popped to Asda to get some shopping and then it was back to the boat for an afternoon of editing and uploading vlogs and we have been chatting about the boat jobs we need to do when we are in the marina. Even though the boat is very cosy there is still so much to do but they are all improvements to the boat. I cannot wait to get the shower room painted and also the boat needs a few more cosy soft furnishings to make it more homely. Although Chris is under notice because once the xmas decorations go up around the 1st December then that’s it. No jobs can be done in the main area.

Tomorrow is definitely a cruising day and we are really looking forward to it. The plan is to travel to Barlaston where the ‘famous’ Neil Morrissey pub is. This only about 3 miles from Stone on the canal but it has 8 locks which is two flights of four locks to tackle. We also need to fill with water and the usual boat services so it will be a full day.

Until tomorrow… x Wordcount: 1,710    Total: 23,545

Tuesday 21st November Day 122

((before Peachy starts this will be a long blog so I suggest you make yourself a Bailey with ice and settle down)) Today we are ready to cruise. It’s funny how we are getting the ‘feeling’ to move. We absolutely loved mooring up in Stone, it’s a really lovely market town and we will be back on the return journey and possibly even some little cruises over winter from the marina to here and then maybe down the Staffs and Worcester canal to Penkridge. Another place we like. Being central at Great Haywood Marina gives us lots of options and lots of different canals to explore, weather permitting.

Anyway, off we go and it’s a little move of the boat as we moor up opposite M&S which is more or less on the canal side, so we can fill with water before the first lock of the day; Star Lock, next to the Star Inn (pub) which is in the Guinness book of records for having the most amount of different levels. There is another water point further along at the boat facilities we need to stop at but you know the golden rule! ((Never let Peachy run out of coffee?)) No, not that one but it’s a good one. If you see a water point then fill up. All very well waiting for the next one further up but what if that’s broken or someone else is on the waterpoint – which does happen!

It’s generally a busy day for boats and I’m not surprised since it’s a lovely day, not windy and about 11 degrees in the sun. It was a very pleasant temperature, especially when warming up doing the locks.

Water filled, I make a coffee as today I’ve already said is only 3 miles but 8 locks in quick order so no time to make one in-between. I wander up to set the lock at the pub and Chris cruises the boat into the lock. First lock done. I walk ahead again and let him finish closing the lock gate as I go and set Yard Lock. This is where the statue is for Christina who I suppose is famous on the canals for being the first recorded murder on the cut by working boatmen in 1839! ((not really something you want to be famous for!)) She’d been on her way from Liverpool to London to join her husband and for some reason got a lift on a working boat and the rest is history! There is also mention of Hoo Mill Lock which we have been through a few times! Very sad. I naturally get chatting as another boater comes along so I hop back and board and he gets the lock set ready for his boat.

We quickly arrive at the services and there is a boat already there so we sort of pull into the side and wait until they are finished before doing ours and then as the lock is straight ahead I go and set that one. There really is no rest on this little stretch as they as so close together. One of the paddles is broken on this lock; Newcastle Road Lock so it takes a little longer to empty, ready for us to go in. There has been a few boats coming and going so it wasn’t set in our favour. Another boat came along so again, we had the standard natter about living aboard etc. Most of the people we have met today have their boats in a marina but don’t live on them full time like us. They have a luxury of a bath to go back to. ((Make no wonder you take so long to get anywhere you never stop talking. I thought it was quite funny when the woman told you to open the paddle – amateur!)) Hey, rude, I forgot as I was talking, I’d open the ground paddle but not the lock one as was too busy nattering!

Next lock is Lime Kiln Lock. I don’t think anything eventful happened but at this point I cannot really remember. Maybe I should edit my vlogs before I fill this in so I remember what happened! Through the lock and it’s about 11.15am so we decide to find a spot to moor up for an early lunch. We’ve been on the go since about 8.30am and with another 4 locks ahead I need some food.

Noodles and bread consumed we arrive at Meaford Bottom Lock, which is the first of this flight of four and as I wander to get the lock ready I see it almost full and another boat is just going down in the next lock so rather than empty it I fill it a little bit more and open the gate so they can cruise straight in. It adds a bit more time to our journey but we are not in a rush and the lock was in their favour and those are the rules. They are very grateful and ((Don’t tell me, you stop and natter!)) well of course. Turns out their boat home is Great Haywood Marina and she tells me all about the Wedgewood estate area we are aiming to visit and a few other walks which I know we will enjoy. I think we will know plenty of people when we get into the Marina, although like I said most of the people we have met don’t have them as their full time home. Once their boat is out and ours is in, I walk up to the next lock and with great teamwork we are soon out the second lock; Meaford House Lock and then I walk the short distance to Meaford Road Lock which is simply beautiful. We have been treated to blazing sunshine and bright blue skies since we set off from lunch and it’s glorious.

Again, the next lock is straight ahead so I go and set that whilst Chris closes the lock gate. These ones are tricky to open as were some on another lock but honestly the mechanisms have been so easy, even one-handed windlassing for me! ((It’s all that pie you eat!)) Meaford Top Lock done and just like that the eight locks are done.

We then cruise under approximately 6 bridges where we spot a kingfisher chilling on a branch on the canal. Wonderful to see and then we moor up just past Neil Morrissey pub. We put the cratch covers back up before wandering to the postoffice nearby to send the item I needed to send in Stone. Then it back to the boat. We are both quite tired as it was nearly 2ish when we stop. Lunch was only a 20 min pit stop so we have been cruising and locking for maybe 5 hours ((Oh poor you. Such a hard life you have)) well who needs a gym membership on days like this. We get the fire lit and I relax watching a bit of tele and set a vlog I’d  created to upload to YouTube whilst I’m doing that as I can never only do one thing.

It’s 6.15pm now and I’ve just finished updating this as we all know I will forget if I don’t. We are about to watch a film. Tomorrow, I need to create a 2 min video for my publisher whose advertising Power of Nature to some corporate companies. It’s a good job I’ve got used to the camera although creating a promo is a whole different level. Tomorrow will probably cruise a bit more and go and look at the Wedgewood pottery factory and I have washing to do which is always better when cruising.

Once again, it’s lovely to be on a new stretch of new canal, meeting new people and having adventures!

Until tomorrow… x ps. Time for a Baileys!! ((we’ve all had a litre bottle reading that lot! Hiccup!)) Wordcount:   1,665  Total: 25,210
miles: 3 locks: 8 ((Three miles and it took you all that time?? You need to crank it more and stop talking. You might have a chance of cruising the network before you have to turn into the undead to finish it!))

Wednesday 22nd November – Day 123

It’s a morning of jobs today as we decide to give the outside of the boat a clean. The covers need some attention and the bow needs hoovering as we use that area to store coal and logs so it gets a bit grubby. We still need to finish grinding the old paint off and then repainting but that is going to be added to the never-ending list of jobs to do once we get in the Marina, as long as we get a break in the weather to do it.

I also start a wash as we have plenty of hot water from popping the central heating on this morning and we are going to run the engine whilst we hoover up as usual the boat batteries are on half come the morning.

As is the norm when starting one job it leads to another so not only do we clean the bow but we also take the mats out of the stern and clean the area which gets covered in mud, leaves and muck from getting on and off the boat when cruising and doing locks. That all done I decide to clean down the gunnel of the canalside as it’s full of leaves and muck which then leads to me climbing on the roof ((Please tell me you fell in!)) No, such luck, and cleaning the solar panels. Not that we are going to get much solar today, it’s not like yesterday at all. It started off a dull day and stayed that way throughout but no rain or wind so that’s a good day in the boating world.

Outside of the boat all spick and span on one side we have lunch and then get cruising. We only have one lock to do today and then we are turning around before the Stoke on Trent flight and coming back so then we can clean the other side of the boat tomorrow. We might aim to moor up as there is an Aldi on this stretch, although we possibly can manage with just the One Stop which is near Barlaston where we intend to return to once we have ‘winded’ the boat at Stoke.

It’s a pleasant cruise past the famous Wedgewood factory which will explore at some point, maybe in the next few days. I keep saying I need to have a full day writing and tomorrow might be the day as it’s looking to be a bit windy. On Friday and Saturday it’s predicting full sunshine but -1 degree overnight and max 6 degrees in the day so the fire will need stoking up. There also looks like there might be rain incoming for the next week on and off so I think along with the cold temperatures it’s telling us to get into the Marina. ((Turns out it’s a good job you listened to yourself for a change!))

I cannot remember if I said but we are booked into Great Haywood marina from the 1st December which is next Friday. I was happy to cruise a bit longer but as I’ve said we do have a lot of boat jobs to do which are easier when we have access to water and electric without the need to think about draining the batteries or getting to the facilities point.

We reach Trentham lock which is a deep on at 11ft 11in! But lovely to work and I explored a little bit around the area whilst we were there and finally got Chris to film me doing some of the lock as I’d promised to show my friends for ages but it’s not always easy to film. I’m certainly not up to the standard of some of these Youtubers who get all the fancy shots!

After Trentham Lock it’s a cruise through to the area of Stoke on Trent. It’s strange to have the fields replaced by lorries, cars and industry once again. I’m not sure when we will be coming back up this way come spring. Weather permitting,  we will do some nice little cruises even when we are wintering at the marina as Great Haywood is a great location for many different arms of the canal. ((You’ve already this!))

We get to the bridge and wind the boat which is a slight faff as the boat nearly grinds out as it’s a bit shallow but we ((Royal we)) get it done and then it’s back the way we came. We have really enjoyed being on the Trent and Mersey Canal, it has so much to offer and as you know I absolutely love the locks on here.

Once moored up – ((Peachy has used the excuse to write this blog to come back into the boat now)) Well, it’s not really any warmer! We don’t normally keep the fire going as it just blows smoke in your face when cruising. Where was I… once moored up I’m going to make a veggie sausage casserole with some leeks we need to use up and some mash potatoes. We might even sneak in some dumplings!

If anything else exciting happens on the route back I will of course report in. Hopefully we will get moored up somewhere near Barlaston again and then poss have a couple of days here before cruising back to Stone. Our original plan was to get back to stone for tomorrow night as they have the Christmas light switch on but we will just have a wander up at night when we get back there. From Barlaston to Stone is more or less a one-day cruise and then the same again to Great Haywood so we have a few days to play around with to explore before it’s into the marina!

Until tomorrow… x word count: 793 Total: 26,950
miles: 10  locks: 2

Thursday 23rd November Day 124

Another busy cruising day as returned to Stone. It was very sunny and the shades and scarves were on as we cruised down the canal without actually being able to see very much with the sun in our eyes. We have certainly been choosing the right days to cruise and make the most of the nice winter days. It’s surprisingly quiet with regards to other boats and we don’t meet another until everything happens at once!

The first four locks we were through pretty quickly. It makes a difference when going down the locks as it means the boat is on the same level as me opening the locks so Chris can help or we can chat whilst we are doing them. I managed to get Chris to film me doing some of the locks yesterday and today as I’ve been promising my friend and grandson I would show the whole process. When I’m filming I can only film what I’m doing and then I put the phone away for a lot of it as I want to make sure I’m safe. ((Small mercies really. People shouldn’t be asking you to be on camera more than necessary!))

We stop after the fourth lock and have some of the leftover sausage hotpot we decided to call it and then cranked it to do the rest. We did two of the last four when we hit a problem. We emptied the toilet and rubbish but there was some kind of problem with the waterpoint. The attachment kept flying off so we were unable to attach the hose and therefore it was impossible to fill up with water. Thankfully there is the one near M&S which we used on the way up so we will head for that. This is why I’m adamant that we fill up if we come to a waterpoint. Also, I think we could probably get 1-2 weeks without filling up but we like to put fresh in where we can. We have a filter for drinking water but still, it’s good to just top up.

At the next lock it gets interesting ((I doubt that)) So, as we are coming to the lock, we see a boat across the canal and one we work out it’s waiting to go into the boatyard/canal holiday place we hang back and pull the boat to the side. I get off and go and set the lock as the chap from the boat let us know they would be moving his boat in a min. There was another boat coming out of the dock having just had a boat survey done. As I opened the gate they cruised in stealing my lock! ((WHAT! How rude!)) lol, it was just the way it worked out. There wasn’t really anywhere else they could go and they were apologetic that they stole our lock. The current owner was driving the boat and the new owner doing the paddles. Anyway, they did offer to help reset it but I declined and let them crack on so they could focus on what they were doing. ((You’re too nice Peachy))

Lock filled again we then made our way to the last lock of the day. There was a young kid. I would guess maybe 10ish sitting on the lock. He lived in the pub next to the lock and we had a good old natter as I showed him how the locked worked, where the water came from to fill the lock etc and he helped open and close them before heading back into the pub.

It was then onto the water point to fill up and thankfully all working okay. Then as the dark clouds and first drops of rain threatened, we moored up and just got the cratch covers up before it started raining, so we were lucky. The rain didn’t last long and it was surprisingly warm after we’d chilled out for a bit before wandering into Stone as it was the Christmas light switch on. We didn’t hang around for it though as it started raining in earnest so had a sneaky drink in the pub. I will say it was a lovely vibrant atmosphere with lots of fairground rides, people singing on stage and loads of people wandering around. It was nice to be part of it even if we didn’t stay to watch.

Back at the boat now. Fire on and tomorrow is going to be a writing day for me as I’m so behind with all this cruising and I still need to do a promotional video for my publisher so I have a long list for tomorrow and then the Christmas tree will be going up at the weekend!

Until tomorrow. xx
word count: 1,723 Total: 28,682 ((oh that’s a good wordcount for saying you had a busy day. Shows what you can do when you make an effort!))
miles: 3  locks: 8

Friday 24th November Day 125

We wander into Stone to get some supplies before I suggest Chris goes out for a bit so I can crack on with my writing. I really am so behind with NaNoWriMo. It’s weird really as I always manage to achieve my target but I’m not sure I will this year! Although I will try not to give myself a hard time as I have made good progress and sorted out some key areas on the plot. We will also be in the marina next Friday so that will mean much more writing time as we won’t be cruising. ((yeah keep lying to yourself Peachy))

The problem is I’m getting older and it’s just not as easy to pull those late nights. Also living on a boat means a different way of living. If I stay up late it means that I use electric and sometimes we just don’t have enough power to do that. ((Oh yeah tell us another one. It’s just an excuse to go to bed early!)) ssshhh.

Today I have to also get the promotional 1 minute video done for my publisher for Power of Nature. Now you would think I would be able to do easily wouldn’t you? But no, no, no. ((Tell them about your tantrum)) I don’t mind admitting that I nearly cried into the dinette. It’s one thing to write a book it is a totally different set of skills to promote yourself and any author will tell you that the ‘elevator pitch’ ((This is where you basically pretend you’re in a lift with someone and have the time it gets to the next level to persuade someone to buy your book)) I’m terrible at this, absolutely terrible. If you watch my YouTube channel you know what I’m like for forgetting things so trying to even create a 1 minute flawless promotion is so hard. I think I finally did it after perhaps 30 tries and much screaming and having many words with myself. It was annoying because I had the boat to myself so really wanted to focus on my word count for the Jersey book but if I want to make an income from my books then this is what I have to do. It’s totally out of my comfort zone but necessary. Same as the YouTube videos, anyone who knows me, knows I’m the first one to hide from a being video’d and again it’s something I’ve had to learn to get comfortable with because it’s hopefully another possible income stream.

Anyway, I finally got it done and then cracked on with some writing. I feel like I’m pulling teeth with this book. I’ve re-read and re-written the first third of the book so many times I’m sick of it but that’s my own fault because I cannot plan novels. I’ve tried but I cannot do it. I do manage to get a bit done so by the end of the day I feel like I’ve used the time well.

Day done. Until tomorrow… x

Word count: 1,148  Total: 28,682

Saturday 25th November Day 126

Bbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. We wake up to frost on the inside of the windows today as it reaches -3 overnight. At one point I woke up and stuck my hand out of the duvet and it was freezing. We did stack up the fire and we had the central heating on before bed to get the bedroom warm. For anyone who has not seen the inside of the boat we have three main areas. The kitchen, dinette and living room, then the shower room and the bedroom at the front. The stove is in the living room so the bedroom is furthest away from the heat. We also set the heating to come on for an hour between 5-6am just to take the chill off.

I must admit it’s very early into the cold weather so it’s enjoyable at the moment. The sunrise is epic as the heat thaws out the ice as it hits the windows. We decide to head out for a walk up the canal path and enjoy the crisp day. We then circle aound onto Stone high street and I find a bargain pair of boots in the charity shop. Stone has the best charity shops! We then warm up in the café called Bear before heading back to the boat. I also treat myself to some sponges so I can finish cleaning the boat.

Tomorrow is the big day! The xmas tree will be purchased and the decs will be up! ((Woohoo, cannot wait. Love Christmas!)) me too brackets. We also plan on giving the boat a thoroughly good clean and tidy on the inside as I’m going to do an extra vlog with a new tour of the boat ((WHAT?)) I know! The YouTube channel is really taking off so I want to do a tour of the boat showing the jobs we have done and what we intend to do. It’s also easier to answer a few questions people have asked and since the boat will be tidy it’s the perfect time. I will also film decorating the boat ready for the Christmas vlog!

Back at the boat we make a veggie lasagne and settle down to watching MotoGP and I write up this blog, schedule next weeks and upload videos to make the next vlog.

Until tomorrow… Christmas xx

word count: 1,148  Total: 29,830 ((Nearly 30k. you can do it Peachy!))

p.s I’ve just realised I’ve now written 60,580 words on my blog since July! Sorry everyone. I hope I’m not overwhelming you? You can change your notification to weekly rather than daily if that helps!

Sunday 26th November Day 127

It’s a lovely busy day today. First job is ‘the big clean’ so we pop the engine on to charge the boat batteries as per usual they are on 50% come morning and we need to charge our power bank as it’s the final MotoGP races of this year so we are looking forward to watching them.

Once the boat is cleaned we film a vlog for YouTube. It’s a full tour of the boat as we haven’t done it for a while or just shown snippets as we’ve tackled jobs. We go through the jobs we have done and what we plan to do. As a result we ended up looking at the first ever YouTube vlog we created which was a quick tour of the boat when we went to visit it after we’d put a deposit on it. All very exciting and we cannot believe how much it has changed. It looks like a different boat. Also, my filming has improved since then lol. ((well, it couldn’t be any worse could it!)) and I did this whole vlog in one take!

Boat cleaned, Chris then takes the toilet cassette up to the facilities to empty using the electric bike, it really does take all the work out of the job. That done we then make use of the bike again as we need to buy some coal and the nearest place is B&M. All done it’s back to the boat and some races watched and upload some videos before a walk to Asda to get some milk and get some exercise in before it goes dark.

After the MotoGP race it was the most important part of the day… ((You forgot to say about the tree!)) Oh yeah, I went to M&S which is right next to the canal and bought my tiny xmas tree, it’s so cute. Then it’s time for tea and Christmas decoration time! The boat is looking very christmassy and cosy.

Tomorrow we plan to visit Manchester ((Erm…)) before you say anything not on the boat! Well, not this year anyway. We are going on the train and hope to wander around the canal area. I also need to start buying some Christmas presents.

It’s been a great day. It’s always nice when the boat is clean and tidy.

Until tomorrow…. X
word count: 0 ((yes that’s zero. Ziltch. Nothing! Calls herself a writer!))  Total: ((same as yesterday so who cares!))

Next week we will be cruising to Great Haywood and hopefully in the marina so we can get some well needed washing done and start cracking on with some jobs weather permitting! ((I don’t think Peachy noticed that the temperatures are dropping so low the canal is likely to freeze…))