Canals around Coventry

I'm sure a lot of our members envy you. We rented a boat out of a marina in Stratford and had one of the best trips ever. Two of our American friends came too and they'll never get over their experience mooring at great pubs for a meal and walking around towns just a stroll from the river. We went south as we didn't have time to deal with the locks on the way to Brum. We booked tickets for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for a play on our last night and we just walk the few steps from where we'd moored next to the Baguette Boat to the theatre. Our pals, Tom and Toni were great at working the locks and stocking up on water - Toni was always very concerned that if we didn't do this we'd be lopsided and probably sink! Great memories. I wish you the best and hope you'll keep us up on your new adventure.

Thank you lindatee2002. All of my life I have enjoyed the canals, but, it has only ever been from the towpath, I have never been on a boat on them before, so this is going to be a totally new experience! I'm sure there will be a few mistakes, errors even little accidents, photographs will no doubt be taken of these, I will keep you all informed.

We had a motor boat for water skiing for years but had never been on a journey like this until the Avon trip. We couldn't believe that they would let us take the boat after about 15 mins. of instructions and when we commented on that the guy told us that they regularly rented out boats for hen parties! Watch out for them. We had a few mishaps, our rope wreath on the front was a bit chewed up by the time we got back. We nearly went to Bristol when we turned around to come back to Stratford and our friend almost went into the water when he tried to pole away from one berth were the water was surprisingly deep. Wouldn't have missed a minute of it. Keep a log book - I wish we had. Bon Voyage, Lindatee.

Hi all, Pam & my last cruise was fifteen years ago, but we were able to relive our enjoyment watching publish videos from various boaters. Living on a Narrow Boat. A local boaters Easter video. Another video. If I was considering a boat life, this is the sort of gent that I would pay attention to. He is very capable, handling most of the time to time maintenance stuff as needed. He started a few years ago, not with a new boat, but viewing his videos we can see how he has progressed. I hope this is of some help, if you've not seen his videos before. Alan isn't just a talker. He films all of his practical applications & tasks, so you see what's going on. Please enjoy.

What a great experience I had years ago on the Norfolk Broads. Sheer delight to wake up every sunny morning in a new location. Stop off somewhere to by fresh farm eggs, milk and bread. Then to top it off, everyone was always bright and cheery.

Update. There had been a four week wait before the boat went to the marina workshop and then it was there for three weeks. Back onto the water on Wednesday and I went over yesterday (Thursday). Might not be too long now before I am on it.

All aboard the Skylark, all aboard. I'm loving this. Thank you for sharing.

Looking good, I'm even more jealous now!!

A couple of interior views before I move my stuff in.

I couldn't live in such a small space. Where would I put all the books? I'm a bit of a pack rat but maybe a year of such an experience might be good for me. I do envy you the life on the canals though.

Now, with you just mentioning books. I have been watching videos on youtube, thanks to Phillip for those, and reading some canal books. A set I recently purchased is about the young women who went to work on the canals during the Second World War, much like those that went onto the farms, but, as there was only around 30 women who worked the boats, they never get a mention, I never knew about them. They crewed two boats, a motor one towing a 'butty', (unpowered). They loaded with steel in London which they took to Birmingham, then empty to Coventry and loaded with coal from Longford, a brilliant photo of this happening from the time I've never seen before! and then back down to the factories near London to unload and then back up again. Written by the women, who had done this. I've read two so far and am half-way through another, great reading indeed.

When I retired I needed something to pass the time of day. Living in Warwick in the 60,s I was drawn to the canals so I became a volunteer lockeeper. For the first 2 years I worked the Hatton flight, guaranteed to get you fit and after that I did 5 years on the Lapworth flight ,a lot easier !! Sometimes we ( usually 2 or 3 of us )were asked to move a boat from A to B for whatever reason and it was this that gave me a different insight into living on a boat. This developed into an itch which I,m still scratching but I doubt it will ever happen,my collection of cars and bikes will prevent it. Nevertheless I envy you the peace and tranquility that I hope you will find living aboard

Hi, I'm really so excited regards this new venture. Pam & I never owned a boat. Period hiring was our limit, usually making up a foursome. I took it very seriously. I completed my inland waterways comprehensive certificate, then all aboard. A bit silly, as the one thing we don't want is wind, so please put the beans away. Probably the nearest real-life event to me being a cast of the "Navy-Lark". Left hand down a bit & full a head both. I've stories from two decades of cruising. I am reminded of such when I'm watching cruising videos. It all comes flooding back.(pun).

Hi 20A-Manor House Hope you are OK and "ship shape" Just wondered how it is all going? Have you moved in and set sail yet. Anchors away, Mick

Hi Mick (and everyone). The boat was handed over to me a few weeks back. The marina gave me free mooring until the end of this month. So I purchased the Canal & River Trust licence to start on the 1st August, so I haven't been allowed out yet on to the great network. Been going over several times a week taking stuff and yesterday I filled the Diesel tank and drained, then, re-filled the water tank. Today I've taken over some new bedding and kitchen stuff/tinned food and ran the engine for awhile to charge the batteries.Getting it ready for next Tuesday. Last week went over with one of my sons and grandson: