After a well needed rest we're up ready for the off. We left the ferry boat by 9.20am and headed off to Brownshill Staunch Lock. No problems there and we're off to Hermitage Lock, the lock that had been closed over the winter. This stretch of water is tidal and seals can been seen at the right time, our time was not the right one. After passing through Hermitage with no problems again we're on the Old West River. A very narrow, shallow river with lots of weed to get wrapped around your prop, and yes we got lots round ours! Four hours later we stop near The Lazy Otter pub not far from Stretham to let the boat cool down and for Cassie to have a run around but she spent most of the time barking at the swans.

 

After a two hour break we headed off agian toward Ely, an hour later we reached Popes Corner, where the Gt Ouse and the Cam meet, shortly after we have some strange noises coming from the engine!

 

Called it a day here on the EA mooring to investigate noises. Luckily it was just a sheared bolt.

 

We would be off again in the morning.

 

 

 

Finally our adventure was going to begin. On Friday 6th April, whilst having a few beers we found out that the work had been completed and the lock had opened. We had decided to wait a couple of days to let the easter rush pass.

 

Monday 9th April was our day to leave. We had a couple of days to say our fairwells to family and friends, well ok... an excuse to drink more beer.

 

Monday arrived, so did the hangover!

 

7.30am We leave the marina for the last time and into the first of many locks we would come across on our journey. We make it to the next lock by 8.00am to say our final farewells to family and friends then we're off on our adventure.

 

We couldn't have wished for a better day for our departure, calm and sunny.

 

After a few hours cruising we arrive in huntingdon for a short visit. We're then off again hoping to reach the Ferry Boat Inn, Holywell to moor up for the evening. Another four hours cruising we arrive in Holywell for a well earnt beer and to chill out after a busy day.

 

 

 

Hiya we're Nicky, Mark and Cassie

 

Our adventure started on the 6th November 2004. Up bright and early to travel to Braunston Marina on the Grand Union canal to see our boat, a 60ft traditional narrowboat, being lifted on to a lorry. It would then travel down the M1 to Bedford to be put back in on the River Great Ouse. We could not sail back due to a lock closure at Paxton near the marina that would become our home for the next two and a half years.

 

Several months went by and we decided we would both love to go off and travel the waterways of England, give up work and be free for a while. The date we wanted to set off was the 1st March 2007, this gave us approximately 18 months to complete all the work we wanted to do.

 

Late on in 2006 we found out that due to a lock closure we wouldn't be able to leave. It would not be open until 1st April 2007. I guess that's not to bad we'll only be delayed by a month, as we thought.! We've now found out another lock is closed and won't be open till 6th April.

 

So with the work completed and the new member of the family (Cassie the Staffy) now six months old and getting used to the boat, we're ready for the off.

 

Watch this space to see if we finally start our adventure aboard "ONE WAY OF LIFE"