LOCKING?

Seem to have got on the wrong side of the cut with TERRY (ref. comments on last blog-politics).Terry says in his 17yrs on canals he has never heard the term "locking" i had at the time and being new to canals no reason to doubt him. Untill by chance looking at website WWW.RONAROSA.CO.UK click on 2004 pictures 5th line down 3rd thumbnail the caption reads "locking through". Has anyone else heard of "locking".
Also thanks go to KIMBERLEY for her comments on my last blog. I welcome ALL comments good or bad. Yes Kimberley, who wants to think about politics on the cut. This is one of a few reasons i want to change my way of life.

The house market seems to be slow at the moment so i am having to accept that it may be sometime before i move on to my new life, but i will get there and look forward to meeting you all including Terry, the pint offer still stands. Walking by canals Terry is my way of relaxing after a hard weeks work, so don`t knock someones way of life because it is not your way. Live and let live.

POLITICS - NOT IN MY NEW WORLD

Comments on my last blog have stirred me to air my feelings on politics. I am sorry if anyone is upset or concerned with my views but they are mine and we must all respect each others right to see life in our own way, so here goes. I gave up voting some 7 years ago. My view is that which party is in still gives us all no choice of what happens in this country. Take i.d. cards why can`t they introduce them, why talk about it do it. Immigration, why do we allow people to enter the country illegally via lorry and train. You try going to USA same way, straight back on next plane no paperwork for entry, no messing , no entry.Crime goes up because no detterent.I don`t have to quote cases you all read of stupid sentences and see fly on wall tv cops chase around catching villans only to see them get off or light sentence, feel sorry for them.(police)
Anyway i intend to leave all this , well most of it, behind when i step aboard my new world. My biggest worry will be where shall i go now and where is the next pumpout. If my local council want to spend £500.000 yes 500K of ratepayers money for a towncentre bus type shelter with soft padding for the drunks to use only to find it un-used after a few months then in future it won`t be my money. I will invest my money and it will be my decision to spend it as and when I decide. Yes i do realise there are bandits on parts of the cut, but in the world i live in now that`s nothing to what goes on day after day all round me.
The cut is a new world. Walked round to the shops recently nothing happened. Walked around marsworth on Grand Union along towpath and within 20 steps people were saying good morning, just sat on a lock resting and chap on boat struck up a conversation first, good morning was followed by am i walking or locking for a boat. Why is it so different.
Anyway i am not going to worry why it`s different i want to join the club.
House sale up-date is no sale yet.
Well must go now have to decide where to walk on sunday. Thinking of going to Soulbry 3 locks on the G.U.

THE LONG WAIT

Well it`s been 3 weeks and 5 days since the house went on the market. So far had 2 viewings but no offers so its carry on as usual being part of the rat race. Somehow it seems to be easier, but this is only because i can see a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that i will be in the not to distant future be out there among you boaters, so for now i will just keep my head down and read boaters blogs and take in as much info as i can via the many web sites. Also the crick show is fast approaching. Will need 2 days there so i can see all boats etc.

DOWN AT THE LOCKS

Just can`t keep away from the cut, think it`s starting to flow in my veins. Easter saturday spent a day out and about. First went up to stowe marine at wheedon had a chat but i feel they are a little expensive. Next called in at Blisworth and had a nice walk along the towpath and sat watching my dreams float by.....soon....won`t be long. Finished up at Stoke Breune and spent a happy hour talking to crews on at least 6 boats, what a freindly bunch you boaters are.
Many thanks to those of you who have posted comments but hey have you a blog site i would love to look you up.
Had my first house viewing tuesday, hope this might mean i am getting nearer to the cut.

THE WHEELS ARE TURNING

Well today i have put the house on the market. All being well i will be in a good position to do a deal at the crick boatshow. The idea is to sell the house and get a boat design that i can put to a couple of boat builders for a quote. The most difficult decision will be what to install by way of inverter battery pack in fact at the moment electrics are my biggest headache. I have to bear in mind that although i will be on a permanent cruise for 9/10 months of the year there will be times i will moor for perhaps 3 days or a week. Lots to think about.

Me sitting by my pond 

THE PLAN

Have decided a change of lifestyle is neede if only to save my sanity. As i am now on my own after losing my wife to cancer i found that the thought of spending the rest of my working life as the last 20yrs rushing a-b very depressing. How i chose narrowboat life i can`t exactly remember. Anyway have spent hours surfing the web getting as much info as possible. Lots of un-answered questions but will i am sure find some of them at CRICK SHOW end of may.
What i intend to do on my blog is create a diary of events leading upto the launch of the narrowboat "VALERIE". I will include details of selling the house ordering the boat etc. After i begin my adventure i will update on a daily basis as i cruise.