Boatwif
The occasional adventures of the Cleddau crew
About Us
We are ‘The Captain’ and ‘Boatwif’, owners of nb Cleddau.
Cleddau was a five year old youngster when we took her on in 1994. She was built for cruising on the River Trent. Over time Cleddau has had internal and external adjustments but she retains her original hull, propeller, anchor and portholes.
When asked (frequently) “What does Cleddau mean?” our response is usually “In Welsh it means swords but Cleddau is the name of the river that flows into the Milford Haven deep water estuary in Pembrokeshire…”
We both grew up in Pembrokeshire; for some years we have kept a record of what we call ‘Monkton Moments’, those exchanges with boaters and non-boaters who recognise our Pembrokeshire connections.
This blog below is a record of our mainly boating adventures.
RECENT KEN & SUE LOCATION
"Just the Diamonds now."
As planned and as promised the gasman came to call… chatted, serviced the boiler and left, all in less than two hours...
Down to earth at Irthlingborough
It would not normally be a choice of mine to cosy up with a team of footballers, but here we are...
A great day for paddling
Last night’s blog was dispatched under cover of darkness, but with slightly less drama than on the previous evening...
Flower baskets and mellow stone
You might be surprised to see Fotheringhay Bridge appearing again: well, last night it fulfilled an unexpected role...
Flypasts - and flow fast
We sat on the front deck last night as the sun was setting, much relieved at the eventual departure of a...
A day in three parts
Our Captain’s preference on Cleddau cruises has always been for Boating Days or for Visiting Days, never...
A periscope, please
As you enter the Middle Level at either end notices instruct you to book passage 24 hours ahead for your...
Straight lines and sou'westers
“Be quick, we’re losing the tide,” said the lock-keeper at Denver Sluice. So we surged forward, down the tidal...
Out of signal in Upwell
Quick update from Son-In-Law here. No blog post yesterday due to lack of 3G signal in Upwell. Normal service should resume today...
Sights and sounds of Ely
Though now at 7pm the sun is shining brightly, this has been a rare occurrence today. At best grey cloud, at worst very...
Aspire to Ely...
The three dish Thai meal last night was superb, cooked by a near professional it would seem, since Simon the Navigator...
Idling into St Ives
Cygnet Award During our watery meanderings we have espied many swans, some obviously rearing families...
Drifting downstream with the dragonflies
To start with old news: picture attached of the trophy awarded in honour of our night-time illuminations at...
The saga continues...
So on a sunny afternoon we set out, embarking on the 300 plus mile trip back to the Macclesfield Canal...
Bankside at Bedford
The Bedford River Festival happened – and we were there! Some stats for starters: Prizes won: 1* Participation in boat parades: 3...