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
Fish Friday
Off down the Bratch (three locks) this morning – its octagonal toll house at the top is very distinctive. By the middle lock the volunteer...
Knights and damsels on the Staffs and Worcs
Cleddau arrived at Autherley Junction just after midday. A lady materialised and insisted on working...
‘Ever forward, but slowly’
“Investigate the pub,” the Captain had suggested yesterday afternoon. “See if it does food.” The Anchor Inn had looked closed...
Straight lines on the Shroppie
For the last two nights Cleddau and crew had enjoyed a luxury berth: there had been easy pedestrian and vehicle...
Jolly useful day
“Can I give you a lift into Market Drayton this morning?” called the boater from the next pontoon. “Save...
A whimsical wander
A short cruise brought Cleddau to today’s destination, Tom’s Moorings in Market Drayton. There have...
Hot Spot Audlem
Audlem Bottom Lock was a mile or so beyond last night’s mooring. Fairly frequently alongside the towpath...
Busy, busy, busy
Busy this morning: one crew member showered, washing machine in action, water tank refilled, mint and basil watered...
New experience at Bunbury Staircase
Retracing a route allows views of familiar things from a different angle. Today’s course involved first the eight mile...
A tramp round historic Chester
A guided walk – with a tour guide? It seemed like a good idea and indeed it was. At 1030 the...
An umbrella day
It was a great day for umbrellas – but less of a good one for boat mooring. Get up the two locks...
Tied up at Ellesmere Port
10 am on Monday and the Cleddau crew were ready to start their exploration of the National Waterways Museum...
Arrival at the National Waterways Museum
It was an extremely quiet Saturday night in Chester and only the crunch of early morning joggers and...
Down the stairs to Chester
Saturday – what, no wind? No rain? The sun really shining…? Beeston Castle seemed to be shimmering this morning on top...
Up two, down six...
Usual preparations for departure were momentarily delayed this morning. The Captain grabbed the camera to photo the chimney...