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
Moist meandering through Milton Keynes
“Big raincoat day,” the Captain declared this morning. To put on heavy waterproof jackets...
A cruise in two (unequal) parts
Onwards, further south to Milton Keynes – not for the shopping, not for the concrete cows, not for...
Summer Sunday at Stoke Bruerne
Congrats to Senior Sis who overnight emailed a correct identification of the pretty flag shown yesterday...
A couple of puzzles
It’s been a hot day again, though here in Northamptonshire a mooring was secured about four hours...
Bar service...
Heat early this morning – both from the sun and also from a fire in a bankside bucket (though reason unknown)...
Grand sightings on the Grand Union
When raindrops from an oak tree, chosen for its shade properties, cause sleep disturbance the brain...
Down 2, up 6
At just before midday on Wednesday Cleddau resumed her summer cruise – phase 4 now...
Downhill duo
“Early start,” said the Captain. “Get down the locks before it’s really too hot.” So, before...
Staircase inspection...
To Hatton Locks then – and decide on a plan when we get ther... Other boats moored on...
The smallest ring and an unexpected discovery
From one narrow canal (the Stratford) to a broad canal (the Grand Union). Where last night the internet signal was erratic...
Just moving slowly
Cleddau continues her slow creep up the Stratford Canal. The sun’s hot rays define actions and activity...
Tight squeeze
No great distance covered today – but time allowed to make observations. Cleddau began her...
River festival, Stratford-style
Phase 3 of the Summer Cruise has begun: this time “summer” is an appropriate word to use! There was never...
Completists?
Not an original thought but surely to be bored in Stratford is to be bored of life. It is no surprise to hear a multiplicity...