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
Downstream on the Warwickshire Avon
June 2011 – that was the last time Cleddau was on this river. Then she cruised upstream, all...
Boats, cars and a starry moment…
It’s with relief that narrowboat crews eventually arrive at Bancroft Basin in Stratford-upon-Avon. You...
To Stratford - and a Cautionary Tale
One of those “Compare and contrast” exam questions came to mind after arrival at Kingswood Junction...
Warwick and the ‘Stairway to Heaven’
There’s a haven for fatigued boaters at Warwick – it’s the Saltisford Arm, the stretch of canal...
Trumpeting spa charms
Royal Leamington Spa – have you any idea how many spa towns there are in England? Five...
Companionable days
Counties – there’s always a desire to know one’s whereabouts in county terms – blame...
Back to boating…
Since Market Bosworth: 32 miles, 1 lock and 1 tunnel After a mid-afternoon departure from...
Not fishwives…
From Kent and the Black Isle From west and from mid Wales From Beds and Brum They came… By train and plane By car from Wales Four sisters, two cousins…
Floating back through time
Since Shackerstone: 3¼ miles, 1 tunnel, 0 locks Creep up the Ashby Canal in Leicestershire and you’ll sense the cloak...
On the level in Leicestershire
It’s widely known that the Ashby Canal is lock-free. Though from the water there are views of sloping fields...
Route report
Counties cruised within: 3 (Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire) Canals cruised...
Steps, sisters, spires – and that Dictionary
While moored at Rugeley, Staffordshire… The canal route into Rugeley from the north crosses the River Trent on a fine aqueduct...
Sliding and splashing through Staffordshire
‘Thank goodness for gaiters’ has been the unspoken thought these last few days. What was forecast to be...
Name dropping at a Middleport mooring
Trace the history of the English canals and you’ll soon appreciate the link between industry and the transport of goods...
Down the Macc and through the Harecastle...
“There’s always something to do on a boat…” Hear that observation accompanied by a sigh and you’ll..