How could I not take part in KL’s challenge this week, though the boats in her photo are nothing like the narrow boat we lived on for almost three years.
For visually challenged writers, the image shows two bobbing boats beside a footpath and some railings.
When we decided to downsize, a modest property with two bedrooms and a small garden was our intention. We disposed of most of our excess furniture from the cottage (three bedrooms, two reception rooms and a conservatory) by donating it to charity, keeping enough to furnish our next home.
Except it didn’t work out that way.
Downsizing is one thing, but we went to extremes and ended up in a thimble, having to dispose of everything except what was most precious to us. Even then a few things got sent to charity by mistake and when realised, it was too late to retrieve them.
I have never been a fan of boats. I remember my father had a small one but can’t remember what or ever being in it, and my brother was the harbour’s Water Taxi for a few years before he emigrated to NZ.
On my trip there in 2010, we went fishing on this:
The boating life taught us a lot. We discovered that the reason our friendships had failed in the past was in fact nothing to do with us as people, but our choices of those we called ‘friends’ who were no more than acquaintances using us for their own convenience. The NO word became the kiss of death to so-called friendships and we were dropped like hot potatoes.
Having a boat changed all that. It didn’t matter what car you drove, how rich you were or what your status was in life, owning a cruiser, row boat, wide beam or narrow boat like ours gave you something in common…. a boat. Conversations started, help and advice was offered, friendships blossomed and we felt part of a community.
Looking at KL’s picture reminds me of my home town and the Quay, where fishing boats, trawlers and pleasure cruisers to Brownsea Island docked. I remember my parents buying winkles and sprats freshly caught for our Saturday tea, and the smell of cockles and mussels being sold from carts. The Quay is now home to Sunseeker yachts, and I remember telling my Mum that our 41 footer would fit several times into one of the Gin Palaces selling for millions.
The life was good, and puttering up river, you saw more of nature than you would ever see from the road. A trip from the marina to Stratford Upon Avon would take about an hour in the car, but by boat? Four days passing through 17 locks. Birdsong, the dawns and sunsets were like nothing else, and the peace and tranquility second to none.
When we stopped for the night at one of the lock moorings, Hubby would sketch and I would write poetry or read. Maggie loved it too and was content to snuggle between us on the bench seats and at night would settle into the bottom corner of the bunk as soon as her blanket was in position.
Happy days indeed.
Makes me want to own a boat di! Happy days indeed!
We miss it, but know we were right to sell up when we did because of heath issues.
Exactly, you were right to sell when you did
Oh wow. This is such a lovely post and insight into your memories, Di. I loved the sense of community captured. I think we’ve found something along those lines with our allotment, the community aspect I mean, people willing to help and give advice, or just have a natter. Thank you so much for sharing this with us as part of #writephoto. I loved your images too. KL โค
Thanks KL. We loved the boating life and if our health was not an issue, would probably still be on it.
It mustโve been a great experience.
We loved it, and do miss it, but health issues got the better of us.
I feel loving in this home and having wonderful community is good for you.
I definitely agree.
*living! Sorry.
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no problem
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An adventure of a lifetime! I’m glad the experience was positive…
It was wonderful Val.
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It was the same when we went caravanning. People were just your friends.
It’s wonderful isn’t it.
I love to chat to people along the canals. They are normally a very friendly, and helpful bunch.
We spoke to several before we decided to buy the boat. They were all lovely.
Sounds like a lot of adventure!
We loved it
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Lovely memories… that was downsizing with a vengeance!
Thanks Jemima. It was a tad, but we loved the life and wouldn’t swap the experience.