Home for Christmas 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So that’s it, we’ve done our last trip to the bottom of Bosley Locks. We have turned the boat, and our next destination is a mooring in Congleton for the festive period. There are plenty of plans in the air for next year but only one is set and that’s a fly-cruise to celebrate Heather’s significant birthday in December, so anything could happen between now and then!! So I thought I’d do a snapshot from our adventures this year as we wind up 2024

We have spent the last few days meeting up with the fuel boat (again) for a delivery of diesel and coal. Yes, well, it was actually a van, so technically not the boat. The boat based at Bollington Wharf, is above the 12 Bosley Locks and their sister boat, based on the Four Counties, is usually blocked by stoppages at this time of year, so they use a van for deliveries on the lower Macc in winter. To help, we have to moor up where there’s easy access to a road. Not as iconic in style but far more efficient on time and labour than the return journey for the fuel boat.

Whilst moored up in Congleton and for the first couple of weeks of cruising in January we’re not going to be able to source wood along the towpath, so we’ve been out foraging for firewood to keep us going for about a month and the store in the bow is chock-a-block full. To the point that someone has pointedly banned me from picking up any more sticks from the towpath!

 

 

Our stove is doing a grand job of keeping us warm, but I will confess to missing the warmth and the blue skies of the Caribbean and the salty, warm, turquoise waters of Jolly Bay. This winter seems to be a very grey one; cloudy, windy and wet so I’m enjoying spotting the buds on the trees and the snowdrops that have already started showing their faces. All reminding us that Spring isn’t too far away and hopefully some sunshine too.

Meanwhile it’s time to focus on the festive season and get back in touch with friends and family. Time to enjoy each other’s company and tell tales (mostly true – perhaps a little exaggerated for effect!!) of this year’s adventures. 2025 will see us heading south to London via the Grand Union and then, hopefully, eventually, to Bristol Harbour via the Kennet and Avon Canal. And somewhere along the way, Heather is hoping to finally get her right knee replaced!

So this is a BIG thank you to all of you who follow our travels and read the blogs (especially those who are kind enough to leave a comment). We hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2025.