Tuesday 28 September 2010

Re-designing the blog

I decided that I was going to update the layout of the blog, however, its one of those things that when you start you wish you had just left it alone. I think I prefer the old look, however, I can't find out how to get it back, so looks like I am stuck with this layout for the time being.

I have also changed the title as really the blog has taken a break from a narrowboat adventure to having an extended holiday where we are pottering around Wales, relaxing, enjoying living in the countryside and the having joy of not needing an alarm clock! Since we have stopped travelling, I have felt more relaxed and refresh as ever. The familiarity of the marina together with the easy come, easy go attitude has really had such a positive benefit on my well being. I know it is only temporary as before I know it I will be back to work, however, I am hoping that I making the most of being 'retired' for a while.

I have been also checking out the stats of this blog, fascinating. I have had 1083 views since it started following the following countries:
UK 1531, USA 149, Canada 30, Switzerland 21, China 16, Netherlands 15, Denmark 7, Australia 6, Russia 6 and Latvia 4.

It also tells me where people find my blog from and I was surprised to see that I am linked to a couple of Canal web sites and other peoples blogs. How they know about my little blog I have no idea.

Monday 27 September 2010

Trip to the seaside..

Even though I love travelling along the canal, I equally love taking the car and just driving. Today we found ourselves in Llandudno, a lovely town on the beach dispute being a dull and miserable day.

In fact, Scott was up at the crack of dawn putting on the fire, feeding Matilda and making sandwiches for the packed lunch before I had even woke to see the clouds overhead and thinking is this really the right day to go to the seaside. However, not to be deterred by the weather we found ourselves driving along to LLandudno.

It has quite a long pier, good shops, loads of hotels, a tram and a cable car which we took up to the Great Orme which had fantastic views. The cable car is the longest passenger cable car in the Britain. At the top there was a café, a tad tacky but quite nice. I think we were the youngest in there when we stopped for a coffee. In fact, Llandudno I think is a haven for older people and coach parties. I would like to go back and would defiantly consider a holiday there in the future.

After Llandudno we drove to Rhyl. A stark difference from the hustle and bustle of Llandudno, in fact it was so dead that I thought that we had been invaded by zombies and we were the only people left. Maybe on a busy Saturday in the summer it has some life as there were the normal amusements, rides, sea life centre and this ride (photo below) which personally I would not trust looking at the rust on it. The beach at places had quite a bit of rubbish, however, we persevered and walked along the promenade and was surprised at the long sandy beaches of which we were the only ones walking along it. In the distance you could see the wind generators which gave the normal view of a bland sea a bit more interest.

At the weekend we had friends visiting. After a long journey with loads of traffic they arrived from London and was taken in by the views and fresh air. We did the usual tour of Trevor for the aqueduct, horse shoe pass and Llangollen with a meal at the Indian restaurant in Chirk. I think they liked the area and like me were very keen to look at the estate agents windows and dream of living in the countryside.

Pictures:

Top are of Llandudno and bottom two are of Rhyl.

Friday 24 September 2010

Chirk Marina - we have a car!

Yesterday we went to Banbury by train to pick up the car from my parents. The handover went very well. They drove to Banbury and took the train home, whilst we took the 11.39 from Chirk. The train journey was very comfortable and I enjoyed every minute of it looking at the world go by.

So now we have a car and we made use of it already today by going to the launderette. In the morning, after a very long lie-in we pumped out the boat. A tad tricky in the wind, however all went smoothly and we are level again! Afterward we left our laundry for a service wash and took a drive to horseshoe pass. At the top they have a café and we decided as it was windy and chilly to have a soup. Sadly it was not very nice and I am convinced it came out of a tin. I don’t think we will be eating there again.

We then drove a bit further to a town called Corwen. This sadly is a town which has seen better days. It is situated on the A5 and I think most people would just drive through it rather than stop. I think you can always tell when a town is in decline by the number of shops which are up for rent/sale and this one had a few. After Corwen we stopped at the Llangollen Motor Museum. A small place with 20 or so cars, a large number of motor bikes and a C5. The museum (WIP) had a personal touch and each car had a little story about its history and renovation some of which were quite rare.

The fire is on every evening and Matilda is just loving laying next to it. When we first had the boat, when we started the engine she used to hide behind it, even when it was on! I was extremely worried that she would get burnt and we had to rescue her a few times and luckily she has not done that for a good while.

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Chirk Marina - tidy, walking and friends

Saturday was cleaning day and I spent the morning putting things away to where they should be. It is amazing that even though we are not working and have time to keep some order nothing ever is in its place. When we moved into the boat, I had an order, a system of where stuff would go, however, as time has past things have moved and it is only when you tidy do you find the 3 bottles of shower gel or the 4 packets of headache tablets which you never knew you had.

I recall whilst I was at work always being unorganised and taking a day off work to tidy with the resolution that I would ensure that I would keep it as is, sadly a day or so later the socks no longer matched and the pots and pans where all over the place and you end of living in a constant disorganised mess.

So currently we have a tidy boat, well at least for a day or so.

In the afternoon, we walked to the local Spar, this is just under an hour walk down little county lanes and over a couple of fields. We took the bus home as it looked like rain and we just got in before the heavens opened.

Sunday after a lazy morning we walked to Chirk Castle, it was surprisingly busy with visitors and despite being chilly there were families braving the cold and having their picnics for lunch. We were not so organised and only had an apple each to eat, which we enjoyed whilst watching everyone else tuck into sandwiches, crisps and strawberries.

We were very honoured and happy to have visitors yesterday, Friends on their way back from their honeymoon in Scotland came to see us. We had such a nice time visiting the aqueduct, horseshoe pass and had a lovely meal at the local Indian Restaurant. I would like to thank them for taking time from their honeymoon to visit us, it was very much appreciated and lovely to see them.

We have booked to stay in the marina for another month as we are enjoying the area so much We have made the decision to be in a marina rather than on the towpath mainly as there are not really any 14 day moorings here (mainly 48) and it is secure for when we go out and about. Later this week, we are borrowing a car which is very exciting. We have picked up loads of leaflets for day trips and I am really going to enjoy exploring Wales.

So this blog will take a different direction from an adventure along the waterways of Britain to day trips in North Wales and beyond. .

On a final note, today, we saw a sheep dog herding his sheep, very impressive as I have only seen this on TV . (Pictures are along the horseshoe pass)

Friday 17 September 2010

Trip to the launderette

After a night of heavy rain, the morning was very sunny for our trip to the launderette. We packed up our dirty washing in the shopping trolley and headed down to the bus stop. Again the bus was late (same as yesterday), but once it arrive it is a very quick journey to Llangollen.

As it was a nice day, we decided to do a service wash. This is in fact roughly the same price as doing it ourselves, however, they fold all the washing nicely. It gave us a chance to explore Llangollen a little further. We walked down the canal until we found a bench for an early picnic. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining and you can almost see a few trees getting ready for autumn.

At about 3pm, we had picked up our washing, purchased some vegetables and had a coffee we were ready for the bus. Looking at the timetable there was one at 3.30, so we sat in the sun and waited. 4pm, no bus.. I asked a driver of another bus if we were sitting in the right spot, he confirmed this for the 4.10 bus, however said that the 3.30 bus is the school bus and undertakes a different route and does not go past where we were sitting. How were we to know that?? no notices, or signs or anything. We waited eagerly for the 4.10 bus, however, by 4.30, no bus and I was cold. The sun was behind the clouds and there was a chilly wind. By 5pm, I was freezing, I then remembered of course, we had a trolley full of clothes and I found my jumper sitting nicely on the top. Why I did not think of it before I don't know. By 5.05 the bus finally arrived and the driver had no idea where the 4.30 bus had been.

The bus sped quickly through the countryside and even though I now know its route, I heart misses a beat when I see the Dee valley and the surrounding countryside. I wonder if people get oblivious to it in the end?

We arrived back on the boat cold and hungry after waiting 2 hours for a bus. I think we could have walked it in less time. This is the second time we have had problems with getting buses back from Llangollen, its almost like they don't want to you leave.

Thursday 16 September 2010

Chrik Marina - food shopping

Today we went to the Coop to do some food shopping. We decided that we were going to go to the big one we saw on the bus on the way to Wrexham. Unfortunately it was a anti climax as really the outside of the shop looked far bigger than inside. The range of food was also disappointing, hardly any veggies, however, we still managed to purchase more that we could really carry, so it was a struggle getting all of the shopping home. The shop had problems with its till, so half way through scanning our food the till stopped working, so we had to unpack everything and start again. - We were slightly amused by a coop staff member who came over to the lady serving us and asked "whats occurring".. Right out of Gavin and Stacey, even the accent was the same.

Its getting a tad chilly at night now, so we have started the fire. Scott has done a fine job in cleaning it out and painting the flue, it almost looks like a brand new stove.

Whilst we were at home, I caught a cold, I have been sitting outside getting fresh air trying to blow it away, but now I am left with a cough which is driving me potty. Tomorrow another chore day, we are planning on going to Llangollen to do our washing.

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Weekend at home

We have arrived back at Chirk after a whistle stop visit back home for a wedding. We had a very enjoyable time. The train journey to Marylebone is easy one, with no changes and takes around 3.5 hours. The train carriage especially on the way home was very plush with powerpoints for laptops and was extremely comfortable. As it sped through the countryside I was treated to some amazing cloud formations over the horizon.

The wedding was fantastic and we were very honoured to be part of their special day. The bride looked lovely wearing a blue and white dress, the wedding cake was shaped as a narrowboat and this is the first wedding that I have been to where the bride and her band played. It was really nice to see our friends again and catch up on all their news. We even stayed at our house which was surreal as I had not slept there for long while. Time was spent with my parents and we went to see our friends puppy and was surprised how lively she is. All in all a busy couple of days, but very enjoyable.

Everyone told us how relaxed and well we looked which we put down to not working. This opportunity of taking a year sabbatical I guess is sort of unique and it really has opened my eyes to the effect that the stresses and strains that work has and normally, I guess it is only when we retire do we notice this. For people of my generation it will be when we are 67 before we are able to see recognise our non work self or in fact if I am all doom and gloom, it may be a sad fact that some of us may not be able to afford to retire at all. I have often said that I spent more time on my work chair that I did on my comfortable settee at home, in fact, we may spend more that 50+%(?) of our non sleeping week working and work related tasks (and a good % of our week on chores). Yes, I know we have to, so that bills are paid etc, but what I am pondering to myself is how many of the population enjoy what they have to do for more that 50% of their life? and probably a high % thinking / worrying about work during the evening and weekends.

I am in a fortunate position that I enjoy my job, working with young people, however, despite the fact that I have a job which I helped people and get a great deal of satisfaction from doing this and really do love my work, it still consumed me and my life and only now I have been able to recognise this.

We have almost decided that we are staying here for a few months, mainly as it’s a lovely place, so why leave?. However, we would like to take a few day trips from here. Chester, Liverpool and North Wales spring to mind and thanks to my parents, we may borrow a car come October.

At first, with the thought of staying here, I was checking courses, thinking about voluntary work. I was all consumed in finding something to do, so that this year would not be a waste, so I could say that during my year I learnt to paint or to line dance etc. However, during the train on the way home, I changed my mind, even though we will not be travelling for a couple of months, I really don’t need this time to achieve anything, I can just use this time to be a unstressed and relaxed me.. (of course, this is the famous last words, you can just see the blog in a couple of weeks time moaning that I am bored!)

Yes, I am aware that this blog has been nothing about narrowboats or travelling so apologies, but I do enjoy rambling on about nothing, and when you can touch type it is very easy to get carried away, luckily a cup of tea has just been made for me, so I will quickly post my blog before I start to discuss politics, the flooding in Pakistan or the poor miners, who I have been informed are not getting paid whilst they are stuck in the mine.

Wednesday 8 September 2010

Chirk Marina ... drive in the country

Our visitors went home yesterday after a very busy few days. Today the car went back, however, yesterday we went for a long drive in the countryside talking random roads. We found ourselves in a little hamlet with a pub where we stopped for lunch. I know I keep mentioning it but the scenery is fantastic, it reminds me of Switzerland.

The night before it was raining and the roads were very wet. As we were driving through the country lanes we saw loads of frogs in the road. I don't know how many I squashed, however I was weaving all over the place trying to avoid them. It was hard to tell a leaf from a frog, then all of a sudden you see a frog hop or eyes starring up in the headlight. I actually wanted to stop to get Scott to drive as I could not be responsible for a frog massacre. We checked the tires in the morning, no squashed frogs.

Just some random photos.. The one of factory is not Cadburys like I thought, it is a wood factory.

Monday 6 September 2010

Chirk Marina.. day tips

Today we took a boat trip from Llangollen to Trevor (the bit which we did not take our boat). A very nice journey of a couple of hours and well worth it. We saw flowers at the Aqueduct where the girl jumped. I found out from the local paper that she was just 19.



Yesterday we did a mixture of different things, car boot sale in the morning and a walk round Ellesmere lake in the afternoon.

I am still liking it here and enjoying being in a familiar place. I know where the local shop is and which of the 2, coop or spar is better and I know the bus timetables as well as the numbers by heart. The background noise of which I have discovered is a wood factory is annoying me a bit, however, once up on the hills it soon vanashes.

Scott has just done some stove maintenance and the first fire of the autumn is on whilst he adds something to help clean the flue. The familiar smell of the wood burning is reminding me of last years winter and the hour walk to work along the canal in snow. I have been thinking a lot about work recently, its our busy time and have even had a number of dreams about it. I do think back to the daily routine and at times I miss feeling useful.

I have attached some random photos.

Friday 3 September 2010

Chirk Marina day 12 - Drive in the country

I have been very touched by the friendliness of people in the Marina and this area in general. In a week and a bit that we have been here we have had two lifts into the shop and an offer of another one, been invited for drinks twice and have had lovely conversations with fellow boaters about how nice it would be if we were to stay here for winter and that I should not worry not having a car and being a bit remote as I can always ask for a lift.

Yesterday we hired a car!. I forgot how lovely it is to drive.. well in this area as there is hardly any traffic. Up and Down hills, through country lanes.. its just fantastic. Did take me a while to get used to it, especially as on the canal you 'drive' on the other side, but I love the freedom of a car and the joy of not having to wait for a bus which on our trip to Wrexham on Tuesday was 20 minutes late. The car is a Silver Vauxhall Meriva 10 reg, this was one of the basic models, but it is lovely and so easy to drive.

Today we went for a drive in the country over a 'mountain pass' looking at the hills in the background. A bit bleak but very pretty all the same. We carried on driving to Denbigh Castle. Which was built in the 13th Century high on the hill tops with a 360 degree view. I think the pictures really speak for themselves as to how pretty it is. We ended the day with a walk along the Aqueduct at Trevor.




In writing this blog I have always written about the interesting and nice aspects of the journey, however, today we were on the Aqueduct and we saw a young lady looking a bit forlorn, she was by herself and looked a bit out of place as she was wearing work clothes with a black jumper, about 10 minutes later we discovered that she had committed suicide by jumping from the Aqueduct. My thoughts are with her family at this time.