A few years ago our son, Ben, arranged for a big old Tjalk to be brought over from Holland. He then embarked upon the enormous task of fitting it out from scratch. Whilst we have been here in Staines, dealing with the death of my brother and arranging his funeral, we have been staying on Ben’s barge – its been our refuge. There have been like-minded boaters to talk to and a large assortment of waterfowl to watch.
I love living on our narrow boat and would not want to sacrifice the freedom of cruising around most of the system for more living space but ……………. living on a BIG boat is a totally different ‘ball game’! There’s so much space! So much storage! So much comfort! All very luxurious!
Other people do picture shows so, here comes one from me …….
The saloon
The kitchen
The bathroom
Main bedroom – there is another, smaller cabin but all our ‘stuff’ is in there cluttering it up at the moment!
Roof-top garden! Taken from the front ………..
Taken from the back …………
I think that, in a way, she’s a bit wasted here on the Thames – she would be perfect for cruising the French canals and rivers.
Those kayaks do get used regularly:-
Apparently, its a good way to arrive at the pub for lunch!
My brother’s funeral is on Monday. When my dad died my brother and I sorted things together; when my mum died we did the same. I’ve found it very hard making decisions on my own this time and, I have found the sorrow of losing a sibling very different from the sorrow of losing an elderly parent. I can’t wait to get back to “Ellen” for some respite.
One last thing:-
A friend sent us a picture of a boat that got into trouble on the swollen waters of the River Nene.
It’s a salutary reminder that boating can be dangerous and there is no room for complacency and taking unnecessary risks. The boaters got off safely but what a terrible thing to happen.
Blimey who knew that the Nene could be so dangerous! Seriously, hope Monday goes as ell as it can, ironically it is the day i long for, I am seriously shattered now, this is such HARD \work. Talk net week when you are back on Ellen
ReplyDeleteMuch love xxxxxxx
WOW! how fab is Bens Barge, we shall look out for it next year on the Thames! Are you sure you are not in a house? Be thinking of you on Monday Ange, Love and Best Wishes Doug and James xx
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts will be with you on Monday; although afterwards will be worst I suspect. I think you might feel quite 'alone' for a while.
ReplyDeleteRecently been ponsing about on Kevin's wide beam Avalon. Lovely and room to keeeeep dancing, but wouldn't swap my freedom to roam. xx00 Jill
What a fantastic boat, when you told us about it we never thought it would be so fabulous . Talent obviously runs in the family. Will think about you on Monday.
ReplyDeleteSpeak soon
Rob June and Phoenix
Where's Ben sleeping, in the bilge? Like I said in my e-mail, "Chin up girl and KBO". Will contact you when things have settled some....Del.
ReplyDeleteJust a BIG WOW on seeing your Sons boat again, beautiful! Sorry to hear of your sad loss too, life can be hard at times...It is good that we can all share our ups and downs through our blogs, I haven't met any of the boaters whose blogs I read, but I feel like we are all connected in some way. No alcohol was consumed in the writing of this comment...honest!
ReplyDeleteDebbie :)