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Narrowboat on the canal

Maiden Voyage on Narrowboat Hang Loose

Posted on February 18, 2019September 6, 2019 by Steph

3rd February 2019

Our dream has come true and we have our very own narrowboat – Hang Loose – and she’s gorgeous. Yesterday we picked my dad and took him for lunch at The Boardwalk at Mercia Marina. Had a lovely lunch here , we had the fishfinger sandwich and it was delicious – worth a visit for lunch, especially if you like looking at narrowboats.  We spent a little time on the boat, lit the fire, unpacked a few bits and bobs and had a cuppa. Although we really wanted to take dad on a little cruise, it’s still iced over unfortunately.  Tomorrow, however, it’s supposed to be getting milder so hopefully we can take our first cruise then.

Narrowboats in Mercia Marina
Mercia Marina

We have a mooring arranged on the Erewash Canal but as Aston Lock is closed to have new lock gates fitted, we will not be able to go too far yet. After dropping dad off home, Paul set up the Wi-Fi, Apple TV and SONOS and everything is working well.  We had a cheeky little G&T and settled in in front of the fire to watch a couple of our favourite narrowboat bloggers on our newly set up apple TV.

Paul in front of the fire
Cosy in front of the fire with a G&T

4th February 2019

Had a fabulous night’s sleep – bed is so comfy – and as it’s king size there’s a lot more room for Tilly to spread out!!  We stocked up with coal and Paul picked dad up to come on our first voyage with us.  Backing out of our parking space at Mercia was a little tricky as it was so windy and still a little icy – but we made it.  We filled with diesel and water and pumped out before leaving the marina.  

Narrowboat being filled with diesel
Filling up with diesel

We are on our way

Man at back of narrowboat
Dad

Two locks today – the first one was really easy but the second one was a tough one.  Dad and I really struggled to open it – he said he’s not coming again lol.  By the way my dad is 90 in March – you wouldn’t believe it – he was hopping on and off the boat – he helped with both locks – and I think he loved his little cruise really.  

Paul steering the narrowboat
A very happy Paul
Dad at back of narrowboat
Glorious sunny day
Narrowboat in a lock
Lock

We only travelled 4 miles but it was just starting to get dark when we arrived at Swarkestone – so we called it a day.

Narrowboat moored along towpath
Moored at Swarkestone
Sunset
The sun setting on our first day of cruising

My lovely sister-in-law Sam took Paul back to get the car from the marina and then took dad home.  Paul and I went to the Crewe & Harper for tea – burger and chips – very nice.  We really like it at the Crewe & Harper, especially on a nice day when you can sit outside by the river – as we did on a previous walk.

5th February 2019

Tilly had a haircut today and is looking even more gorgeous.

Schnozzle sat on the back of a narrowboat
Tilly – with Alfie’s coat on
Tilly sat looking out from narrowboat
Tilly is loving it

Swarkestone Lock is the only lock to go through today.  We set off early afternoon and had a lovely cruise down towards Weston-on-Trent. Tilly sat at the back really enjoying it.  The sun was over the yard-arm so we had to have a beer as we cruised.  Paul is in his element – cruising the cut is “what he was born to do”.

Paul driving the narrowboat
He’s happier than he looks!!!
Narrowboat moored up
Moored up

Hang Loose feels like our home already and we are so happy. 

Schnoodle cuddled up on her cushion
Tilly snuggled up on her new cushion
Saloon in Narrowboat
Tilly curled up on the settee with the fire blazing

It’s been an amazing couple of days – can’t wait for Aston Lock to be re-opened so we can be on our way – however we do have a beautiful mooring spot.

LIVING THE DREAM

Narrowboat on the canal
Hang Loose

 

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3 thoughts on “Maiden Voyage on Narrowboat Hang Loose”

  1. Mark & Debbie says:
    February 18, 2019 at 9:33 pm

    Love Paul’s happy face, ?
    wouldnt want to see him when he’s angry. ?
    Does Tilly enjoy the boat? We have 2 border terriers Bonnie & Alfie,
    Bonnie get stressed out a bit when where on and off going through locks. Think its because she inside and doesn’t understand what all the commotion is about

    Reply
    1. Steph says:
      February 18, 2019 at 9:36 pm

      ??? Tilly absolutely loves it – we’re so happy that she’s not been at all anxious so far – she just seems to be loving it – only been through a few locks and she came off with me but I tied her up by the lock xx

      Reply
  2. Angela Louise says:
    February 21, 2019 at 4:23 pm

    Sounds like you had a fun adventure on your new narrow boat. ?

    Reply

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