Welcome to our blog, where we, Chris and Sam, share our exciting journey as expats returning to the UK from Knoxville, TN, to embrace a new chapter of our lives on the waterways! After years of adventure in the States, we’ve decided to trade our conventional routine for the serenity of narrowboat living. Our passion for travel, nature, and the charming canals of the UK inspires us to embark on this unique retirement lifestyle. Join us as we explore picturesque villages, uncover hidden gems, and navigate the challenges and joys of living on water. We’ll share tips, stories, and a few laughs along the way, inviting you to experience the beauty of life afloat with us!
After a couple of nights at Lyme Green stocking up on supplies, we cruised the short mile up to Gurnett Aqueduct. What a gem of a mooring — peaceful, pretty, and perfectly placed between two good pubs and a garden centre (dangerous combination).
It also happened to be Chris and my 12-year “Facebook friendaversary” — who knew a long-lost school connection would lead to all this? So obviously we celebrated in style with dinner at Sutton Hall. The food was absolutely wonderful. Sutton Hall itself dates back to the 16th century and is a beautiful Tudor manor house, all timber beams and history — the perfect setting for a little celebration.
On Friday we walked into Macclesfield and were genuinely pleasantly surprised. It’s a lovely market town with real character. Historically, Macclesfield was one of the world’s biggest silk producers in the 18th and 19th centuries, earning it the nickname “Silk Town.” You can still feel that heritage in the architecture and atmosphere. We checked out the moorings there but decided they weren’t for us — much nicer where we were — although we did join the library, which now means access to an audio library. Boating win!
Saturday took us to the Macclesfield Silk Museum, which tells the story of the town’s silk industry and its global impact. It’s fascinating to see how such a small town once led the world in silk production. We may also have come away with some wallpaper for the boat… stay tuned for decorating updates.
Sunday was a relaxed four-mile wander around the local area. It really does have that quintessential English village feel — one for future consideration, perhaps? We finished (as you do) with a pint at Ye Olde Kings Head. Rude not to.
From there we cruised up to Bollington and laced up our boots again, this time heading up to White Nancy. Built in 1817 to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo, this iconic white landmark sits high above the town and rewards you with stunning views (and slightly aching legs). Another very lovely village.
Wednesday delivered all four seasons in one day — sunshine, snow, rain and hail. Canal life keeps you humble.
On Thursday we moved up to Lime View Marina, mooring just outside while we sort a spot for Chris for the next 10 days. I’m heading back to TN over Easter to see Bex and Stephen. Chris is staying with the boat this time but will come back with me in the autumn.
We walked into Poynton for a bit of charity shop treasure hunting and found Chris a brand-new wax cotton coat — admittedly off-brand, but brand new and just £7. A proper bargain.
We also finally met up with Coalboat Alton for much-needed diesel and coal… which was less of a bargain. £300 for diesel and three bags of coal. Ouch. From there we cruised another mile to Baileys Trading Post to moor up while I’m away. Talk about an expensive day — we even lost the chimney cap to the canal thanks to the wind!
So my bag is packed (along with shopping requests from both kids). By the time you read this, I’ll be in TN with my two favourite humans, ready for tight hugs and, I’m sure, a few drinks with friends too.
Sometimes canal life stretches you in every direction — but right now, I can’t wait for those hugs.
After tackling Mow Cop, we rewarded ourselves with a gentler day, with a walk to Little Moreton Hall. Now part of the National Trust (which we decided to join), this truly is a gem. Little Moreton Hall is a stunning Tudor manor house, famous for its wonky, timber-framed structure that seems to defy gravity. Built in the 1500s, it’s full of quirky character, creaking floors, and fascinating history. The weather was beautiful, and the easy half-hour walk across the fields made it all the more enjoyable.
A few days later, we ventured a little further afield to a spring farmers market at Rode Hall. Rode Hall is an elegant country house with lovely grounds, and their farmers market is well known locally for its fantastic selection of produce. It was about an hour’s walk across farmland to get there, but well worth the effort. We came back laden with wonderful local goodies – fresh bread, rhubarb, lamb’s liver, and pork pies!
After a blissful week at this mooring, it was time to move on in search of water, so we cruised into Congleton. We spent a few days here catching up on chores – washing, shopping, and giving the boat a good polish – before heading out to explore. One highlight was a six-mile round trip hike up The Cloud. Rising above the Cheshire plain, The Cloud offers spectacular panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. The climb was invigorating… although Chris did manage to lead us down the “slightly more adventurous” (and very steep!) route on the way back!
On Saturday 14th March, we set off on another six-mile round trip to Bosley Locks. The views once again were stunning, and we decided then to move the boat to the foot of the locks for a few days before making our ascent.
Tackling the 12 locks was a real milestone for us, but we were incredibly fortunate to have a volunteer lock keeper, Jeff, helping us for the first half. We then met NB Scarlet Lady coming down – a beautiful boat – and as a single-hander, the lock keeper continued on to help Russell the rest of the way down.
We also faced another first along the way – the swing bridge at Oakgrove, the Royal Oak Swing Bridge. There was a moment of apprehension beforehand, wondering how it would all work and imagining holding up traffic! In reality, it was fully automated and straightforward, and my worries were completely unfounded.
Two weeks, twelve locks, countless views—and just the one slightly questionable route down the hill !!
Thursday 19th February turned into one of our busiest cruising days yet. We travelled from the Broughton Arms to Red Bull Services, tackling 11 locks in just 2 miles. Safe to say I’m feeling pretty confident with lock work now — practice really does make perfect!
We stayed around the Kidsgrove area for a couple of days. Chris finally got a much-needed haircut (after my attempt ended in mild disaster… I won’t be opening a salon anytime soon). We also enjoyed a walk along the Macclesfield Canal, scouting out the route for our next stretch of cruising.
After turning the boat around, we headed back towards the Broughton Arms to meet friends, stopping overnight in Church Lawton. While there, we visited All Saints Church, a beautiful church dating back to the 11th century. With Norman origins and centuries of additions and restoration, it stands as a quiet reminder of the village’s deep history and enduring community.
We later met up with Helen and Jane at the Broughton Arms for dinner, a pint, and another quiz night — always competitive, always fun! The following day we treated them to their very first narrowboat cruise. Just a couple of locks, but in perfect weather — a proper introduction to canal life.
The next few days turned wet and windy. Helen and Jane headed home to East Sussex, while we embraced slower days filled with countryside walks… that naturally included chips, beer, and cake. Balance is everything.
Eventually, we cruised back to Red Bull Services to empty rubbish and the toilet, and refill with water before setting off onto new waters — the Macclesfield Canal. We found a stunning mooring overlooking open countryside and settled in for the night.
The next morning brought glorious weather, so we walked up to Mow Cop Castle, home to The Old Man of Mow. The views were spectacular. The dramatic folly at the summit was built in 1754 by Randle Wilbraham as a romantic feature designed to resemble a ruined medieval castle. But this spot is also significant for another reason — in 1807 it became the birthplace of the Primitive Methodist Church, when open-air meetings here sparked a movement focused on passionate preaching and working-class communities.
Fresh air, wide skies, sweeping views and a touch of history thrown in — our perfect kind of day.
And now, as I sit writing this, I’m looking out over the countryside from our home on the water — and it feels just right.
Friday, February 6th finally saw us waving a cheery goodbye to the boatyard — with fingers firmly crossed that we wouldn’t be seeing them again any time soon, at least not unless it involved a drink and a social call! With a shiny new alternator fitted and a brand-new mattress on board, we set off feeling refreshed and optimistic, bound for Bramble Cuttings, a mooring we’d been trying (and failing) to reach for several weeks.
It was well worth the wait. We spent a wonderfully quiet weekend there, tucked away off the towpath with picnic benches nearby and a real sense of privacy. After the bustle of the yard, the peace felt like a luxury.
The next couple of days were spent in Middlewich, topping up supplies and catching up on the usual essentials before it was time to tackle a new challenge — our first staircase lock.
For anyone unfamiliar, a staircase lock is a series of locks joined together with no pound (flat water) between them. Instead, the boat moves directly from one lock chamber into the next, which means the water levels all have to be managed together. They can be steep, a bit intimidating, and leave very little room for error — especially when there’s an awkward turn thrown in for good measure! This particular staircase consisted of three steep locks, and we were hugely grateful for the help of a lovely couple who had navigated it before. Their calm guidance made all the difference.
Buoyed by that success, we carried on to another three locks which we completed entirely on our own. Slow progress perhaps — but progress all the same. We’re definitely getting there.
We then spent a couple of nights in Sandbach, as I’d been keen to visit the market. Sadly, the market itself was a bit underwhelming, but the town more than made up for it. Sandbach is steeped in history and is best known for its impressive Saxon crosses, which stand proudly in the town square. Dating back to the 9th century, these elaborately carved stone crosses are thought to have been commissioned by a Mercian king and tell biblical stories through their detailed panels — a remarkable survival from England’s early medieval past.
On Saturday, February 14th, we cruised just two miles — which doesn’t sound like much until you realise it involved ten locks! By the end of the day, a well-earned cuppa never tasted so good.
After a couple more quieter days, we moved on to Rode Heath and moored near The Broughton Arms. We’re actually meeting friends here in a week’s time, so this stop gave us the perfect excuse for a reconnaissance visit. We took part in the pub quiz and came 12th out of 35 teams — not bad at all for two old farts!
And finally, today brings a new adventure: our first ever supermarket delivery with no fixed address. A huge Sainsbury’s order is due to arrive, and we’ll be meeting them in the pub car park. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly — this continuous cruising lark certainly keeps life interesting!
Saturday 24th January – We cruised the boat back to Wincham Bend just as the computer shop rang with an update. They’d done everything they could: most of the videos had been recovered, but sadly not all the photos or files. When Chris went in to collect it, relief quickly turned into another task altogether. Over the next few days he was buried in footage, trying to make sense of it all — none of the videos had saved in any sort of order and most had no titles at all. It became a digital jigsaw puzzle that took far longer than expected.
With fingers crossed, we decided it was time to move on to a new mooring and finally get going again. Unfortunately, boating had other ideas. About a mile in, the dreaded alternator alarm sounded once more. That was that — stuck again. Another call went into the boatyard, with promises to try and get the engineer back out to us.
Being stuck didn’t stop us making the most of the situation. We headed off for a Sunday lunch at a lovely pub about a 30-minute walk down the lane. A welcome break and a reminder that there are always small pleasures to be found, even when plans unravel.
The engineer arrived first thing the Monday morning. After talking it all through with him and the boatyard, it became clear that the alternator simply wasn’t capable of keeping up with the demands of our battery system. To be fair, the boatyard weren’t really at fault — the system had been installed by the original owner and hadn’t been set up correctly from the start. A new alternator and pulley system were ordered.
While we waited, we had to get creative with water. Two local marinas kindly allowed us to fill containers and wheel them back on a trolley. The generosity of fellow boaters and marina staff never fails to amaze us.
That same afternoon there was a knock on the door. Joe — the fellow boater who’d helped us moor up in the ice — had managed to get himself stuck, possibly on a sandbank, just ten minutes away. Although we were eager to help, it was very windy and we’d already had issues earlier trying to cast off in the high winds. Still, we quickly unhitched and went to see if we could do anything. Sadly, despite our best efforts, we couldn’t pull him free and eventually had to leave him there. Several other boaters tried too, but it wasn’t until three days later that the local marina came out with a pair of hire boats and finally got him off.
A few days later the boatyard rang to say the parts had been ordered and were due to arrive early the following week. As a gesture of goodwill, they also offered to cover 30% of the cost of the repairs and parts, which we really appreciated. They even suggested we could move up to the boatyard and hook up to electric and water while we waited — another huge weight lifted.
We spent a quiet weekend doing chores on the boat, catching up on shopping, and settling into enforced stillness.
Of course, the waiting wasn’t quite over. The parts were still delayed and, just to add to the list, Chris’ credit card decided to stop working. Cancelling it and arranging a replacement proved far more complicated than it should be when your home floats and doesn’t have a fixed address.
Finally, the engineer arrived with the parts on Wednesday Feb 4th, We’re hopeful it will be a quick job and that we’ll soon be back out on the canal. That said, we’ve also just ordered a new mattress, due to arrive tomorrow, so with a bit of luck everything will fall into place and we can move on at last — rested, repaired, and ready for whatever comes next.
The last time I wrote to you all, we were hopeful. The plan was simple enough: move on, find water, empty the bins, and continue north. Alas… winter had other ideas. We were iced in for another four long days.
Needs must, so we wrapped up and made a trek to the local Co‑op to buy nine litres of fresh drinking water. At least we could have a cuppa while we waited for the thaw.
Following in Someone Else’s Wake (Literally)
On 12th January, two boats moored behind us decided to head out, bravely breaking up the ice as they went. Watching them crunch their way forward gave us hope, so we thought we’d follow in their footsteps.
Reader… that was a mistake.
The canal was still thick with ice in places and progress was painfully slow. About a mile in, as we rounded a bend, we were greeted by a very upset gentleman standing on the roof of his boat. He gave us a thorough telling‑off about travelling in icy conditions.
As you can imagine, this really upset us — the very last thing we ever want is to annoy fellow boaters. But just in front of him were the two boats we’d followed, and they very kindly helped us pull in and moor up safely. They reassured us with a quiet word: “Don’t worry about Dave — he’s like that with everyone.”
To be fair, we completely understood his frustration. We were the third boat to pass him that day. And in a lovely twist, Dave knocked on our boat the following morning and apologised — in his own wonderfully gruff way. Boating life in a nutshell.
Community, Cuppas, and Cracking Finds
We waited out the ice for another couple of days, but not before being told about a local community shop called The Very Green Grocery.
Run entirely by volunteers, the shop’s mission is to stop good food going into landfill. You pay £7 and can fill two large shopping bags. We walked away with cereal, tea, bread, tinned goods, frozen meat — easily £50 worth of groceries for seven quid. What an absolutely brilliant resource.
Ice, Again — But With a View
Once more we headed north, hoping to finally reach services. We managed another mile or so before the ice closed in around us yet again. This time though, the mooring spot was stunning — peaceful, scenic, and well worth the delay. Once again, kind boaters helped us gently into the side to moor.
Finally, after another two days, the ice had melted enough for us to move on. At last, we reached services to fill up with water, dispose of rubbish, and feel vaguely human again.
Our First Lock!
From there, we headed north and out into the countryside — and went through our first lock.
Now, I say lock… the difference in water height between the gates was minimal.
What is a lock? A lock is essentially a water elevator for boats. By filling or emptying a chamber between two gates, boats can be raised or lowered to match the water level ahead.
This particular lock exists to preserve water between a Canal & River Trust (CRT) canal and a privately owned canal.
After navigating through, Chris immediately turned the boat around and we came back through the same lock — because we couldn’t go any further due to a breach further up.
What’s a canal breach? A breach happens when part of the canal bank collapses, allowing water to escape. Until it’s repaired, navigation beyond that point is usually impossible.
We moored up in a lovely spot for a couple of nights and enjoyed some beautiful walks — the kind that make all the delays worth it.
Disaster Strikes 💻
Then… disaster.
Our external hard drive suddenly appeared to be completely empty. Hundreds of videos, photos, and memories — gone. Nowhere to be found.
After 24 hours of trying everything we could think of, we made the decision to hand it over to a professional. That meant casting off and heading back into town.
We moored up at Anderton Boat Lift again, dropped the drive at the computer repair shop, and then did the only sensible thing: headed to the pub for a very much‑needed drink.
Unexpected Visitors & Full‑Circle Moments
While waiting to hear about the repair, we received a message from Karen and Jason of “Just Two People” saying they’d just walked past our boat.
So of course — aboard they came for a cuppa. Our first guests!
Here’s the magical part: Karen and Jason were on the Queen Mary 2 at exactly the same time as us, completely unbeknownst to any of us then. And just like us, they were leaving the USA to move onto a narrowboat.
We’d chatted a little on social media after discovering our shared plans, but this was our first time meeting in person. It was fascinating (and reassuring) to talk through how similar our thoughts were about leaving America and starting this new chapter.
The Morning After… 🚿
The following morning, after our lovely visit with Karen and Jason, I decided a shower was in order. What could possibly go wrong?
Well… as I was getting out of the shower, I slipped and fell. Thankfully nothing was broken — just some impressive bruises and a very bruised ego. After a brief moment of lying there questioning my life choices, I accepted the inevitable and invested in an old-lady non-slip shower mat.
The joys of getting older — narrowboat edition.
Fingers Crossed 🤞
So today, we’re sitting tight, waiting for the computer shop to call. We had to order a new external hard drive, but the technician believes he’s recovered everything and is transferring the files as we speak.
Thank goodness.
Hopefully, once this is sorted, we can truly head into new waters — exploring new places and meeting new people.
And on a very happy side note: I’ve booked a flight back to Tennessee in April, and I cannot wait to see the kids again.
Christmas Day this year was extra special for us. Not only was it our first Christmas aboard narrowboat AndAway, it also marked our first ever cruise on the canals. Talk about jumping in at the deep end – or should that be the shallow end of the Trent & Mersey!
We set off on Christmas Eve, full of excitement and just a little bit of nerves. Up until that moment our new floating home had stayed firmly tied up in the marina, so taking her out onto the water for the first time felt like a real milestone. “Slow” was definitely the key word as we made our way toward Anderton Boat Lift. With Chris at the tiller, we began learning how to steer and control the boat properly. It’s amazing how something that looks so effortless when others do it suddenly feels very complicated when it’s your hands on the controls.
Our route took us past the boat yard where we originally purchased AndAway. Seeing it again brought back all the memories of the big day we found her. The canal outside the yard was incredibly crowded – boats were moored up to four deep across the waterway. Despite the congestion, Chris felt comfortable on the water surprisingly quickly. Before long he was negotiating bridges and bends with growing confidence, looking every inch the seasoned boater.
There was only one minor mishap along the way – and thankfully it really was minor. We slightly misjudged the height of a low bridge and managed to knock the chimney clean off the roof. My heart skipped a beat, but luckily we didn’t lose it in the canal. Lesson learnt about “air draft,” we carried on our merry way.
I even had a go at the tiller myself. I’d half expected to be hopeless at it, but I was genuinely surprised at how fast I became comfortable controlling the boat. Tight turns, narrow gaps and low bridges all seemed far less intimidating after a few minutes. I successfully steered us under a couple of bridges and through some tricky bends without adding any extra DIY repairs to the list – a personal victory!
We arrived at Anderton late afternoon and found a lovely quiet mooring spot opposite a pub. Perfect planning if you ask me. After tying up, the kettle was on in no time for a well-earned cuppa, and then we headed out for a stroll around the famous Boat Lift.
A Few Facts About Anderton Boat Lift
The Anderton Boat Lift is one of the true engineering gems of Britain’s waterways. Opened in 1875, it was built to connect the Trent & Mersey Canal with the River Weaver, which lies 50 feet below. Nicknamed the “Cathedral of the Canals,” it was the world’s first commercially successful vertical boat lift. The original design used hydraulic rams to raise and lower giant water-filled caissons, allowing boats to move smoothly between the two levels. In 1908 it was converted to an electric pulley system, and after years out of action, it was fully restored and reopened in 2002. Today it stands as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and remains a working lift, carrying narrowboats up and down just as it did nearly 150 years ago. Unfortunately, the boat lift is out of operation at the moment and looks like it will not be open again until 2027.
Armed with a bit more knowledge and plenty of fresh air, we did the only sensible thing – we went into the pub for a pint. It would have been rude not to!
Christmas morning dawned bright and chilly, and we decided to continue our adventure a little further up the canal. Next challenge: tunnels! Our first experience was Barnton Tunnel, which is 572 yards long. On went the navigation lights and in we headed. I can confirm it was VERY dark – LOL – but Chris was completely unfazed and steered us through without a wobble. There was a second, shorter tunnel beyond that, but this one was a timed tunnel. For those still learning, that means north- and south-bound boats have different permitted entry times to avoid meeting in the middle. We’d missed our slot, so rather than wait around we turned the boat in a handy winding hole and made our way back toward Anderton.
Back on our festive mooring, Christmas dinner was cooked very successfully in the air fryer. It may not have been a traditional kitchen, but it was a wonderful meal and tasted every bit as good as any land-based Christmas lunch. After all, it’s not where you eat it that matters – it’s who you’re with and the adventure you’ve had getting there.
Looking back, spending Christmas on the move, learning new skills and gaining confidence together was the best present we could have given ourselves. AndAway already feels like home – just a slightly smokier one when the chimney gets involved!
Boxing Day arrived with the sun still shining, so we decided to start making our way back toward the marina. On the return trip we experienced another “first” – our initial stop at canalside services. Life on land comes with plug sockets and endless running water. Life on a boat involves a bit more planning! The services stop meant emptying the waste and filling up with fresh water. It might not sound glamorous, but learning how these practical systems work is all part of becoming proper boaters.
With the chores completed, we enjoyed a very pleasant cruise back down the Trent & Mersey. The winter sunshine made everything sparkle, and the canal was noticeably quieter after the Christmas rush. Chris and I both felt a real sense of achievement as we glided confidently back into familiar waters. What had seemed daunting only a couple of days earlier now felt perfectly normal.
New Year’s Eve was spent snug and warm in the marina. We took full advantage of modern conveniences and stocked up on supplies thanks to a delivery from Sainsbury’s. It felt rather indulgent having groceries arrive right to the pontoon, but we knew that once we left marina life behind us, things would be very different.
And leave it behind we did! On New Year’s Day we untied the ropes and set off for the last time as permanent moorers. From that moment on we officially became Continuous Cruisers – living full time on the canals without a fixed base. It was an exciting thought as we headed back out onto the water… although in reality we didn’t get very far at all.
Our grand start to the cruising lifestyle took us just over a mile up the canal to a quiet mooring in a small clearing. The reason for the short hop was that we needed to wait for our solar installer to come and make one final adjustment to the newly fitted system. While we were on our first cruise, we discovered something far less festive – the alternator on the boat wasn’t charging the batteries. That is a major problem on a narrowboat, especially in winter when power is everything.
Unfortunately, with the holidays in full swing, the boat yard was closed until after the New Year. So we sat tight, monitored our battery levels and waited patiently for normal service to resume. As soon as they reopened, an engineer was dispatched to us, and he quickly diagnosed and sorted the charging issue.
Just as we thought we were ready to press on, the weather had other ideas. A spell of very cold conditions swept in, bringing snow, hard frosts – and plenty of ice. We suddenly found ourselves completely iced in, unable to move. The canal looked beautiful, like a Christmas card scene, but pretty views don’t fill water tanks or keep cupboards stocked!
For six long days the only boat that managed to crunch its way through was the fuel boat. And that deserves a proper shout-out. Thanks to Halsall – Four Counties Fuels Ltd, trading as Fuel Boat Halsall, who got us fully stocked up with diesel and wood just when we needed it most. Continuous cruising in winter without them would be a whole lot tougher. Endless thanks from Chris and me.
As I write this, we’re finally hoping to head out this morning. After nearly a week in one spot we desperately need water and fresh supplies. Our closest option right now is Anderton Boat Lift services again, so that’s the target. The ice is slowly melting and two boats moored behind us have already set off successfully, so we’re planning to follow them and see if AndAway can do the same.
While the snow and ice have been very pretty, six days is quite long enough. It’s time to stock up, warm up and move on to the next stretch of canal.
This festive season has been a whirlwind of learning curves, engineering hiccups and winter weather, but through it all our little boat has truly started to feel like home. And of course, the vlog next week will let you see all the visuals associated with our first cruise!
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of travel, family time, and settling into our new floating life. From long-awaited reunions and seaside stays to ticking off boat jobs and preparing for a very different kind of Christmas, it’s been a season of change, gratitude, and a fair bit of adventure. Here’s a little catch-up on where we’ve been and how we’re ending the year.
We enjoyed a truly lovely weekend in Sidmouth, Devon, with my mum, my sister, and her family for an early Christmas together. I think Mum particularly loved having my sister and me together for the first time in many, many years—that alone made the weekend special. We stayed in a charming hotel and relished being by the sea again, something that always calms the soul. My sister and her wonderfully crazy children even went for an early-morning swim (brave souls!)—that was very much a them activity, not us.
From there, we headed to St Leonards-on-Sea and settled back into our flat (https://bit.ly/rooftopsNo83) where we spent a lovely week catching up with Chris’s daughter and friends. Chris got to spend sometime at his beloved rocks and we even attempted to watch a Christmas tractor parade, but after nearly two hours of waiting, the rain set in and enthusiasm quickly faded. We admitted defeat, headed home, and opted instead for hot chocolate and Baileys—which, honestly, felt like the better festive choice anyway.
From there, we headed back to the boat, where our new pram cover had indeed been installed—and it was looking wonderful. The water-in-the-diesel issue had also been sorted before we left, and the fridge had arrived too, so everything is finally starting to come together. Including adding some personal touches to the decor.
This week has been spent shopping for our first Christmas aboard. There will be no presents this year, as we’ve already spent a small fortune and the boat itself is very much our gift to each other. That said, the food shopping has been done, and we shall soon discover how cooking a traditional Christmas dinner on a boat turns out—stay tuned.
Some of you may have heard about the canal breach that occurred in the early hours of December 22nd
While we are looking forward to our first Christmas aboard, our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and possessions so close to Christmas. We are, however, incredibly thankful that everyone managed to get off their boats safely and that no one was hurt.
As we settle in and prepare to celebrate Christmas in a way that feels very different—but incredibly special—we want to wish you all a very Merry and peaceful Christmas. May it be filled with warmth, kindness, and moments of calm, wherever and however you are spending it. And as we look ahead, we wish you a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year. Thank you, as always, for following along on our journey.
Next Wednesday see how we got on moving into our tiny living space in the pouring rain and solving all the challenges we faced along the way.
The last fortnight has been a bit of a blur — equal parts soggy, sparkly, musical, and mildly chaotic — so, you know… standard AndAway life.
First up: solar! We finally had our panels fitted, and honestly, Matt and Gary from OnboardSolar.co.uk deserve medals… or at the very least a dry pair of socks. They worked through relentless cold rain while I kept them fuelled with endless mugs of tea and a steady rotation of biscuits. Troopers, the pair of them. By the time they were done, we were officially sun-powered (well… UK-sun powered, so let’s manage expectations).
The WiFi guy also reappeared, armed with more power, and more gigabytes to try and drag our stubborn little corner of the marina into the 21st century. We’re learning that being tucked into this particular spot means we’re very dependent on mobile signal — which depending on which way the wind is blowing- we could be running on full power or down for hours! but hey, things are steadily improving.
With winter creeping in, I decided it was time to get AndAway decorated for Christmas. Now, considering I once had a full basement store cupboard in Knoxville bursting with decorations (including two full-sized trees!), my current arsenal is… humble. Picture a 7″x7″ box, a 2ft tree, and the sheer determination of someone who refuses to have a sad boat Christmas. And you know what? It actually looks pretty cute. Minimalist, but festive enough that AndAway feels warm and homely every time we walk in.
But the real highlight of the last two weeks? Wembley Arena. The Reytons. And an insanely long day.
We were up at 6:30am — quick cuppa, clothes on, Uber into Manchester (45 minutes), breakfast, and then onto a coach packed with fellow fans. The Reytons themselves had organised the coaches down to London, which made the whole thing feel like a giant school trip with better music and more tattoos.
London was a whirlwind: pub meal, mooch around a Christmas market, then into Wembley for the show. And honestly? They were fantastic. Completely worth it. The journey home… was less so. Coach back to Manchester, peering out the window at the pitch-black motorway wondering if time was still real, and finally arriving at 4am. Then another Uber back to our floating bed. Loved the experience, not entirely sure we’d do that marathon again — might be getting a bit too old for 21-hour concert days!
If you want to hear some of the gig click here
Back onboard, AndAway is really starting to feel like home now. Next up on the job list:
New fridge, hopefully arriving tomorrow (fingers crossed).
Pram cover for the stern — extra shelter and much-needed storage.
And the big one: sorting the engine, because we’ve somehow ended up with water in the diesel. Hoping (and mildly praying) that’ll be fixed tomorrow as well.
Then on Friday, we’re heading down to Devon to see my mum, my sister, and her family for an early Christmas celebration — the first time in years we’ll all have been together. I’m excited, but thinking of my children too, missing them in that quiet, achey way that sneaks up at this time of year.
After a long weekend there, we’re off to St Leonards-on-Sea to spend some time at the flat, see Chris’s daughter Stephanie, and catch up with friends. Then it’s back to AndAway for Christmas proper.
And who knows — if the fridge behaves, the pram cover fits, and the engine decides to stop drinking water — we might even get to take AndAway out onto the canals for the very first time. Imagine that.
Speak to you all in a couple of weeks, in the meantime dont for get to check our vlog ! Next edition is our trip on the Queen Mary 2 !
It’s been just over two weeks onboard now, and things are finally starting to feel a lot more settled. We’ve gone from chaos to something that resembles a home… albeit a floating one with endless to-do lists and patchy WiFi.
Speaking of WiFi — yes, we’ve finally had it installed! “Installed” might be a generous word, considering it drops in and out depending on which way the neighbour’s boat is sitting or whether a duck swims by a little too enthusiastically. But still… it’s better than nothing and makes liveaboard life a little easier.
The credit card, however, has taken a proper beating. Every time we swipe it, I whisper, “Think of the air miles…” It doesn’t help, but it eases the guilt slightly.
Creating Space: Chris vs. The Bed
One of the biggest wins this fortnight was Chris raising the bed by a couple of feet — a genius move that created loads of extra storage. A narrowboat is basically a never-ending game of Tetris, and we’re finally winning a few rounds!
And, in the process, I may or may not have created something very important…
✨ A Secret Drawer. Yes — a deliberately crafted, carefully curated stash of goodies tucked away for those moments when only chocolate (or crisps, or biscuits…) will do. It’s my little hidden treasure trove onboard and I’m unreasonably proud of it.
Going Greener: Composting Toilet Installed
In our continued effort to be more eco-friendly and reduce our impact, we’ve also installed a composting toilet onboard. It’s a whole new world — less water use, less chemical waste, and (allegedly!) low smell.
We’re still getting used to the system, but so far, so good. I’ll keep you posted on how we get on with it… and whether it becomes one of our best decisions or an ongoing adventure!
The Sofa Saga
We also ordered a new sofa, and getting it onto the boat was… an adventure. If you’ve never tried squeezing a sofa through a narrowboat entrance, imagine giving birth in reverse — but with upholstery.
But it’s in! It looks great. And we donated our old sofa to a fellow boater, so nothing went to waste.
The Washing Machine Debacle
Then came the washing machine delivery, which turned into a full comedy sketch.
Currys assured us numerous times that delivery to a narrowboat was fine. Delivery day arrives — and the driver starts sucking his teeth before he even steps onboard.
They got the machine onto the jetty but then decided it was an “elf and safety” issue. Chris, attempting to keep things simple, asked:
“Just yes or no, are you going to install this washing machine?”
To which the driver replied: “Elf and safety, mate.”
“That’s not what I asked… yes or no?” “Elf and safety, mate.”
At that point Chris had enough, told them to leave (let’s say… not politely), and we installed it ourselves in under 20 minutes.
Weather, No Wheels & A Cheeky Pint
The weather has shifted from wet to cold and frosty — beautiful in its own way. The rental van has been returned, so for the first time in 40+ years, we’re officially car-less.
It’s odd, but also strangely refreshing.
Yesterday we had an Amazon return to drop off, so we walked the 20 minutes along the towpath to the nearest Post Office. The sun was out, the air was crisp, and we grabbed a few bits from the Co-op on the way back.
Conveniently, that route also took us past a canalside pub. Well… it would have been rude not to stop for a cheeky Tuesday pint.
Settling In & Looking Forward
The boat is really starting to feel like home now. There’s still plenty to sort — fridge, solar, and a few more accessories — but we’re getting there, slowly and surely.
I’m also trying to stay in touch with the kids and friends back in TN. The past couple of weeks were hectic and my mental health took a bit of a wobble, but honestly, we’re on the up now.
The future feels bright — cold, frosty, occasionally WiFi-less — but bright.
And Away... 