In two ways – back on the blog and back on the canals at last!!
In the time since I last blogged we have been at MGM boatyard having snagging and teething problems sorted, moving out from our rented flat and becoming water gypsies with no fixed abode, and having our bespoke furniture made and delivered.
So where shall I start – here are a few pictures of inside the boat now we have the furnishings and all our bits sorted out.
This is our bespoke furniture – it may look like a sofa, but it is in fact two separate chairs with cushions (and storage under the seats), that we can move or turn as required and a coffee table/foot stool with flip top containing cushion. This was designed by us and built by Martin of MGM Boats and upholstered by Darren at Whalin Upholstery. They have done a grand job!!
Just as we were planning to leave MGM, who should turn up but Doug and James on Chance for some work to be done.
They gave us some hints and tips for boating off of the River Soar and waved us off on Saturday morning – whilst taking pictures for their blog of course!
Having had our wrists slapped for not blogging for a month (or polishing the boat to James’ standard), we made an effort to clean the boat before departure and take some pictures of our “great escape” off the River Soar back to the safety of the Trent and Mersey Canal before the promised bad weather on Sunday.
We were ably assisted on our journey by Garys Sister Yvonne and her husband Roy and their dog Tilly, without whom we would not have made it off the river in one day.
Here are some pictures of our journey.
and finally arriving on the Trent and Mersey Canal at last!
As we passed through Sawley Cut, we were reminded of our canal beginnings 15 years ago – yes it was us on one of those “Canaltime” boats all those years ago – please forgive us!!
We are now moored at Shardlow, I am writing this during a heavy downpour – how glad are we that we made it all the way yesterday!
Just off to the pub now to use the free wifi to post this blog.
We promise to keep it up now!
What a gorgeous boat you must be so pleased with it. Happy cruising, can't wait to see it when we finally meet up.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys - we are very pleased with her. Look forward to crossing paths with you someday soon.
DeleteGary and Della
So pleased you made it to Shardlow! Great pictures of Muleless, you really do have such a fantastic boat! Enjoy your cruising and we look forward to your blogs. Best Wishes James and Doug x
ReplyDeleteWe were very pleased to make it on Saturday and then flop out on Sunday! We will try to update the blog at least twice a week in future (when we have an internet signal!)
DeleteGreat News...... Now you can get on with REALLY enjoying yourselves! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks - we will definitely be doing that!
DeleteHi Both, Damn, we missed you! We'll catch up at some point, no doubt. Keep well, happy cruising.
ReplyDeleteWe were looking out for you and it was only when I published the blog on Sunday that we discovered you had moved into the marina! Definitely catch up with you later.
DeleteHi Both,
ReplyDeleteWOW! Muleless really does look a fantastic boat, you must be so proud of her, I know I would be. Glad to see your finally underway and Chris and I will look forward to reading of your travels. Hopefully our paths will cross and we can compare boats :-)
Happy Cruising
Steve and Chris
Thanks guys, we are proud of her. Look forward to seeing AmyJo progressing and meeting up at some point.
Deletelooks fantastic, well done guys, enjoy.
ReplyDeletepaul and elaine