I accidentally bought another boat. So much for spending the summer travelling England looking at every boat on the market, finding the perfect layout, the ideal combination of size and features, and the right feel. To hell with that, just look at some pictures and send lots of money. But there’s no getting out of it now, unless it fails the survey. Now I have to adjust all my plans but at least I now know where I’ll be starting from.

Soon-to-be “Cool Change” is lying in Reading at the moment, not far from London. I’ll be staying there for much of May, getting some modifications done. If I’m going to be mostly ‘off-grid’, I’ll need solar panels and extra batteries, which is a professional job. I’ll be doing some painting too, sprucing her up; she’s not brand new after all. Once ready, I think I’ll head out along the Kennet & Avon canal towards Bath and Bristol. It’ll be a two-way trip unless I get really brave and attempt the transit up to Gloucester via the River Severn. The problem with that is that it’s tidal and basically open ocean. It requires a pilot and a good weather window, these aren’t the most seaworthy of vessels! Going back through London has appeal too, we’ll have to see. I have the rest of my life to make these decisions!

So the actual blogs will be starting soon, I’ll have something to show and to talk about other than ‘plans’. It’s actually happening. There have been times when I wasn’t sure this was a good idea, or even possible. It’s a bit out of my comfort zone (not the boating, the buying) but I’m certainly stuck into it now. I will add some more pictures of her.

Thanks to all those that have been so supportive and encouraging. At least I think I should say thank you? Maybe if someone had given me a good shake and asked me “what the hell do you think you’re doing??” I might still have a bank account.

NOTE: I apologize about the Facebook link. Someone reported to Facebook that “Canuck OntheCut” isn’t my real name, so they’ve asked me to show ID to prove it (I can’t seem to find any). I’ve had to create <another> account, this time as a Blogger account associated with my regular one. There is a reason I’m not using my regular account. I am sorry for the hassles if you get asked to “Friend” me again, but the other account is dead already.

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The big day has come and gone. I’m no longer a contributing member of society, I’m now scrounging off the system, expecting things to be handed to me, and learning to drive without seeing over the wheel. And I’m going to start doing my grocery shopping at 5 o’clock.

On the narrowboat front, things might be happening. I’ve found a boat that I really like, had it checked out by a broker that I’ve been working with, and just might make an offer. As I will need to add stuff like solar panels and extra batteries, I’ll need to get it at a great price but it’ll be worth it, even if sight-unseen. A bit of a gamble but the survey will protect me from most big issues. I just hope I don’t get claustrophobia from the tight confines. I’ve never been on, or in, a narrowboat.

Here’s what she looks like:

Inside is beautiful, it’s what sold me:

If the sale goes through, more pictures will follow. I’m not convinced this is a good idea but there’re so few boats right now, and they sell so quickly, that I’m ready to go ahead with this (if the Price is Right). Holding my breath….

The ski season is done. I can now start concentrating on getting retired and packed! What a great season it’s been, spent with the best people around. Leaving them and the mountain in April is always bittersweet but I know from previous experience that when I see them again in December it’ll be like no time has passed. We’ll ask how our summer was, we’ll say you look great, we’ll complain/cheer about the snow and then go for coffee after two runs.

Preparations for leaving to the UK are well underway. I’ve got several mounds of clothes and electronics ready to sort through and squeeze into not enough suitcases. I’ve got tickets to the Crick Boat Show (and a tenting site). I’ve got a broker keeping an eye out for likely boats, and I’ve got a few that I want to see right away. If they’re still available, that is. They are still coming on the market regularly but selling just as quickly. I’m hopeful that I’ll find something in a reasonable amount of time.

Leaving work will be equally bittersweet. Not seeing those people (more of the best in the world) or going to sea is a tough one. I’ve not just worked with many of them, I’ve lived with them, sometimes for weeks at a time at sea. In quite closes quarters as well. I feel very close to them, and wish them all well in the future. Seriously, Good Luck in the government! I hope and plan to keep in touch with most. At least the cafeteria is open to the public, I can still drop by (but I’m NOT getting a visitor’s pass, and I’m parking wherever the hell I feel like).

Just a note, I’ve started a Facebook page for more immediate posting. It’s Canuck OnTheCut. Nothing there yet but I think it’s supposed to populate with blog posts (and I’ll be adding stuff as it happens).

Thanks for signing up, I like feeling like we’re still in touch!