What have I done?

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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