As both of my regular readers probably already know, I’ve pulled the plug and I’m leaving the boat sooner than planned. I was originally scheduled to fly back to Canada in early November but circumstances have changed. I always knew there was a chance that the Covid crisis might worsen (the ‘second wave’) so had booked a changeable flight. Add to that the rib injury, making it difficult to move the boat, probably well into October, and this seemed to be the logical choice.
Also, way in the back of my mind is the concern over the US election situation. I was scheduled to fly just two days after it so if things really heat up down there, I’d rather not have to deal with potentially enhanced security at airports.
All in all, it’s been an interesting summer cruising the canals. I have to say I’ve had a much better time than so many others! Just being able to get over and check on the boat was lucky, but I also managed to get many more miles under the keel…or baseplate. It turns out my total distance travelled was 328 miles and I did 144 locks. Much less than other years but not bad for a late start and severely truncated route. On the return to my winter mooring marina, I had some of the longest cruising days ever, as much as 10 hours. I took advantage of whatever good-weather days I could find as there was not many of them.
I had originally planned on returning from the Braunston area (as far south as I had intended) via the outskirts of Birmingham and Wolverhampton. As the summer went on, these areas started to experience more Covid outbreaks that I was comfortable with. There was the distinct possibility that there would be local shutdowns. This had happened in Leicester and for several weeks no boats could travel through that city. Or, for that matter, leave if they were already there. If this had happened to me it would have been quite disastrous for my schedule. In the end, I decided to retrace my route back to my winter moorings. This was shorter, safer (no large cities where the outbreaks seemed to be happening the most), and I knew the good mooring spots already.
Update:
I’ve now returned to Canada. The flights were awesome, I was on a brand-new Air Canada 787, capable of holding 275 people, with only about 30 of us aboard. The food was Covid-standard, a cold sandwich or salad, but I got extra wine and cookies. Everything was exactly on time, right into Victoria. Some amazing friends had my truck waiting at the airport all stocked with food so I could just head straight to the mountain for my 14 day quarantine.
Of course I’m a bit disappointed, and I’m not convinced I did the right thing, but I do feel somewhat relieved that whatever happens I’ll be in a safe place. I could have easily stayed on the boat through anything that came along as it’s a very comfortable place to live, but there was the chance that I’d be there well into the winter. That, in turn, would have meant missing skiing! Not something I was willing to chance. Also, with the ribs I’ve been getting pretty bored, not being able to move the boat. By the time they healed adequately, the weather would have likely turned cold and wet(ter).
I’ll probably be writing more posts in the next while since I have little else to do, and will post more pictures as I sift through them. I’ve also put a couple of crappy YouTube videos together, watch for them too (if you’re REALLY bored) at www.youtube.com/c/CanuckontheCut
///qualified.themes.prowl <—the boat
///committing.hurried.eggshell <—me
Pleased you’ve gotten back here to finish your healing process. Also with the way things seem to be shaping up with the virus, who knows if international flights may be grounded. You’re much better off in a safe place, for sure.
I think so too. I also feel very fortunate to have had any time over there, so many people are still stuck not being able to travel at all.
Good to know you’re in BC though, as we’re a lot safer than many.
Your boat is a great idea, but so many types of travel is not a necessity. It was the ease of international travel that I blame for this whole thing anyway.
I can’t disagree with that. But it’s here to stay I think. Going to the boat (or even having it) isn’t a necessity but it’s a large investment for me and having it sit unattended for 18 months or more was a scary thought.
Yes, but being on your boat is a little different than mixing it up with hundreds of people in close quarters, having parties, breathing/sneezing/coughing on everyone within a few feet, or getting drunk, & not caring, etc., etc.
It will not be over within my lifetime as I’m nearly 74, unless they can come up with a vaccine or cure, so as we don’t socialize anyway, the only thing annoying is having dr. appointments by phone.
Other than that, for the moment, we’re fine here in Williams Lake, which only has one case that was immediately isolated.
Welcome home. Glad you are home safe and sound. Hope the ribs heal quickly ready for ski season💕💕💕
Thanks! Good to be home and resting… Hope everyone is good? xo
Glad to hear you are back safe and sound ! If you want some excitement … take a flight with Chris ..he has his private pilots license now 👨✈️😉
Good for him! Give him my congratulations…
Glad to hear you’re home safe and sound sorry didn’t get to wave you off hope your ribs are better soon and look forward to reading what you’re up to! Take care Amanda x
Thank you! I’m putting a lot of pressure on next year to be better! xx
At least you got over for a short adventure, one I’m sure you won’t forget!! Always next year to look forward to!
Exactly. I did some new canals too, so that was awesome.
You are such a great writer! Sounds like you made the perfect decision. Enjoy your quarantine on the mountain. Its going to be an amazing week with summer like weather.
Sandy
Thank you Sandy, that’s very kind. I’m happy with the decision, especially today. It’s glorious up here, my favourite view.
Have you run into any of the brits that have youtube narrowboat channels, like narrowboat experience, cruising the cut, this narrowboat adventure?
I’ve run into quite a few of them, mostly at the Crick Boat Show but also just coincidental meetings along the canal. The Narrowboat Experience interviewed me last year for one of their vlogs, they came for a visit back when we were allowed to do that!
We’re in Stone at the moment, Doug. Nice little place and a good canal side town, but raining! We traded our bikes in yesterday for a couple of fold up bikes which fit much better onto the front of our boat.
You must be nearly out of your isolation by now. Hope you’re healing well.
Cheers,
Hilary and Sandy aboard the Corniduo
Are you heading south? A little ways off the canal, at Salt (south of Stone) is a pub called The Holly Bush Inn. Fantastic food, nice country lane to get there. Worth a look if the timing is right. Sorry about the weather, I’ve been reading of the flooding, hope you’re able to avoid the rivers!
Glad you’re safely back home. Looks like our boats are neighbours at your winter mooring😀
(NB The Clayoquot Raven)
Hi! Of course I remember you, from the year before as well! How was your summer? I left a bit early, you must have come in after I left. Cool Change should be pulled soon, getting the hull done, then hard standing for the winter.