I’ve written and talked about the Crick Boat Show before, it’s the biggest inland waterways show of the year. In addition, they have a bunch of music acts (mostly tribute bands and solo artists), a beer and cider festival, and lots of stuff for sale! Well, more about that later.

In 2018 I attended the show, before I actually had my boat ready to go anywhere. It was still in the marina in Reading where I was busily buying all the little things that are necessary for life these days. Dishes, linens, stuff like that. My broker Jamie was going to be working at the show so offered to drive me there, which I unhesitantly accepted. I had camping gear with me so I rented a tent site and when I was setting up the people next door invited me over for a drink. We quickly became fast friends and have remained so to this day. And guess who I was meeting at the show THIS year??

It really was the highlight of the weekend for me, spending time with Chris and Julie. They are such wonderful people, and have recently bought their own dream boat! We had a fantastic weekend of chatting, looking at boats, listening to music, and testing the cider offerings. It was very special to see them and catch up on all the GOOD news.

The show itself was completely typical, nearly a carbon copy of my previous visits. Some sun, horrendous downpours, thunder, and mud everywhere. The music was considerably better however. After suffering through Abba and Dolly Parton (who seemed to think she was ACTUALLY Dolly Parton), this year’s shows were both fantastic. Young Elton John was high-energy, talented, and lots of fun…

The second night was Fleetwood Bac, actually endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself. They were excellent as well, it was a bit unfortunate that it was a somewhat marred by the wet and mud. It made dancing and even standing up rather uncomfortable. But a great show nonetheless.

As for the vendors, most needs were represented. Electronics, chandlery, crafts, and everything in between. Unfortunately, most of them didn’t actually bring much stock with them to sell. It seems that they’ve switched to the ‘order and ship’ model. I needed several items but couldn’t get any of them. I don’t have a convenient spot for them to ship to, nor can I ‘just drop into the shop’ to pick something up. I might as well use Amazon, they ship to many more places! Including car parks at many pubs..

So as I write this I’m on my way south toward London. It’s so nice to be at a more relaxed pace, stopping when I feel like it, for as long as I feel like it (within reason!). There are several ‘sights’ to see on the way, museums mostly. It’s a very historic canal, the Grand Union. Passing through many villages and towns and lovely countryside, it’s a very friendly and welcoming area.

One of the highlights was a visit to Bletchley Park. This is the place where the Enigma machine was deciphered, what Churchill called the ‘Ultra Secret’. By breaking it, the Allies were able to read almost all of Germany’s secret messages by the end of the war. It’s a fantastic museum and well worth a day out.

Most of the boats seem to be people living aboard, searching for a different life perhaps. So many smiles and waves, I’ve really enjoyed it so far. I’ll write more and post pictures of some of the sights soon…