Fitting out

I've had the boat now for two and a half years, which I bought as a sailaway. I've been cruising the system getting to London and the Lee and Stort last year. All this time I have been endeavouring to fit it out. Once I got reasonably comfortable, the pace slackened, but now I'm making a big push to get it finished, so my cruising this year may be fairly restricted.

The problem with living on board, cruising and fitting out is space. Every job means moving stuff about to make room for the job in hand. In addition I've all the tools, sheets of ply, various lumps of wood etc, all of which get in the way. I'm currently refitting the kitchen in its third incarnation. So everything I store in the kitchen is scattered randomly about, plus I've extended it into what was my storage space, so everything from there is also scattered about. Result: chaos.

I've been operating on bottled water now for 2 years as I've never finished the plumbing. Thought I'd get that done today, but of course I find myself short of a couple of connectors, so it's a trip to a DIY place tomorrow. Should be able to finish then and move on to the back cabin. This is when I'll get to use the sheets of ply I've been storing for ages and make a better place for storing tools. At present they are spread all over and everything I put down I manage to lose - how is it possible to lose so much stuff in a narrowboat?

highest point

Just one lock from the highest point on the canals at Summit and booked to go through tomorrow. I really like it up here with the hills towering above, it feels almost mountainous.

This,obviously, was not taken today but I like the atmosphere.

I'm officially in Lancashire. Came up the last two days with Ian on NB Sara Louise which made the trip much easier.

The main problem with being here is that their is no pub within easy reach as the Bird in the Hand s closed and for sale (at least I assume it's closed - better wander over and check)

Walsden

Another short day as I gradually approach Summit. Provided I can get a booking Friday will be the day. Lunch taday was at Grandma Pollards fish and chip shop, reputedly the best in the world. I wouldn't go that far, but certainly very good and well worth a visit.

Todmorden

Moved along today, four miles and 10 locks from Hebden Bridge to Todmorden. Approaching my planned mooring I was concerned to see the area tied up with police tape - what could be going on? Turns out it's a goose nesting in a flower tub. Didn't get that sort of responce when I was robbed.

Whilst passing through Todmorden I visited Bare Arts. It is a canalside Gallery (abstract nudes), brewery and bar. All bottled beers but the samples I tried were excellent. Recommend a visit if you are passing.

Waiting Game

I set off on my summer tour four weeks ago and have travelled five miles. This may not seem like much progress but the closed lock opens on Tuesday so I will be moving on to Littleborough, then Manchester. My only current destination is Lapworth, south of Birmingham in June but I have not yet decided how to get there. Either the Trent and Mersey or the Shropshire Union. These decisions can wait.

I have used the time to continue the fitting out of DBL though it still has a long way to go.

Introduction

For the last wo years my annual travel on Englands canals have been reported on a canal forum (CWDF). This year I decided to try Blogging. So this is the blog of narrowboat Dr Bradleys Linctus.