Final Musings

If you've been keeping up with me, you'll realise that our marathon run of Avon Ring posts has now all but come to an end, as the boatyard to which we had to return Muscovy, was only a short chug from the bottom of the Tardebigge flight.

I've got a few photos left though, and I'd like to use them to share a few musings about life aboard a canal boat, or life on the cut, as some would call it.

So, in no particular order ...

1. A mug of tea tastes so much better in the fresh air and especially when enhanced by a view of a canalside curiosity. There are loads of these on the canal system and I was particularly taken with this holey railway bridge.


My canal guide offered the suggestion that the big hole was there to lessen the weight of the structure.

2. Boating in the springtime is especially good (it might be summer now but it was spring when we went on our adventure) as there is lots of blossom and flowers to enjoy and lambs and baby birds provide much entertainment.


3. There are an incredible number of derelict industrial buildings beside the towpath.


I regard this as prime land and I really can't understand how little use is being made of it. I think we need more local industry and more waterside homes.

4. Navy blue is a good colour for a canal boat roof as it absorbs the sun well and makes the roof very nice to sit on, as I demonstrate ...


5. Not all barges are narrow boats.


I checked out the alternatives on this trip but decided that narrow boats are my first love and, for me, have the most character.

6. It would be lovely to live by a canal, although we won't as long as we live in Norfolk, due to the non existence of canals.


On this trip I got some ideas of what I could do to maximise a water frontage if I had a waterside home.

7. My final thought for this trip is that canal boating is best done with friends.


I know you've seen this picture before, but it is rather a special one, as it's the only one I have with all my crew together. I can't say a big enough thank you to this wonderful bunch of bears, who made this holiday a really special one for me. Thanks guys.

Hope you've enjoyed sharing the Avon Ring with me and rest assured we'll be back with lots more adventures very soon.

Lots of love Eddie and all Muscovy sailors xxx