AB2

      This is Adventure Begins 2. 

   After we had arrived at the marina we then had to settle down to life on a narrowboat. Now some people find it hard to downsize and live in a downsize world, Julie had a little trouble getting used to the downsizing side. Many, many times the trip back to our parents garages and lofts was to exchange stuff that we thought we would need and swop it for what we really needed, then the trip back for the whole thing to happen again. I, not being the hampster type, sorted what had to go with no tears or tantrums, Julie had abandonment issues with most of Her stuff, things She had not worn for years all of a sudden became very important. Anyways we got everything on the boat we needed and everything else stored between the parents garages and lofts.

 Next on the agender was the Shop. After getting the wood and ply that was needed, a few days of sawing, nailing and screwing, the Shop was complete. A big cupboard really with the doors opening opposite the side hatch, selves to show the wares and storage below that, after a couple of coats of varnish, looking real good. We had also have storage under the bed for more stock (after taking the stuff out Julie had hidden there). Now we started to get the stock we thought would do well for the adventure ahead. We scoured all the bargin shops , we went to trade shops and warehouses and eventualy sourced most of, if not all that was on our list, ish. The whole thing was an ongoing venture so we had to be flexible.

           British Waterways was very helpful when we explained what we wanted to do, in no time at all we had our trading licence, the only thing that they wanted was that we did not block the towpath or canal in anyway, as if we would !!! We then got all the maps that was needed and a book Julie swears by `The First Mates Guide`. It shows all the shops, postoffices,vets,doctors and other places that are on or near the canal you are on, it really is a must have if you endeveour to travel our waterways.

               The day came when we left the marina for the wide blue yonder, `the cut` to us boatees, feels good to be part of the waterways heritage, albit a small part. Teila was fueled up, watered up and gased up, Julie, Me and the dog was raring to go, the weather was not to bad, so we slipped our moorings and off we went, full of high spirit and high hopes. Lots of the friends we had made over the winter was there to see us off, horns and whistles blowing, we made our departure. The one thing I forgot to mention, the date…… April 1st…. would that be an omen for the coming months???? I will let you know on the next installment of the Adventure Begins. Take Care, Be Happy, from the crew of Teila, till next time, Bye. :o)