It has to be said the day started a little subdued as both R and I felt the effects of our firepit evening. Let’s just say we consumed a lot of water first thing! The one thing we are learning along the way is that everyone has their own interpretation of what things may mean on the cut. So last night when I told Pi and Mr T about the purchase of my teapot as a sign of offering hospitality to the lonely, they looked a bit shocked. The story they had heard was that a teapot signifies you are ‘swingers’. Oh dear, a bit of a different take as to why we have a teapot. Now I don’t know quite what to do with it – it looks lovely filled with flowers!!
We were slightly surprised to see the boat moored beside us untying its ropes and casting off – we had overheard them say they were pleased they could stay here for 48hrs. We hope it wasn’t our carousing of the night before that encouraged them to move on before time – we knew tonight we would be better behaved as we had been invited out to supper locally so no impromptu firepit scheduled. We had a really lovely evening meeting the couple who had lent us their Scottish home to stay in for our son’s recent wedding. Sending them a thank you gift I had been amazed at how close they lived to the part of the canal we are presently moored at, so I let them know we happened to be nearby and we were immediately invited for supper! Iv came to collect us in his car and returned us at the end of a very jolly evening. He is a farmer and the views from their house in the midst of the countryside are stunning. As beautiful as their Scottish retreat – I remarked on how blessed they were to wake up to such amazing views. I suppose the downside is that you need transport to get anywhere and Hea said that certainly in this area all the bus routes are being cut back because they are just not frequented enough. It must be so difficult and expensive by taxi, for the elderly who may no longer be able to drive and those who cannot afford to run a car. HS2 is being built close by so a lot of the countryside is churned up and unattractive to boot! It was a contrast to our alfresco evening before and we so appreciated sitting in a spacious room eating a lovely home cooked meal that was not all made in one pot! Much as we love our new way of life, occasionally it is nice to be in bricks and mortar especially when it is raining, as was the case last night.
We had walked to the CoOp earlier in the day to replenish our thank you gift for Iv and Hea. That was after we had witnessed Picadilly Circus alongside our narrowboat as, like buses, the boat’s arrived together, all wanting water and another boat was trying to pass through. R and I helped as best we could, holding ropes to steady boats whilst they waited and enjoying the boating banter. These are such cameo moments. We realise most of the people we chat to we will never meet again but it is so nice to have the opportunity to pass the time of day. How often at home I go about my business with my head down, deep in thought of what I need to do next, without making the effort to speak to strangers. Infact I would probably be considered rather odd if I started conversations ad hoc!
I mention to people we are not just on a jolly but that we feel God has put us on the water with the purpose of being a Prayer Boat and then I feel guilty that the banner I am planning to make is still in the making. So, after the walk into Fenny for the chocolate heist, I set about my banner making and it was very therapeutic to do something creative. It is gradually taking shape, made out of leftover pieces of cratch material.
I received a call from Ma the engineer who is replacing or boat batteries, we thought on Wednesday. The good news for us is that he has had a cancellation so is now coming to fit them tomorrow which means we should be able to set off once again on our travels by Wednesday morning. I was encouraged by a seasoned boater to ring the CRT sooner rather than later if we want to go through London and stay at one of their visitor’s moorings. This boater thought we could only book for one night. Infact I found out you can book for up to a week at a time so we plan to be in London from July 1st through to the 4th. Please do get in touch if you would like to visit us then. Visitors always welcome!
NarrowboatTLC 