Having re-explored Islington for a few days, including a pleasant evening at the St Pancras Cruising Club chatting to some much more experienced boaters than ourselves, we moved Naomhog on towards Kings Cross. It took barely an hour, including a stop at the water tap and then the Islington tunnel, which was longer than I remembered, I think because the light at the far end of the tunnel appeared quite bright and large when we entered, giving the illusion it was fairly close. Although just broad enough for two narrowboats to pass, you are not encouraged to enter the tunnel when you see a narrowboat coming towards you. On exiting the tunnel we were grateful to see another boat waiting to enter, rather than have impatiently pushed ahead – I’m not sure we would have found it easy to manoeuvre past them mid tunnel without a bump or two!
Moored up, straddled against the stern of one widebeam and the bow of another, we could then easily step ashore across our neighbour’s stern. This seemed to be the norm and the occupants of both boats were very accommodating of our presence even though initially we found it a little strange. However an advantage of not being next to the towpath was the realisation that the boat was more safe from intruders and less likely to have anything lifted from the roof! Not that we felt at risk. Kings Cross has altered dramatically in thirty years as the ‘ladies of the night’ have been moved on and the entire canal area has been regenerated and rebuilt, resulting in a vibrant and exciting space to explore. How happy was I to find a large Waitrose within a stone’s throw of the boat. It even boasted a wine bar! Popping in daily to use my voucher for a free newspaper I am now in the habit of Whatsapping the crossword to my two sons, who then answer the clues via WA and I manually fill the crossword in, resending periodic updates. It may sound laborious to those of you who complete the crossword in minutes, but I think its a fun way to connect to my two boys, one who is currently studying abroad and one who as a father, multitasks cradling his newborn and exercising his brain. For R and me, it has reignited an interest in crosswords, which we did avidly in our courting days but stopped when life got too busy.
Walking the streets of London it is fascinating to both people watch and take in the atmosphere of the differing areas, noticing changes both architecturally and culturally. Observing the difference in wealth and multiculturalism, there are varied and vibrant communities and it’s exciting to be part of that, even if only briefly. London feels so alive and I am sure there are some streets that never quieten.
With endless coffee shops to choose from, my eyes alighted on a deal that one of the chains is running, “5 cups of barista made drinks per day for £25/month. (First month half price!) Never one to miss a bargain, I signed up! Admittedly it ties me to the chain, but there is so much choice! I am working my way through the menu which so far, in addition to the usual, has included turmeric lattes, which I love, and a matcha latte that got passed onto R because his taste buds are less refined! (He actually has impaired taste from his accident so can eat pretty much anything!). I thought it tasted as green and ghastly as it looked, which wasn’t good! However the frappé green smoothie I tried was delicious, probably due to its high sugar content! My membership will be short lived – this particular chain doesn’t extend to our home town, which is probably just as well. Imagine how much weight you could gain partaking of up to five calorie laden drinks a day. Not to mention the temptation of buying something to eat alongside! Very clever marketing if you ask me!
NarrowboatTLC 