oh for a life on the water

oh blimey...snap...literally. our fan belt shredded into a million pieces on our third trip and that was the second time we had broken down. We have a local hero called Andy from the marina who came out, replaced the shredded belt and we went on our way promising him a curry when we next saw him. We have learnt so much in the last month I cant keep up...but I do know I love every minute of it. we made a point of waving and saying hello to everyone we passed and we felt better although it wasnt always reciprocated...never mind, thier loss.

Bizzard...you've made me laugh out loud....what brilliant ideas you have....I must get a ladder and a red cape...and a P plate then Im sure someone will talk to me. I like the idea of a bell aswell..attract as much attention as I can. We are based near Redditch in Worcestershire fairly close to the Tardebigge flight which is a beautiful part of the waterways.

**************************************** why didnt I think of that !!!! Another good idea Ive just read is putting your mobile in a jam jar incase you drop it...because I just know Im going to fall in at some point. Got very close on Sunday trying to look cool..

We bought our 60 foot narrowboat about 6 weeks ago now. Our first outing was a nightmare and Im sorry to say we had little help from the narrowboats around us. We have done everything we can to learn the craft, although there is nothing like experience. We have taken our helmsman certificate with the brilliant Bob from Worcester but are we the only ones that blow our horn at blind bends or tunnels and lower our speed.....We have been scowled at, not waved to, tutted at, not encouraged and I feel quite sad that we have had a few bad experiences in our first weeks afloat. I wish there were P plates for boats like there are for cars.....Having said that, nothing will deter us. We have waited too long to get to this point. Take heed all you brilliant boaters of many years...when you come round a corner to see someone banked and struggling...its probably me and I'll probably be laughing...so laugh with me rather than huff and puff. Im getting better every week and one day I'll be as good as you xxxx