Tim

I was introduced to canals in 1977 when I went on a two week trip with the scouts.
Having loved every second of this trip (Stenson to Llangollen using Shropshire Union and Trent & Mersey plus a ride on the Anderton Lift) I hired boats at every opportunity for both friends and family.
In 1998 I bought shares in the Challenger 70ft boat 'Norfolk' Whilst not entirely happy with the Challenger system and some of the other owners, it served its purpose and in 2005 I was able to sell the shares to put towards the purchase of my own narrowboat. This was initially moored at King's Bromley and moved to Ventnor Farm in August 2008 - A move brought about by me actually managing to do the trip to Langley Mill earlier that year.

After a few years here, I discovered the delights of the Gloucester & Sharpness canal on a 2 month cruise in 2011 and moved to Saul junction marina in 2012. I spent a pleasant 2 years here before finally getting the weather window for the trip to Bristol from Sharpness, the boat is now at the new Cropredy marina.

During a return cruise from the Basingstoke canal in June 2015 it occurred to us that we may be able to retire in 2018, after much research and deliberation our revised life plan is to retire in 2018, buy a Dutch Barge and end up cruising in Europe, so part 1 of this plan is now complete and 'Life the Universe and Everything'is now sold. Delivery of the (new build) replica Dutch Barge is due in March 2017. The build of which is being blogged at:

http://www.deepthoughtthoughts.blogspot.com/