Well, after all the thinking and all the planning it was finally time to set off. Of course, the rain poured down as we prepared our boat to leave. We said our final goodbye to our marina friends and with a tiny break in the downpour, we finally left Kings Marina in Newark, our home for just over a year and in total around 16 years including living in a house.
It was with mixed feelings we cruised past all the places which are so familiar to us, the Church Spire of St Mary Magdalene’s church ((OOhhh Peachy in all the excitement you didn’t tell anyone about your new story in the Fosseway Writing Group book; Writings on the Wall!!)) You’re right Brackets – for those interested I’ve popped the link below. This book is a collection of short stories from members of my writing group. My story focuses on the church as mentioned.
Writings on the Wall by Fosseway Writers
I’ve just had a moment where I’ve realised, I’m actually on the boat, writing! What with one thing and another I’ve been lucky enough to have many books published but that all involves editing and rewriting so it’s exciting to start something new! ((Wait for it people, you know Peachy will try and get a book out of this new adventure. You just know it! It will probably be a pub and toilet guide to the canals in the UK! Thrilling, utterly thrilling. I can’t wait… I might go on a new adventure which involves shutting down my hard drive and having a break for a while))
Anyway, as usual when we set off on a new adventure, I generally share our experience with a little snippet of what we’re doing via this blog. I’m not sure how long I will blog for as I will also be creating vlogs for YouTube – maybe you could let me know if you want blogs as well as vlogs? ((Can I vote?)) No, Brackets. No.
It’s going to be all change as we get used to not being plugged into the mains at the marina and have water at the end of our pontoon and the Elsan ((I knew it! Two seconds in and she’s mentioning toilets – it was the same with her New Zealand book!)) We try and work out how everything works as we are now addressless which is weird in itself. I love holidays and exploring new places but I’ve always had a fixed point to come back to.
Today we cruised not very far from Newark and managed to get our favourite spot at Hazelford Lock. We moored right at the end of the wall which means we overlook the river. Later in the evening after a couple of walks around the lock area watching the rabbits scurry away, the butterflies fluttering and the bees busy about their business we sat back on the chairs and started the process of relaxing into this new life.
Later as I settled at the dinette doing a jigsaw and listening to my audio book. The Sonning pleasure boat from Newark cruised past with music pumping and people having a grand old time – a little snippet is shown on my YouTube vlog which will be out soon or out now depending on when you’re reading this. ((Ohh good cross promotion there Peachy. We will make a marketing person of you yet! I mean you’re going need something to fall back on when your words bring you nothing!))
Well… day one done. Bloody brilliant. x
If you want to see more pictures and videos then find me over on Instagram or Facebook 🙂
Some stats and info:
Miles/Distance: 8 miles
Locks: 1 (Newark Town Lock – operated by key or the lockie)
Tunnels: 0
Swing Bridges: 0
Money Spent: £7.89 at Waitrose for final bits and bobs.
Facilities at Hazelford Lock…
Toilets: Yep – clean and tidy
Elsan: No
Bins: Yes
Showers: No
Waterpoint: Yes and excellent pressure
General : This is a really lovely area to explore. The main lock area is wildflowers and wildlife and it’s about a 20-minute walk to Fiskerton where one of our favourite pubs is, The Bromley. There is also a village shop.
C.L. Peache 