2009 August « Kaija & David’s UK Expedition

Simply messing about in boats

The last month has been busy with studying, moving (AGAIN) and a lovely long weekend away, canal boating.

The trip was organised by Candice as a surprise for Will’s 30th birthday. We heading up to a little town north of London called Leighton Buzzard (great name on the Friday to start our trip)! Our instructions and lesson on the boat took place in torrential rain, great start to the weekend….

There were 6 of us on the long boat, which was brand new and very comfy. The weekend was fantastic, a relaxing trip through the English countryside. Well mostly relaxing, turning a 70ft boat through a narrow corner that might be 10ft wide at the most could be somewhat challenging.

But it was a great was to spend three days and something very different. We had to open and close locks as we went along, moved bridges and even managed a three point (ok, it might have been a ten point) turn in a long boat.

On the first evening, David had an exciting evening. It started off with him spraining his ankle when we were mooring for the evening. That night we had dinner at a canal side pub where David asked the Chef to make his dinner as hot as possible – BIG MISTAKE!!! The Chef had some chilli powder that was rated very high and, kindly, complied with David’s wishes. I tried the tiniest bit of chicken and was in agony, never imagined something could be so hot. Stubborn David did very well in eating most of his dinner despite being rather uncomfortable.

After travelling for about 18 hours over the weekend, we thought we had done very well. It was a bit of a surprise when we got home and google maps informed us that half of the distance we travelled would have only taken 30mins in the car! So not the most modern form of transport but that I all part of the charm.

We moved again last weekend. Our landlord ended our lease early (hmmm) so we had to move. Last week in the old place was not so good, the boiler went and we had not hot water for a week! Good thing that the weather has been warm. We found a lovely garden flat, still in Fulham. It is bright and open plan, which is a bit different in London. Prism completed her first full day at the flat but rolling in something and turning completely black! For some strange reason, she was very unimpressed when we decided that she needed a bath.

On Friday, David went to The Oval to watch day two of the fifth Ashes Test. Sadly he was “privileged” enough to watch Australia’s disintegration. The weather today is summer and hot (about 26!), so we are enjoying a fantastic summer day listening to the cricket.

So, late in the season, the sun has finally come out and the weather is warming up. Let’s hope it stays like this for a few weeks to come!

Oh dear, I think we are about to lose the Ashes!