Monthly Archives: October 2005

I’m now a liveaboard

Bristol Fashion has reached Hemel Hempstead, within commuting distance of my workplace in West London. So I can start living on the boat at last. My Dad has joined me for three weekends in a row. It’s been good to … Continue reading

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Stopping traffic

At Winkwell just before Hemel Hempstead the traffic passes across a low bridge over the canal. The bridge is a swing bridge, electronically operated by the boater using a British Waterways key. It’s a great feeling to make the traffic … Continue reading

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Bristol Fashion at Soulbury

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Stoke Bruerne

Having bought Bristol Fashion at Whilton Marina and in two days having only got so far as the other side of Blisworth Tunnel, I was in a hurry to reach London. That is the only possible excuse for not spending … Continue reading

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Blisworth Tunnel

Only my second day on the boat and I had to travel through the 1.75 mile long Blisworth Tunnel. I have to admit to being rather nervous about the prospect. Bristol Fashion is a Dutch barge style narrowboat with a … Continue reading

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An inauspicious start…

I arrived at Whilton Marina early and picked up the keys to Bristol Fashion. Like many boat keys they are attached to a ball of cork – if you drop your keys in the canal you want them to float! … Continue reading

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Shopping around

I found buying a boat far more difficult than buying a flat and must have looked at more than 50 boats before deciding to buy Bristol Fashion. At first I wanted a cruiser style narrowboat. I saw a boat, Blue … Continue reading

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At last, afloat

I’ve wanted to live on a boat ever since I was 18. And 18 years later I finally realised that dream. Has the reality matched up to the dream? Read on… Back in 1987 I moved to Leeds to study. … Continue reading

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