Boatwif
The occasional adventures of the Cleddau crew
About Us
We are ‘The Captain’ and ‘Boatwif’, owners of nb Cleddau.
Cleddau was a five year old youngster when we took her on in 1994. She was built for cruising on the River Trent. Over time Cleddau has had internal and external adjustments but she retains her original hull, propeller, anchor and portholes.
When asked (frequently) “What does Cleddau mean?” our response is usually “In Welsh it means swords but Cleddau is the name of the river that flows into the Milford Haven deep water estuary in Pembrokeshire…”
We both grew up in Pembrokeshire; for some years we have kept a record of what we call ‘Monkton Moments’, those exchanges with boaters and non-boaters who recognise our Pembrokeshire connections.
This blog below is a record of our mainly boating adventures.
RECENT KEN & SUE LOCATION
Four-tunnel day
First Mate delivered the Cleddau crew back from Bromsgrove to the boat at Tardebigge New...
Boatdog on board - the cruise resumed
This is the Droitwich Spa to Stratford-upon-Avon leg. (Is “leg” the right word?). The six nights at home?...
Exploring new waters
The stats say it all: 28 lock miles is a lot and the crew is fatigued! Stourport was distinctly damp this...
Babe on board
Young Aisha was on board today – she’s less than forty days old and in her entourage were mum (the A&E doctor)...
Shadowing the Stour
When you walk from the canal into Kinver village you cross a little river. Ah – yes, you realise...
The rock houses of Holy Austin
Did an Augustine hermit ever live in a cave on Kinver Edge? Might that be why now the rock...
Fish Friday
Off down the Bratch (three locks) this morning – its octagonal toll house at the top is very distinctive. By the middle lock the volunteer...
Knights and damsels on the Staffs and Worcs
Cleddau arrived at Autherley Junction just after midday. A lady materialised and insisted on working...
‘Ever forward, but slowly’
“Investigate the pub,” the Captain had suggested yesterday afternoon. “See if it does food.” The Anchor Inn had looked closed...
Straight lines on the Shroppie
For the last two nights Cleddau and crew had enjoyed a luxury berth: there had been easy pedestrian and vehicle...
Jolly useful day
“Can I give you a lift into Market Drayton this morning?” called the boater from the next pontoon. “Save...
A whimsical wander
A short cruise brought Cleddau to today’s destination, Tom’s Moorings in Market Drayton. There have...
Hot Spot Audlem
Audlem Bottom Lock was a mile or so beyond last night’s mooring. Fairly frequently alongside the towpath...
Busy, busy, busy
Busy this morning: one crew member showered, washing machine in action, water tank refilled, mint and basil watered...