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
Floating back through time
Since Shackerstone: 3¼ miles, 1 tunnel, 0 locks Creep up the Ashby Canal in Leicestershire and you’ll sense the cloak...
On the level in Leicestershire
It’s widely known that the Ashby Canal is lock-free. Though from the water there are views of sloping fields...
Route report
Counties cruised within: 3 (Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire) Canals cruised...
Steps, sisters, spires – and that Dictionary
While moored at Rugeley, Staffordshire… The canal route into Rugeley from the north crosses the River Trent on a fine aqueduct...
Sliding and splashing through Staffordshire
‘Thank goodness for gaiters’ has been the unspoken thought these last few days. What was forecast to be...
Name dropping at a Middleport mooring
Trace the history of the English canals and you’ll soon appreciate the link between industry and the transport of goods...
Down the Macc and through the Harecastle...
“There’s always something to do on a boat…” Hear that observation accompanied by a sigh and you’ll..
Birthday walk for a four year old…
Up in Cheshire, up in Hill Country, a birthday has been celebrated… Remember The Library in the Landscape, conceived...
An open roof sort of day...
Prior to the England /Wales rugby match on Saturday pundits were in a dither about whether the match at Cardiff’s...
Roses in strange places
To Stratford in January for a glut of plays and theatrical experiences… This habit of galloping off to Stratford-upon-Avon early...
Forty Seven
“So what number is it then?” asked Local Nephew. “47…” “47. Phew…” Here he took a long breath. “That’s a lot!”...
Aftertaste
In the period of jet-lagged post-US dis-function memories swirl through the brain, rather like unexpected aftertastes...
The taming of territory
First visit to Southern California’s San Marcos was 13 years ago in 2003. What looked like a new town about twelve miles...
Thanksgiving ingredients
In the build up to the last-Thursday-in-November-festive-feast there are several traditional ingredients...
