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
Just lookin’
Cleddau’s first trip into Stourport-on-Severn was back in 1994. Boat and crew had come up the river from the Avon...
Right – or left?
A Friday night mooring in an urban or semi-urban area is not generally a good idea – but it was a case of needs must…
“Luvely day...”
Shropshire Union Canal: Nantwich – Autherley Junction It’s hard to know when the Shropshire Union Canal...
Tunnels and junctions, flashes and breach sites
It was Monday morning and overcast as Cleddau and crew cruised the last few flat miles of the Bridgewater Canal...
Bowling along on the flat and level
After descending the Rochdale Nine (the southern end of the Rochdale Canal) Cleddau joined the Bridgewater Canal...
The Great Descent
A summer cruise, where to – and how? Ever since news broke of the collapsed culvert and de-watered canal at...
‘…It’s a boy…’
Time to reflect on some recent ‘firsts’. Even while still in lockdown in March there were small pleasures to be had...
For the record…
On the 16th March this year the Captain made an online order for a new pair of walking boots. This was a big purchase...
January, slow January...
A Boatwif feels reluctant to compose a boat blog when there is a total absence of boating activity. 145 road miles...
Novembers, past and present…
It was Friday November 13th, when Boatwif asked the Captain if he knew the date. “November 12th? No, November 13th…
Hello Pumpernickel
As a school child October meant being back in school, with summer holidays a fading memory and the daily homework load increasing…
The last stretch ‘home’
Ramsdell Hall Railings, Macclesfield Canal to Victoria Pit Moorings, Higher Poynton It’s happened before in September...
The clock rounded
So, made it – completed the Ring, the Four Counties Ring that is, reaching Hardings Wood Junction...
A little bit of a triumph
“TRIUMPH!” That was the word a stranger addressed across a lock the other evening...
Clocking up the miles on a clockwise route
Tixall Wide (Staffs and Worcs Canal) to Norbury Junction (Shropshire Union) Up! Up! Up! The Staffs and Worcs climbs...