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
Uphill – and uphill some more…
Regarding boat journey plans the Captain runs several spreadsheet options: currently he examines his “slow” and....
Downhill to Radford Bottom
After the climb up from Stratford-upon-Avon Cleddau was turned right at Kingswood Junction onto the Grand Union...
A fire eater, an obstruction and 36 uphill locks
Stratford is not all about thespians and high culture – or funfairs. Do buskers have to book their pitch – who knows?....
Stratford worlds...
Tickets and liaisons – on 31st May the time had come to do the final four locks down into Stratford and...
Confetti Boat
Cleddau left Wootton Wawen to continue her southbound cruise to Stratford. First there was the squeeze across...
Curiosities along the South Stratford Canal
Curious about “the wedged boat, the tartare sauce and the mushroom box” ? Read on…
Hallo Avon, hallo Hatton...
From the Grand Union Canal Regency Leamington remains out of sight. Though the chimney pots...
The cat’s whiskers
It was ten years ago, in 2013, that Cleddau last travelled this stretch of waterway, albeit from the opposite direction…
Turning left and heading downhill
Getting ready for “Off” takes some effort: haircuts arranged, garden grass cut, clothes sorted for all (or nearly all)...
Mishaps and misadventures
The cruise from Crick to Market Harborough had involved 23½ miles, 10 locks, 2 swing bridges and 2 overnight stops…
'O to be on water...'
With lengthening days and increased light levels Boatwif was in need of some boats…
Moist March
Remember dry February? It was proper outdoor paintbrush weather – the picket fence was wood-stained, the trellis was...
Meteorological Spring
March 1st is the first day of meteorological spring, . For the Welsh-born boaters it was a day for flags. Remember Wales;
Measuring via KitKat
Back in 2018 there had been a July road trip from Bedfordshire to Cheshire with the Cal Guys as passengers....
Season of treats and unexpected gifts
Since returning to land-living (three months ago now) some new and unexpected treats have come our way...