NB Gracie - Our First Christmas Aboard

Five weeks - where has the time gone? 

Our turn from the Macclesfield Canal onto the Peak Forest Canal, six weeks ago - since then, we had 10 days without power due to the starter motor breaking down and it having to go to Stoke to be mended in a specialist machine shop - we joined RCR (the AA of the canal) who managed to fix it for us but of course it still cost money! We had 2 weeks in Strines, about a mile outside Marple; which meant we weren't too far from the Elsan Point)to empty the toilet) and water. The downside was no electricity and therefore no pump to pump water out of the tank, so we (well mainly Chris) had to walk to Marple every two days for water). Once fixed, we winded and went to Marple for the weekend, whilst there, Father Christmas arrived

On the Sunday, the coalboat, NB Alton arrived and we got coal; after which, we set off for Furness Vale (about a four hour trip) - to get there, you do two lift bridges and 2 swing bridges.  We went through the first lift bridge OK, the coal boat had gone through not an hour before and it wouldn't lift! I shifted some leaves and mud from around the hinge, but it still wouldn't move - by now, Chris had arrived on Gracie and another boater arrived and gave me the number for CaRT (Canal and River Trust) for them to come; we moored up; Chris made tea and we waited. Then someone else arrived and we walked to see if there was anything we missed. One of the chains was a bit loose, so Chris jumped up and down on the bridge and lo and behold, it started to move! So after half an hour, we were once again on our way - I spent five minutes getting a huge dollop of mud out of the hinge though. So onwards; by now it was starting to get late and there was the most glorious sunset; but we were not quite at Furness Vale Marina nor at the last swing bridge at the start. Just before, are some good moorings and there was a space, but Chris said we'd keep going - I was walking the towpath with the dogs; we did the last swing bridge and by now the sun had set. We have a favourite mooring quite near Furness Vale Train Station (About a five minute walk away) and we got there as it was going dark; in fact Chris couldn't see me it was so dark. We moored up and I started to make tea when NB Alton passed us - Nightboating on the coallboat!

We decided that if we could, we would go up to Whaley Bridge for Christmas and New Year (Bugsworth isn't open this year as they have drained it for repairs) and all week, Chris had been walking up to the Basin to check (taken at the beginning of November)

SO we set off on Friday - the dogs love cruising

and we do too. 

We winded and got water and slotted in right behind a friend's boat; who is away for Christmas and so it is good we are here - we are debating getting a mooring along here and will investigate that.

We have been trying to get to Stockport all weekend to deliver cards etc; however, wahing in a twin tub takes time and then the coal boat arrived just as we were getting ready to go on the train, ne and Ann-Marie McGuigan from NB Alton gunnel dancing with the coal and a bottle of ale called "Gunnel Dancer"!

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So may we take the opportunity to wish all a very Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year and we haven't a tree - just a Spacey Gracie

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Three Month Anniversary

Yesterday marked three months since we moved aboard Gracie - it seems much longer in some ways and in others a short time. We have learnt a lot and are now moving into late autumn - we haven't experienced a true frost yet, although there was one when we moored in Furness Vale on the Peak Forest canal.

Originally, we had planned on a marina life but this felt too much like a horizontal towerblock and they didn't like dogs - moral of story - if you have a dog don't moor at Macclesfield Marina (next to Hovis Mill). 

We have had an invertor fitted to generate 240 volt electricity and if you want work done; we can certainly recommend that marina. We will get solar panels fitted early next year; which will mean we don't have to run the engine when we run the washing machine (finally purchased last week - a twin tub). We have had a cratch cover out on the bow and a dodger and tonneau on the stern; which gives us a dining room/porch and a storage area when not cruising. 

We get coal, diesel and pretty much everything else from the coal boat, NB Alton, fortnightly and although during the winter we will use a lot of coal; next summer we hope to be able to get some wood and this will save that cost. We have to get Gracie blacked and get a licence. We are joining the association of Continuous Cruisers as well as the National Boat Owners Association. 

We are now meeting other liveaboards that live on these canals; old travellers - canals now being the only place left you can legally travel and stop for 14 days before moving on. Some are, like us, relatively new to canal life; but others have lived and worked on here for years. The canals are pretty empty now and peaceful - it is the start of the long winter nights and we are going to enjoy our first winter aboard.

It should be interesting over the coming weeks as it appears we might experience our first ice and snow - bring it on! 

As we are moored in Marple; I took a walk up to Marple Ridge today - what a lovely view - if you get a chance - walk up to the church from the Brick Bridge just past Marple Marina and walk the Apprentices Walk through and up to the church

Bonfire Night

Here we are between Halloween and Guy Fawkes. - All Saint's Day seems to pass people by and the weather is truly autumnal. Took the dogs shopping today ; there are lovely local shops in Whaley Bridge and their favourite has to be Wild's Butchers- they sit nicely outside because they know there'll be bones and they'll get a treat - today a sheep heart between them and a huge bone each to take home! Got dome lovely steak for braising which is on the stove marinating for dinner tomorrow.
Now; it's blowing a gale with rain and we're toasty warm with the cratch cover and stove!
Bought a pair of sheepskin boots each from the tannery in Pandora, Napier; New Zealand - brilliant for on the boat . We are getting there slowly!_

Living in the State of Gracie

We enter our third week of official continuous Cruising; having spent a lovely week in Whaley Bridge and continuing our  theme of shopping locally where we can; found the most fabulous butchers and pet shop. We notice that people are more relaxed out of the cities - do they have more time?  I don't think so; they just use it in a different way - we are so lucky to be living this life, it is so much more gentle - canal time!

The New Cratch Cover

We have finally had the Cratch Cover; Dodger & tonneau fitted - We knew it would make a difference, but had no idea how much until yesterday. Cover-It fitted it and also built a drop-down table, so we can use the well as a small dining room & sitting area. The window is immense & provides a stunning view out through the bow; but it is the tonneau that has caused us the most excitement! We now have a tent on the stern and so a huge storage area, sheltered from the elements,

The Cratch Cover

This week they are coming to fit the cover/board/Dodger & tonneau in stone - cannot wait as we will finally have cover on the bow & a cover for the stern. We're travelling pinto Whaley Bridge so Chris can move Gracie to Bugsworth Basin on Wednesday so they can get close with the van - it'll be nice to be able to have our meals at a proper table again as they are also fitting a drop down table to the cratch board.

Continuously Cruising

We have decided to give notice at Macclesfield Canal Centre and continuously cruise - this is comparatively easy to do around here & still enable me to go to work four days a week,  we came up to Marple on Friday and decided that we won't be returning to Macclesfield any time soon - moral of story - listen to  Chris's inner voice and buy a PO Box number. We are currently moored on the Peak Forest Canal just down from Marple Canal Basin