In the Beginning

Nearly 7 years ago we bought our narrowboat Brent III little realising how it would change our lives.   We were quickly smitten and yearned to spend longer and travel further than annual holidays would allow. 

We met many "continuous cruisers" on our holidays and wished we too could travel the inland waterways and enjoy the freedom this lifestyle offered.  After many discussions and the creation of a spreadsheet, to check our finances would stand up to such a venture, we decided to make the dream a reality. 

We were lucky, Brent III did not need many modifications to enable us to live on board.   Kev's son-in-law, Gaz, made a cratch to maximise use of the front deck and a bookcase which has proved invaluable for my art materials as well as books and tubs of miscellaneous items.  Extra shelves have been put up and underfloor storage created in the galley which is useful for tins of beans and bottles of wine. 

We installed a macerator toilet which uses canal water to flush, an inverter to convert the 12v battery power to 240 volt, an alternator charger to ensure the batteries are charged as we travel and a battery monitor to keep tabs on our consumption.   We bought a washing machine which would fit through the narrow doors and Kev fixed a spike to the roof for a whirlygig washing line.  A woodburning stove will warm the boat, keep a kettle on the boil and cook a pan of stew - an essential piece of equipment.

Kev spent many hours sanding and revarnishing the interior oak panelling to restore it to it's former glory.  Brent III needed her bottom blacking and my sister Sarah came to help out with this - the best job of all was lying on our backs to scrape muscles off the hull!  

Brent III was lowered back into the water and we moved on board in April.  After several car loads our belongings were on board but finding a home for everything was a challenge.   

We started painting Brent III in her new colours but the extremely wet weather caused delays.  We managed to finish just in time for the start of our cruise but at the time of writing we are still waiting for the name transfers to arrive.   

August was a hectic month - Kev didn't get a minute - there was a long list of things to do and an even longer list of things to buy and stow away.   We had everything ready to leave our home mooring, Viking Marina in Goole, on Thursday 30 August.  We've had some good times at Viking and sailed off with mixed emotions.  

On board we have one 'crew' member, Bess a Patterdale Terrier who is 8 months old.  Sadly our rottweiler Mia was suddenly taken ill in August and is no longer with us.  

Bess in her favourite place on the dash as we travel.