A float on Miracle - 20ft narrowboat

They are some of the nicest looking portholes I've seen so would be good to have an opinion from someone who has seen them in the flesh. Hopefully I'm wrong or you can fabricate something to hold the wondow open.

i'll certainly let you know how it goes. The man who painted Miracle's name on her has them in his boat. 4 massive ones and a handful of the small ones. I have a boat crush on his boat.. lol.

I don't know the story of this boat but the "rescue" is a bit of a bodge..they nearly sunk the boat. A liveaboards worst nightmare..
http://youtu.be/TQV9dBWQ8R8

I've looked into the in's and out's of childrens books, and you wouldn't be required to do any illustrations yourself. It is rare for publishers to accept a writer's own illustrations, as they prefer to choose their own artists for projects. Preliminary sketches would be required, nothing more.

I see 'Miracle' as not really a children's book, but more the type of book everyone would read. Your writing style is so clean and accessible, and more importantly honest and not patronising, that anyone could happily pick up such a book a while away an afternoon in it's company.
Many children's books make the mistake of talking down to their audience, but part of the charm of this thread is that you bring us on the learning curve with you, we learn at the same speed as you.

A mixture of 'lifestyle' book, technical manual and adventure story - i reckon it would sell like hot cakes!

^What he said! I've only just found this thread and it already nearly cost me an argument with the other half - she wanted to go out, I was engrossed in your updates. She won, but the positive for me was that it prolonged my enjoyment :-)

My father has often talked of living on a narrow boat but has never got around to it. I might have to print out the whole thread and make him read it. Maybe he'll actually go about doing something about his dream then.

Had to post something, I am desperately trying not to look at any posts on this page as ;
I'm up to the 29th December and Duckie has just been rescued from the hooded figure with the Staff dog, Duckie unscathed but shaken sleeps infront of the fire.

This Thread is so Awesome. Is this a Book you are writing Jacqui ? I have got to finish reading the other pages tonight..... Just Awesome.

If I'm honest, I'm starting to get a bit of a man-crush on the Norwegian...

I definitely am slightly in love with him. I bet he has big rough hands and is ugly handsome ? As i read the ' Norweigan' bits i am doing a funny voice in my head'

By the way, i dont want to know if this is what he is like.... my imagination has him to a T with fishing jumper too match.

Ok, 1 whole day and im up to date.
Ready for next instalment.
Lovely writing Jacqui.

Miracle is cute. But not as cute as Duckie.

By the way, i dont want to know if this is what he is like.... my imagination has him to a T with fishing jumper too match.

I love that... lol.

Trinity

Is that trinity marine in devon, the salvage yard? my favourite place, completely bonkers - the stuff they have beggars belief. They bring it in by the container load from indian shipbreakers.

I'll soon be joining you afloat, Jacqui. Had an offer accepted last night, woop!

If anyone else is thinking of taking up a life on the water, my parents are selling a beautiful wooden cruiser from 1926. A little too wide for many of the UK's canals, but perfect for wider ones and for rivers. Needs a fair bit of work so it's going for a scandalous price. A steal for a beautiful boat with an interesting history. Based in the North-West but could be transported with ease to London's famous London waterways.

If anyone's interested PM me and I will send you the listing.

No Miracle updates since August! I hope nothing bad has happened!

I just accidentally skim-read the latest post as being from 'Coot'.

At least it was an on topic mis-read.

Anyone know how Jaqui and Miracle are...it's been quite a while...

I was thinking the same Garethhon, I loved reading about Jacqui's adventures hope all is OK as it has been a long time?

Maybe she's having too much fun

Or too busy organising the April tweed run

Maybe she has really bad reception on that stretch of the canal.

If anyone is interested, I'm in the process of fitting out a narrowboat to live aboard. Read all about it here: nbjohngray.blogspot.com

Apologies Jacqui for the thread hijack.

I went to see this vintage admiralty pinnace today and fell immediately in love with her. These vessels were built to carry shells for the naval warships during world war 2. The hulls are strong enough to take torpedo hits as they shuttled between harbour and fleet. Only 4 owners since decommissioning, currently moored at chelsea harbour. Needs some work, but the conversion from coal fire to diesel engine is excellent, navigating Thames from estuary up to Windsor is very do-able. Cruising speed is 10 knots :)

The only downside is securing 50% finance at a reasonable rate, otherwise I'll have to wait until August 2015 when I can do a full cash offer. I need a long cold shower, methinks.

http://houseboats.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=291557

Sorry to hijack Jacqui's thread..

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/advert/admiral-admiralty-fast-seagoing-motorboat-cornwall/39829373

This is one I need to look at..

That's fucking stunning! Dot it do it do it.

75k!