A float on Miracle - 20ft narrowboat

Apparently, British waterways were given a budget allocation to put lights along there, but decided against it as they did not want to be responsible for maintenance costs.

I recall Regent Canal were a haven for protective species such as bat (especially in Islington), which is why they don't have lighting there, does that extend to where you are?

Protected species, Ed. :)

Protective bat:

I'm feeling slightly optimistic about the new charity.. having met with them really helped. They have a lovely and expereinced new head and she was very aware of the upcoming challenges she and the new body would face.
example of her forward thinking -
Her to me - the event you're proposing wouldn't generate large revenues but perhaps if we ring fenced the proceeds for a specific project the boaters would feel more positively about it.
My reply - Yes, visability and empowerment to perhaps choose the projects they'd like to support would be a good thing (I'm thinking more shower facilities, although I don't need them personally).

Fingers crossed.

Protective bat:

useful anti mugging aid^

Jan 23.
Today I went outside to have my coffee while I charged my laptop on the Norwegien's boat. As luck would have it I said hello to a random wearing a high vis vest who was slowly walking and looking at each boat.
He said he was glad I came out as he'd been walking on his break to see if anyone of the boaters wanted some wood that was going to the tip from his construction site.
I was the only one about so IF I WANTED IT WAS ALL MINE.
It's surely better than it goin to land fill and I was raised to do the right thing..he chuckles.
I'll share it about I tell him.
So long as you take enough for yourself, he nods.
I said yes and asked if i should follow him over.
We walked and talked, he is from Kerry, same as my father.
Theres a half dozen ten foot lenghts of Oak about 4inches thick and a few 4x5s of pine and pallets.
*Do you have a saw? *
Yes, Sir.
You are a woman to be reckoned with, he chuckles. I can cut up the pallets for you. It'll give me something to do and I'll bring them over to you later.
Amazing.

score!

who says it never pays to be friendly eh?

Result!

Win!

24 Jan.
Heading out today to scout moving locations. OF COURSE its raining..
Also going to see if the showers at Stonebridge have hot water yet. They ran out of gas in late December.
It's been far too long to be reasonable. I for one am glad I don't have to rely on them, I can see why some people (who dont have their own showers) are getting cranky about it.

in other news my friend R has now purchased a narrowboat! YAY!! and my other friend K, who came with me when I bought Miracle has finally arrived back in London with his boat purchase.
I can't wait to see them both, although I suspect I may get jealous..

Jan 30. - Half way there.

It's been three months since I moved aboard.
Half the time I gave myself to figure out if life on board suits me. I know the answer already..

She's SO Small.

It's everyone's initial reaction; its a truth.

In my three months I have seen people living on smaller and less well planned boats.
I've seen bigger boats too without half of what Miracle has in storage or facilities.

Those that know boats and have seen the liveaboards that float on London's canals all agree, Miracle is small but she's also the most effecient use of space most have ever seen. She's tidy. Her interior is all the original wood and has that mature golden patina, he cuboards are understated and simple her lines are clean. She's too small for the intricate and sometimes twee woodwork found on other canal boats. In short she's timeless.

They say a place can feel like home. Miracle does.

Celebrations onshore soon?

Hi Jacqui, a friend directed me here as I have long held an interest in living a small/tiny houses and was, at one point, building a moveable one. It's been really interesting reading through your journey. Do you have any pictures of the interior of Miracle and how she's laid out?

Good call on the biggest solar panel you could fit, well worth the money in the long run.

Justin.

Jacqui - how's it going in this freezing weather?

Do we need to send a team to chip her out? It's been a while since she posted!

Jacquelton ?

Excellent, could not rep you hard enough for that.

tries to banish vision of Ed repping hard from mind

It is I indeed a little frosty at the mo, the view from my kitchen window/hatch on Lucy Alice yesterday morning was just lacking penguins...

Sorry picture link appears to be a fail :-(

Here -

ty o'shane

Lucy, the way you says it as if she's Shackleton lending the artic expedition on the Endurance.

Antarctic.

^ Pedantarctic

(but entirely correct of course)