"Careful what you wish for, as it might just happen"
I'm not superstitious, but man, I am mindful of this one!
For many years I've dreamed and tried to imagine just how beautiful the colours of autumn would be on a narrowboat on the canals of the UK; and now, I'm living that dream in live and vibrant colours.
One of the things I wrote about at the start of my narrowboat journey, was my anticipation of experiencing the changes and the colours of the seasons, and I think autumn is spectacular.
Fallen Leaves
At least I'm not the only one who expected to see more colours in the trees at this time; An elderly lady, who without a doubt has witnessed way more autumns than I'll do in my lifetime, commented that she noticed and was disappointed, that most of the leaves have fallen before changing colours; Therefore, there's a lack of orange and red colours, that I'd anticipated.
Could it be just this section of the canals?
I would not be surprised, because a fortnight ago, I saw a tree that had completely turned red, but I was without my camera at that particular time.
The leaves also fall into the bow of the boat, and onto my bed, if the door is open.
I love nature, but not that much :)
Still I think the leaves on the towpath do add atmosphere, compared to what is yet to come.
Do you also admire the fallen leaves?
Does the earthy colours warm your soul?
With all the fallen leaves, there's still greenery everywhere.
Is it cold?
A legitimate question, many ask.
Of course it's freaking cold!
However, narrowboats can be warm and cosy, as most come with multi-fuel stoves. Usually you'll see smoke coming from the chimney's on the boats, and throughout the year narrowboat owners tend to collect wood, chop, and dry them out in preparation for colder temperatures.
My narrowboat in particular did not come with a fireplace, instead it came with a diesel ebaspacher heater, which we have replaced with a traditional stove; to be installed in a few days time.
*Vivo Mobile shot
It is freezing cold. The cold reaches deep inside you, still there are breathtaking reflections everywhere.
More Narrowboats
There's far less traffic on the canals this time of year, as narrowboaters tend to moor at marinas during the winter season. Also there will be closure along some sections of the canals, and some flooding of rivers also make it safer for boaters to avoid cruising.
The narrowboats that we do encounter, are mainly other continuous cruisers, like us, who are making their way to an area that is convenient for shopping, water, and waste disposals.
One thing for sure, we are all wrapped up in woolly hats, boots, and winter gear, yet all smiling and happy; I guess this is what nature does.
The towpaths are also a lot quieter, and I have been told by other seasoned boaters, that the towpaths will pretty much be private for us, during these colder months.
However, I do like seeing dog walkers with their happy dogs along the towpaths. I also have a great admiration for runners and walkers; I love determined persons with goals, and fitness is important for our well-being.
Occasionally you'll see people just casually strolling by.
Rolling Hills
Spectacular views in sight as we slowly chug along. It's a lazy pace, and the green fields look like a big endless bed, where you'd like to lay your head.
This beauty remains hidden.
I feel charmed to be able to witness these fields so intimately from the bow and stern of my narrowboat.
The contrasting colours of blue skies, clouds, green fields and hills, aesthetically add dimensions to the dark dirty canal water.
Still clear skies, and the air is fresh and frosty. As a matter of fact I can leave my milk outside for a week and it remains fresh.
Not long from now these fields will be all white.
I am loving autumn.
Endless Fields With Sheep Here And There
*Vivo Mobile Shot
On the opposite side of the canal, I see lots of sheep everywhere. After all, they have the perfect coats for this frosty season.
Clouds, Birds, and Reflections
Three things that I feel are important especially this time of year.
Clouds; do change, and send different messages. Do you observe clouds?
Birds; I'm a big lover of birds, and feel honoured to see flocks flying high, and I do admire the freedom they have even if birds tend to remain local to an area.
Reflections; so many dimensions, and I think this time of year lends itself to us being more reflective (well I am). It's also nice to see reflections, because it feels like seeing the beauty around me two-fold.
Overhead shot of the canal, with reflections of trees, clouds, and birds flying above the canals
All images are my own, taken with my Olympus camera.
This is my first autumn/winter season in 8 years, and my first on narrowboat, Badger. It's still early November, so maybe I'll see more colourful trees before the leaves all fall, and everything becomes barren. Any which way; cold, but I'm still happy living this nomadic life, regardless of the seasons and the temperatures.
Thank you for reading my blog, and I hope you've enjoyed and lived vicariously through my autumn photo compilation.
I don’t know what it is about canals but they bring in the nicest of people, whether they're dog walkers, cyclists or boaters. I never meet anyone who is grumpy. 😇
@ellenripley That's so true! I think it's just being in nature; which harmonises the body and mind:)
You can see it even with the animals.
The odd grump reminds you that yes, you're not living in fantasy 😍
Yes, I think that's why I go walking a lot as most people are so nice when I meet them. Some of the people in my village can barely say hello. But I make them.... 😆
Haha! I like that!
Yeah, how difficult is it to be nice really...😆
I think its because everything is slower and people actually have the time to be nice. It is for the most part, a really friendly environment. You still get the odd nob head though
Lol. Yes, they ooze nobheadness from afar so I avoid them at all costs.
Isn't wonderful when dreams come true? That running cow looked so happy lol.
What has drawn you to living a nomad life?
It is indeed nice when dreams come true, and sometimes you just have to sit and smile.
Thanks, I really liked the running cow too, because I was far across the fields, and luckily I had my zoom lens that captured it clearly enough;)
Looking back, I guess I've always had a natural flair for a nomadic lifestyle, but sometimes life and circumstances takes you down different paths; It's nice to identify specific needs that make you feel happiest. I've always wanted a simple life which my friends marvelled at and called me a cave woman, but I think happiness comes from within.
Being surrounded by all this nature makes me feel extremely content.😍
Thanks for stopping by!
I admire a person who has found their inner happines and does not lower their lifestyle because of what people think or say. You are indeed free in spirit
I think you totally get the point:-)
People will always be critical, and I refuse to live my life to suit others, the same way I would never try to deny another person to live the life they want.
It's a completely different lifestyle and different levels to how you can live on a narrowboat; however, I think the experience forces you to take stock of just how little you need to live comfortably, and happily 😁
This is so cool actually! Where can you dock safely overnight?
We can moor anywhere along the canals where there is armco barriers for you to secure the lines (ropes) of the boat to, for example below, you can see the metal barrier by the edge of the canal.
Some boaters have permanent moorings at marinas, or along the canals, but as continuous cruisers we can moor anywhere for maximum 14 days, unless stated otherwise.
I cannot think of many places in the world where we could moor up safely in the countrysides without anyone in sight for acres on end.
Sometimes I do feel like I'm on another planet :)
How awesome! I suppose that in winter this can't be done as water freezes
This has been one of the most pleasant, relaxing and beautiful scenic stock images posts I have read. Thank you for sharing such beauty with us and making them available for use.
After reading this I’m seeing we have more similar interests than just with coffee :D
Autumn is my absolute favorite season. I can’t get enough of the colors. Last year I even wrote a post about my frustration with not seeing enough colors before the leaves fell…so I totally get it. It’s one of those things you just look forward to.
Congratulations on living your dream life. I can imagine that seeing such beauty makes you forget about the cold. I can see why people are happier there because like @scubahead pointed out that the pace is slower. It’s like why rush when you can enjoy all of nature’s gifts? The fast life brings on frustration (I’m a witness and one of those who experiences it quite often).
I really enjoyed all of the photos and seeing the boats along with the animals. Thank you ~
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback😊
I'm surrounded by so much beauty, that I sometimes wish my photos could give even an idea of just how much charm there is on the canals with all the colourful narrowboats, and the English countrysides; so I'm happy you've enjoyed them.
Autumn 🍂is simply lovely! Hopefully next year will be more colourful:) but it's still beautiful regardless.
Yes, the fast pace of life when I go into towns makes me observe just how caught up people are with their busy schedules and consumerism, that they overlook the simple things. It's society in general though; not a bad thing to be success driven, but a balance is super important for our well-being, which I achieve living here on the canals.
Thank you so much for stopping by with your warm message!
It was a pleasure. 😊
I agree. No matter how much color Autumn brings it is still such a beautiful season.
Absolutely! A healthy balance is what everyone should strive to achieve.
😊🤗🍂🍁
What a fabulous set of pictures and descriptors of what is also my favourite time of year. Such beautiful colours, thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your kind feedback😊😁
The narrowboats, leaves and the old charm of the bridges, locks, and tunnels are indeed a spectacular sight, so I'm happy I'm able to share this with the community and Hive in general.
Very happy you appreciated it😍
Wow what a fabulous post plus I love canals, the boats and the people who grace them :-)
Thank you for your kind feedback 😊
Much appreciated!
No problem, great to see people producing fine content on Hive
😊🤗
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😋 So nice 😊
Thank you so much @wrestlingdesires and @pizzabot.......😋😍
It's an amazing scenic with a lot of boats. I think you were so happy when you were living your dream.
Thank you very much😊
Yes, it is indeed, and I try to let myself live in the moment, to absorb and enjoy it all.
Thanks for stopping by:)
What a wonderful journey through life @millycf1976
Thank you! It is indeed😁
I try to remind myself of that everyday, no matter what struggle I might face.😍
I grew up in a similar area, with a river and reeds ... Thank you!
Sounds like you had a fantastic childhood. It's great to grow up in places like these :)
Nice pictures, I'm happy your finally got to leave your dream.
Thank you! Me too:)
I cannot think of anything other way I'd rather live😍
Nice one
Thank you! :)
Amazed by the photos you shared, they all look so beautiful and high quality 🥰🥰🤗🤗
Thank you so much 😊
Happy to share this rich part of the UK history, that is still actively used with you:)
Thanks for stopping by!
🥰🥰🤗🤗
😊😍🤗
It's super cool to travel around with those beautiful boats. @millycf1976. It's even better to enjoy the autumn with a cup of coffee from the boat. 😀
You are so right indeed @dodovietnam 😁
It's super cool, and as cold as it was, with my fingers freezing, I warmed them with a cup of coffee and took these photos;)
Glad you enjoy them 😊
congratulations my friend the trip through the canals must be a wonderful experience, I'm sorry you didn't see the colors you expected, however I found the tour very nice.
Thank you 😊
It's still stunning despite the lack of colours, and it gives you a nice warm feeling, that touches you differently.
I'm sure there will come another time when the colours will be more vibrant, that's the beauty of amazing nature :)
This place is perfect for lovers because it is so romantic.
I totally agree😍
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Nice, i like this.
Thank you very much:)
Nice pictures
Thank you so much :)
Those narrow boats are pretty awesome! I have always wanted to do a river cruise, but I have never found the time for it. We had a really similar issue with the leaves where I live as well. They all just kind of dropped and we didn't get much color this year.
Surely! The narrowboats add so much character to the canals. It's a cosy and attractive way to live and spend the winter actually. I certainly prefer being in nature during winter than in a concrete house/flat, where the walls feel like they're caving in on me.
Yeah, the leaves...definitely lacking colour this year. 😅
I hope you get around to that cruise one day😁
Thanks for dropping by:)
I do too! Those Viking River Cruises look really awesome! I'd settle for just getting out of the US at some point in the future!
ooh I saw this response late...yes, it would be nice to get out of the US for a while.
Such a different life there, heh? The American Dream of a big house and real comfort is nice, but I find this way more interesting:)
You'd be surprised how luxurious some of these boats are. A narrowboat holiday would blow you away😁
We've just been doing this 7 months now, and looking forward to doing so much more.
That is awesome! I am going to make sure I am following you with my main account.
Thanks!😊
That's kind of you, and I'll follow both you too:)
Picturesque! I have seen almost all the episode of Great Canal Journeys:)
Not many narrow boats in Norway though, but lived on a canal boat for a few days in Amsterdam recently.
Thank you😊
Lucky you! My wish to live on a boat started when I was living in the Netherlands 14 years ago, but it's hard to get mooring there due to long waiting lists.
Dutch barges are lovely, but narrowboats fit the size of the UK canals.
The advantage of the narrowboats in the Uk is that you can live as continuous cruisers touring over 2000 miles of British Waterways, even heading over to Wales.
Living on a barge in Amsterdam, riding my bike with my fietstassen would be great too.
Thanks for stopping by:)
Guess I have to try a canal holiday with a narrowboat soon:)
Picturesque! I have seen almost all the episode of Great Canal Journeys:)
Not many narrow boats in Norway though, but lived on a canal boat for a few days in Amsterdam recently.
These pictures are beautiful and the place looks amazing!
Thank you😊, I'm glad you think so too:)
Hi @millycf1976! I first heard about you and your awesome journey from my boyfriend. And last night while reading through this post, I was just amazed the entire time. The photos and the story just wow! I haven't seen in a narrowboat in my lifetime nor sail in one. I could only imagine myself in it one day.
Will look forward to more stories from you. :)
Thank you so much 😊
Narrowboats are home to over 6000 people in the UK, and it's a booming network, yet not well known in the world.
Everyone knows of houseboats and barges in Holland, but not of the narrowboats of the UK. It's amazing here in that we can cruise 2000 miles of waterways across Britain, with facilities such as water, waste disposal, and license and registration for an annual fee. This really is an alternative way to live, and a phenomenal way to see the UK.
It might seem farfetched, but as I say, careful what you wish for, one day you might find yourself experiencing this, or something similar.😊😍
Thanks for stopping by!
@millycf1976 now that you've given me an idea about narrowboats and all the other details, it kinda made me excited. Well not for me but for you! hehe 😂 And 2000 miles is just insane. We don't have narrowboats in our country but I've heard of people living in boats moving from one place into another (one island into another) but I bet they won't reach as many as 6000. It'll be nice to see a real narrowboat and to experience it (for a few days) but for now, I'm just really glad to read about it in your post. :)
Thank you!
You're in the Philippines, right?
Tropical countries like those are good for living on catamarans, or yachts; you know, how the other half lives!😂
The main concern would be safety and weather conditions.
I could see a Filipino adjusting well to the lifestyle and requirements of living on a narrowboat :)
That's an epic post! You must be very aware of the changing seasons as you cruise around and spend a lot of time outside. I'm more of an indoors type, but I can see some appeal in that life. Are numbers of boats increasing? I would think more people have had time to think about alternative lifestyles recently.
Happy cruising!
Thank you very much 😊
Yes, indeed! There's a boom in the narrowboating industry, as more people are not only finding alternative ways to live in a self-sustainable way, but also an increase in domestic tourism.
We got onto the narrowboat scene just as England was coming out of partial lockdown in March, and there's been a hike in the prices of narrowboats since.
I've never been an indoor person, but my coping mechanism to do so has improved. In the past, two days without spending time outside was the maximum I could do without feeling like I was losing my sanity 😅
Living on the canals, we get to see and experience the best of Britain, and remind ourselves just how beautiful an island England is :)
Thanks for stopping by!
this looks nice. being on a boat looks fun. Also autum is my favorite season so, far, all the cool colors, you´ve managed to capture perfectly
Thank you very much for your kind words 😊
I think it's hard not to love autumn:)
Yes, being on the boat is far more fun than I ever imagined.
Wishing you a nice day!
Well Done..!
😊 Thank you 🤗😁
How far can you travel along the canals? It looks like it's going to be a fun winter ❤️ I'm not familiar with narrowboats, are they only in England?
It's over 2000 miles of canals and rivers that we can cruise. The network goes to Wales too, and this is a scary aqueduct that we'll have to cross.
Our multi-fuel stove just got installed yesterday, so yes, it's going to be a great winter 😁
The narrowboats were built specially for Englands narrow canals, but they have wider houseboats in places like Sweden, and the dutch barges in Holland of course. The advantage UK has is that the narrowboats are good for all season, since they have traditional wood burners for heat, and secondly, engines that you can move about even if it's slowly.
We really are water gypsies 🤣
Thanks for stopping by.
Why is the aqueduct scary? It doesn't look dangerous. But it does look like a great view :)
Oh, NO? You don't think it's scary?
It's barely wider than the narrowboat😳; it's 38m high, 307m long, 3.7m wide 😱.
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Thank you so much😊😍🤗
👍🙏🖖🥳
But you can't fall off of it, the sides look pretty stable?
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Haha! That's true. I'll remind myself of that when I'm crossing it :)
I take it nobody has had any problems on it ? Just one question... What happens if two people are going in opposite directions?
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What a wonderful and interesting narrow boat trip. The amazing beauty of nature in the places where you have been. Once upon a time, I also traveled along the rivers in Belarus and Siberia on boats. And on the Chusovaya River in the Urals, they were rafting. It was so great and left a lasting impression. How many days did you travel? Not so long ago I saw such a program on YouTube, just showing about channels in the UK. Maybe you know this program, where two spouses travel (Englishmen and they are already in old age) and talk about their trip? I liked your post - so much information and photos, and to read about these channels, to see beautiful landscapes.
Thank you! Yes, our journey has been amazing so far, and a lot more awesome places to visit.
That program must be Great Canal Journeys with Timothy West and Prunella Scales; one of the most prominent narrowboat shows that give so much information on what narrowboats and UK canals entail.
Hey Milly. Wow what scenery you guys find. I'm so glad you are enjoying autumn even thought it's cold, it is beautiful. The lack of oranges and reds was a pity, but maybe you will see some further along your travels.
That longboat (yes, it's now stuck as the name in my head) with the name The Black Sheep - that would be the boat for me, love the name, it's perfect.
Stay well and enjoy all those pretty landscapes
Until next time
Cheers
Hi Andy, yeah, it's awesome Autumn, and I'm loving it 😍
Haha, I thought the Black Sheep boat would be perfect for me too:)
We made our way to Warwickshire, where we'll spend the winter chugging between there and Leamington Spa, both lovely areas with convenient food shopping and facilities.
I'm so happy; the boat has been transformed as our wood burner is kicking out some serious heat. It feels like a sauna in here:) Such a difference! I don't know how I survived the cold we've experienced in recent times, but it's all good now.
I have all my appropriate clothing and proper winter boots and rain boots now, so I'll wrap up warm and go for walks, and enjoy it all.
Have a nice weekend 💐