It's a little early for a year-in-review, right? Probably so! But I've had these images of my River Thames cruise from day to night, since early summer, and lovely old memories came flashing through, so I thought I should share them with you.
Reflecting on the year on the canal, I'd say this trip down the Thames has been the highlight of my adventures on this boat to date.
It was our first time navigating river waters on a narrowboat journey, and there was much anxiety and excitement but we felt confident in the capabilities of our boat Cygnet; as opposed to our previous boat Badger.
It was all a new journey of discovery on the Kent and Avon Canal, into vibrant Reading, and then onto the River Thames, the longest river in the UK.
There were special requirements and licenses needed to cruise the river, that are not needed on the regular canals, and it was required recommended for us to wear life vests, as the river is a different kettle of fish from the canals.
I loved this cottage by the canals at one of the locks.
... and I have a thing for picket fences, so a selfie was in order:)
Reading was lit!
I felt a bit like I was on parade while cruising through the town of Reading because there's a shopping centre with a restaurant right along the canals, with onlookers waving.
Everyone was friendly and seemed to enjoy the day out watching boaters go by.
A unique setting for people watching that appears to be relaxing too.
We finally got onto the big waters, and my narrowboat never felt as small as it did before.
It felt strange to be cruising at 3mph on the river in a narrowboat, as big boats sailed at lightning speed.
It looks flat, but there are strong currents that make it a noticeably different experience from chugging along the cut that we're used to.
I had confidence in the captain though, and we cruised happily while our brains churned at the creativity and innovations of all the different boats.
It was inspiring and gave us food for thought on the different possibilities of life in the UK waters.
This looks like a medley of ideas or maybe it's a 'castle riverboat'?
I'm not sure what's going on here, but I can imagine having coffee in the summer, on what looks like an upper deck to be awesome.
We moored up a this location next to a park for the evening and had a meal with some friends. It was pleasant and a great spot to pop into the town for a little exploration.
However, come nighttime, I was awestruck when I reached up to close my curtains and saw this stunning reflection on the water. I was pretty smug about how the photo came out too, because my nighttime vision, yet alone night photography is usually crap.
I have fantasies about living on the Thames in the future, and the fact that the river is wide with wide canals makes it a viable spot for wide-beam boats that are usually limiting in scopes of travel across narrow canals.
I hope that you enjoyed these photos as much as I enjoyed my time here:)
All images belong to me.
OMG!... What a delicious boat to see!... It looks like some of our colonial houses but floating on the water!....
This is a post full of charming photos!.... Thanks for sharing @millycf1976 friend!
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😁 Yeah, it was quite spectacular on the water.
There were quirky boats and unique homes built to optimise the coveted spots along the river, but somehow I can't find those photos. Another trip is in order methinks:)))
Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate the support 🤗
Ah! Then let's go for that other trip @millycf1976 friend!!!!... And we'll see those houses you're talking about!... ;)... It's always a pleasure to appreciate and support your excellent content, thanks for sharing!!!!
;)
😍
You make me smile:)))
Have a lovely day!
What a lovely trip to take us with you :)
I'm curious though, as you said "faith in the captain" does it mean someone else needs to be hired to move around the boat? Or did I misunderstood?
Just curious lol ..
I think some of these boathouses look amazing, I always wonder if I'd be cold non-stop though when living on a boat. But I can totally see how that must be a great lifestyle if you have a decent boat without any issues..
Sending sun from Spain to you!
It all looks so idyllic! I'd also be nervous about sailing on the Thames, is there no speed limit there and is it still tidal at Reading?
This is the post your adoring public want to see, so thank-you :-)
Best wishes to you both, I hope you're keeping warm. Would love to see the canals with snow!
No, thank you! 😊
We both were... but you need to be because it is completely different from the canals.
There was a section when we first got onto the rivers where I got off to operate a lock. The current was so strong that Cam could not stop the boat. I had to walk a few miles... It was a bit of a panic moment, but I didn't mind the walk and was happy I wasn't on the boat in case there was a real emergency.
I've read that some sections are, and from what I remember, I'd say yes.
I'm warm and snug, but the canals are frozen now. Luckily it's at a pretty spot that I will probably explore tomorrow. It was funny watching a moorhen sliding on the ice today. I hope to get some pictures tomorrow with my camera... I tried to get some mobile shots but they weren't clear:)
It would be so beautiful if you had a snowy Christmas! Hope the storm didnt blow you around too much this weekend :-)
Yeah, I get the feeling that this year will be a white Christmas.
It's still windy, but the storms seem to have passed and the temperature is mild today.
Have a lovely Sunday:)))
I'd say it is a floating restaurant, in my opinion. In my city, this is quite a common theme.
What we have here, I guess... a man wanted to be a landlord but it never happen - thus, he managed to build his house on the water, on the on the remains of some barge. Looking at the picture, I'm sure that this is not a drifter, but a house that stands... rocking, on the water - legally :)
Yeah, it looks more like a restaurant than a home and it would be a perfect location for small events and celebrations.
😆✅
It's pretty clever and as long as there's heating, then it's having the best of both worlds.
I love that.
There are many abandoned hulls along the network and this idea that could be built upon 😍
Wonderful views. Such a different world seeing it from the water.
I would be taking millions of photos all the time hahaha
Thanks for sharing.
Have a lovely Thursday!
!LADY
Yeah, it's incredibly stunning, and I took many photos that it seems I accidentally deleted.
I thought I should publish these before they disappear too.
The river runs along a beautiful area of the UK and it seemed vibrant yet peaceful enough.
We will try to return to that side sometime next year.
Happy Thursday too 🌻😍
Oh no, that’s a shame you lost some photos.
Better post them all hahaha 🤣
Great you will return there as it looks beautiful for sure.
Thanks a lot, enjoy your Wednesday 👋🏻☃️
!LUV
Thank you!
It's Friday 😊... the canals are frozen so I might take a walk and get some photos:)))
Have a nice day:)))
You are welcome 😊
That must be a stunning view… ❄️
Have a nice day too!
Thanks ☃️
😍🤗
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If you lived stateside, you'd probably be living on a paddlewheel riverboat, right?
Oh YAY! That's right up my street. I love it, and what an amazing history behind it. It's wonderful that he's living his dream, and what an adventure it must be to take the boat across states.
Awesome stuff 😍
Hehe! Yeah, I think that Le Boat is funny too. They went by us like a bullet, and they appeared to be fully stocked for a wild party.😆
Thank you 😊😍
It was an amazing adventure. a completely different feel from the canals. Sometimes I felt like I was at sea.
The views were transformed at night, and looking out at the reflections made me pinch myself. I felt like it was too good to be true:)))
I was born in the town by the River Danube and was camping every summer with my family for years... My dad had a small boat and we would spend most of the time fishing, camping, bathing... Loved it!
Today, this is the second post that I saw people publishing the cruising posts on the river!!! It's so nice to see different landscapes from different rivers around the world... You took great photos!
Thanks for sharing...
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Lucky you! 😍 It sounds like you had a lovely upbringing. Do you by chance live close to the water or get to spend much time by the water now?
The River Danube is another famous river that we learned about as kids.
I appreciate your lovely feedback and support:)))
13 years ago I moved to Spain and here, most of the rivers are almost completely dry... But, I lived all that time by the sea, so it compensates a bit... 😃
Recently, I moved more inland in Spain... There is a river, but the best it can serve is to play with paper boats... 😂
That's such a shame. It's like my family home where I grew up in Jamaica. There was a river in my backyard that I have such fond memories of, and sadly it's all dry.
🤣
I visited Cataluna many years ago and I was surprised how much the geography of the land looked like Jamaica.
You might not be surrounded by rivers or the sea right now, but at least you have mild temperatures there:)))
I enjoyed the photos a lot. So living on the boat is pretty usual there in your place. But isn't it hard? Like getting clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Or do you dock just near to your house?
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Yes, living on the water is getting more popular here, as there are over 2000 miles of English waterways to navigate.
There are facilities along the network for boaters, such as fresh water supply, garbage and human waste, chandlers, and supermarket routes, that make this way of living the closest we can be to being self-sustainable.
Many boaters also plant potted herbs on their boats:)
I bet you will plan to go back to your place when the water freezes this winter, hehe
It must be colder to stay inside the boat the whole winter.
I live on my boat full-time. The canal is frozen right now but the boat is roasting hot inside. The drastic temperature difference is noticed only when we open the doors. If the ice melts then we'll move location tomorrow:)
Nice then. So it's comfy to live there even on winter.
💯 More than you'd imagine:)
These fantasies can come true... I'm sure they will.
It is very nice to accompany you across the Thames. It doesn't matter if it's slow... I prefer to go slowly and enjoy every detail.
The reflections in the water are beautiful.
Hey Nanixxx 👋
Thanks!
I'm happy you enjoyed the views. I agree that it's much nicer going at a slow pace so you can take it all in.
Have a lovely day:)))
🤗🙂😃 You too! Have a lovely day!
😊😍
All pictures are incredible...i always love water reflection and here I enjoyed so many
Thank you!
I had a lot more but it seems as if I deleted them by error, so that prompted me to post them.
I'm pleased you like them 😊
That was quite a view, glad to come across your post. 😁 The canal looks so vibrant, lovely spot for exploration 👌
Hey there!
I'm pleased you stopped by.
Yeah, the canals offer variety in many ways, sometimes just a short move adds a different scenery and vibe.
Have a great week when it comes:)))
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The reflection of the grass and buildings really gave me the chill. Feel like driving into it while just looking at it
Has it had that strong an impact on you? Wow!🤗
It really does, a very peaceful environ
Yes, it is calm and peaceful allowing you to hear delicate sounds of nature:)
I can imagine that the best sight to relieve stress
Yes, it's easy to get into relaxation mode when cruising.
Glad we are on the same boat
Thank you so much @dimascastillo90 and @visualshots. Much appreciated:)
Wowwwww, beautiful place .... beautiful photos, well Done dear @millycf1976
Thank you!
I'm pleased you liked this:)
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love the pictures!!
I bet 😊
It's a very nice tour, thanks for sharing.
My pleasure.
Thanks for stopping by:)
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