Boatwif
The occasional adventures of the Cleddau crew
About Us
We are ‘The Captain’ and ‘Boatwif’, owners of nb Cleddau.
Cleddau was a five year old youngster when we took her on in 1994. She was built for cruising on the River Trent. Over time Cleddau has had internal and external adjustments but she retains her original hull, propeller, anchor and portholes.
When asked (frequently) “What does Cleddau mean?” our response is usually “In Welsh it means swords but Cleddau is the name of the river that flows into the Milford Haven deep water estuary in Pembrokeshire…”
We both grew up in Pembrokeshire; for some years we have kept a record of what we call ‘Monkton Moments’, those exchanges with boaters and non-boaters who recognise our Pembrokeshire connections.
This blog below is a record of our mainly boating adventures.
RECENT KEN & SUE LOCATION
Mishaps and misadventures
The cruise from Crick to Market Harborough had involved 23½ miles, 10 locks, 2 swing bridges and 2 overnight stops…
'O to be on water...'
With lengthening days and increased light levels Boatwif was in need of some boats…
Moist March
Remember dry February? It was proper outdoor paintbrush weather – the picket fence was wood-stained, the trellis was...
Meteorological Spring
March 1st is the first day of meteorological spring, . For the Welsh-born boaters it was a day for flags. Remember Wales;
Measuring via KitKat
Back in 2018 there had been a July road trip from Bedfordshire to Cheshire with the Cal Guys as passengers....
Season of treats and unexpected gifts
Since returning to land-living (three months ago now) some new and unexpected treats have come our way...
Planes and views and thrills…
‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ wrote Keats, presumably with October in mind. For the Cleddau crew this...
Destination Crick
Gayton Junction to Crick Marina: 17½ miles, 14 locks When transferring from a lock-heavy stretch of narrow canal to a lock-free...
To Northampton... and beyond
White Mills Marina to Gayton Junction: 13 miles, 25 locks Many boaters have spoken highly about White Mills Marina...
Onwards and upwards
During the extended stay at Oundle Marina retaining a car there had been a good decision: day trips...
Meanwhile… (03)
To summarise – the crew of nb Cleddau left Bedford on 28th July, heading for Crick Marina...
Meanwhile...(2)
Back to Oundle Marina on Saturday – the news was good, the closure notice on Irthlingborough Lock...
Progress stalled
Over a steaming weekend Oundle Marina proved a quiet place to be. Easy access to a laundry room...
Heading up the River Nene
The boat had been moored opposite the old flour mill at Peterborough for a couple of nights...