Christmas Cruise, Post Christmas Post

We are back in Devizes Marina after a 5-day break on Epiphany. We made it for Christmas Day – well just, as we arrived at 9.15pm! Only a short break so we would be covering some of the route of the Kennet and Avon Canal we did previously. However we never tire of repeat routes as the scenery is ever changing and there is always something we did not notice the last time. We spent 5 years repeating ourselves on the Staffs and Worcs, the Shroppie and the Trent and Mersey Canals when we had Twelfth Night so know well how it feels.

Boxing Day was a 20 minute cruise, only 20 minutes?! Ah yes, but in a good cause. Our friends were joining us for lunch and so we booked in to the Bridge Inn at Bishops Cannings. Well worth the short trip as lunch was really good and it is a very friendly pub – to be recommended. We saw others have the same idea as other boats arrived after us. We had a good day, suggested a walk on the towpath but we all were settled back on the boat by then, in the warmth, so we played Yahtzee instead.

The next few days we pottered towards Pewsey in dry weather, despite the long range forecast insisting it would be wet and windy! We explored All Cannings and found the port a cabin shop; unfortunately we left it to the afternoon before venturing out, so it was shut! All Cannings is a pretty village, lots of thatched roofs and Christmas lights. We had a look in the Church, very interesting with its chancel and sanctuary configuration. We will visit the shop another time I am sure.

So on to Pewsey, a stop at the wharf to water up, drop rubbish and empty the cassette followed by mooring up to take a wander into the village to shop. We then did a quick scoot up to the winding hole, winded and back into our mooring for the night. BJ spent the afternoon changing things in the stern cabin. He moved the fire extinguisher so we can have a shelf to put cups on, room for the mooring spikes and relocated the tiller arm storage. He put hooks in the wet locker for wet gloves etc. In the galley my cup and glass drawer now has hooks for mugs and cups and the cleaning cupboard has hooks for bags, dustpan etc. What a star he is!

There were a couple of boats on the go during the day, as the weather was reasonable and even quite sunny for a while! Although the linear moorings and winter moorings slow one up a bit it is still a pretty and relaxing trip. Anyway I am still nosy about other boats so enjoy looking at the contrasts in repair, wear and tear, care and neglect that are evident in other narrowboats. Epiphany still looks very new, naturally, but we certainly have some wear and tear on her from locks, canal sides and other “hazards”! This does not really bother us, as a narrowboat is to be used in a contact sport and not to be admired in a marina! Anyway, at the end of the day a few drinks at the Waterfront and we were ready to turn in for an early start back to Devizes.

Needless to say Friday morning dawned, wet and windy, as per usual so far for our return to the marina! I completely failed to shut Bishops Cannings chain bridge – I had managed to open it by sheer determination. So after negotiating through, battling the wind, BJ had to close it for me.

So into the marina, again wind assisted, but a creditable berthing once out of the wind and we were able to spend the afternoon relaxing – err hum, BJ was, I cleaned the floor! He deserved to relax, as he was the wettest!

Homeward bound via John Lewis for some more curtain material. I have decided that we need “bungs” in all the portholes as they help with cutting down on dripping condensation and heat loss. So 6 more “bung” covers to make! In the saloon and bedroom this will give us a choice of “bung”, “bung” and curtain or just curtain. We will also have “bungs” in the bathroom after all, not for privacy as the frosted glass is very good, but they will help keep the heat in.

For Those Who are Nosy , Like Me!

The official Epiphany web site has some new pictures! Our narrowboat is now well and truly finished! I have written some about our journeys so far, in the last 2 months, as we “settle down” on the Kennet and Avon canal.

The new pictures are of the interior in a folder of their own. They show the stern cabin, bathroom, bedroom, galley and saloon. The ideas have worked!

In the stern cabin we have two spare bunks, narrow, but we have tested them ourselves and they are very comfortable. There is absolutely no wasted space in the stern cabin, with storage under the bunks. The engine is accessible under the steps and everything is easy to get at.

The bathroom, a cross bathroom, is spacious, light and warm. The shower is full size and the loo a Thetford cassette. We also have a spare cassette stored in the stern cabin. There is a large airing cupboard over the calorifier and a small cupboard over the sink. The washing machine is under the port porthole, built in, with a drawer and tiled shelf above.

We are very pleased with the bedroom, with a folding cross bed that folds up and a fixed bit on the starboard with storage under. We have bedside chest of drawers and a small dressing table. There are over bed cupboards too behind our bendy lights.

The galley is great. Everything is in drawers with a cupboard under the sink. A freezer is tucked under the granite section of the worktop. There are cupboards between the bedroom and galley, storing cleaning materials and a pull out larder with a cupboard with fixed shelves over.

The saloon is cosy, lots of shelves for books, a built in TV, drop down table and of course our Morso stove. Abutting the starboard galley bulkhead is a cupboard that holds the printer and other computer paraphernalia.

Overall Epiphany feels light and airy because of the large portholes, houdini hatch and mirrors. When the side hatches are open in the saloon she will really be flooded with light and sunshine (we hope!). We think we have achieved a modern, contemporary feel with traditional touches here and there.

Over the next few months our website is going to be “under development” as BJ rationalises, edits and makes it more “user friendly” So please do let us know if links no longer work, but bear with us as this happens! I will continue to blog our journeys etc, which eventually will have their own section.

Lets Hear it for a Traditional Christmas

Happy Christmas readers!

We still haven't done our cards! But hope to catch the 2nd class post this week. We are landlubbers at the moment but hope to be on Epiphany over the Christmas holiday.

I was musing on how Christmas has lost its way. The weather is more like early Autumn, the wild animals and birds are really confused. Some of the spring plants are shooting and down here in Cornwall we have the Capital of the County celebrating a "Winter Festival". Yes political (over) correctness has reached Truro! On all main roads into the city we are welcomed with "Winter Festival Park and Ride" signs. How sad, we should celebrate our heritage. Whether we have a Christian belief or not it is what has shaped our country. Perhaps we need to look back to see what is going wrong with our communities and learn from history, not try to obliterate it?

Enough rant - We both sincerely hope that you will enjoy a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. Remember the reason for the celebration and be thankful for all we have.

My next post will probably be from Epiphany, providing BJ can get my mobile to work as a modem (his does already of course!).

Christmas will be over and we will be moving into Epiphany! Absolutely no prizes to those of you who know the Church calendar and recognise the pun.

End of Cruise - Time to Relax and Enjoy

Sunday 10th December

We are back at the marina, a very pleasant cruise back for most of the day. A bit wet at the end and now its back to the rain and winds again! All in all it has been a great few days, new places, new people and new things learnt about Epiphany and how she acts, reacts and performs.

The carols at Pewsey became rather a “busman’s holiday” for BJ! Unfortunately, the advertised Peter Atwell had double booked and was unable to come at the last minute. Someone, (own up if it was you!) remembered that the SOW hatted guy was a Vicar, a Rev on a boat! BJ was only too pleased to help and took the mike to lead the singing, and generally do “Vicary” things! Two carol sheets between the crowd meant everyone's memory was tested, but all were in good voice. We had a good time and only hope that everyone else enjoyed themselves too; many thanks to all those who arranged it, the band and also the cooks – delicious. The rest of the evening went with a swing in the bar and we really enjoyed meeting fellow narrow boaters and certainly hope to see them all again.

PS Are there any Cornish out there in Narrowboat Land? Over the years we have seen quite a few Cornish flags and St Pirans flags flying on boats. Boats called Curnow, Kernow, Tywardreath, and lots more. Let us know, leave a message, get in touch. We may be able to have our own little Gods Wonderful County links across the cut!

Devizes To Crofton Top Lock, Returning

Friday 8th December

Some more blog as I have time on my hands for a bit. We are moored at Pewsey Wharf for the night. There is a Carol Concert with a band and Peter Atwell (Boaters Christian Fellowship) at 7.00. We will probably eat in the café afterwards as chicken curry is on the menu! We met Peter, not that he will remember at all, at Dundas aqueduct when we hired Silver Dove from Anglo Welsh, about 5 years ago. We had to start from there instead of Bristol as the river was in flood and we were really pleased as we were upgraded from a 4 berth to a 6/7 berth boat with, wait for it, a microwave!

We fell in love with the K&A then I think, as it was a wonderful trip with our good friends. Silver Dove is still in use down at Sydney Wharf, where the Anglo Welsh hire fleet is run by Bath Narrowboats. We had a nose on her when we were down there in November and had no real memory of the interior, just that microwave. I do like my porridge made in a microwave in the morning, must be my Scottish quarter blood!

So this is Christmas – song title there I think! This will be my first taste of carols this year, just about right and not too early. It seems the shops have already finished Christmas, as it is sale time apparently. Have a good one, keep things simple and enjoy.

Wind, Rain and Christmas Carols on a December Cruise

Cruise: Devizes – Crofton Top Lock (R)

Tuesday 5th December

We have a few days to explore the K&A canal further. The weather forecast looked blustery, wet but not cold. However there seemed only one or two boats on the move. Google alert had notified BJ that a blog had mentioned “Narrowboats”; on following the link he discovered that “Moore 2 Life” was at Devizes having a new boiler put in. So we popped over and spoke to Chas at the Marina. John had seen that Sue had bought a new boat from Devizes – “No Problem 2”. Fortuitously I opened Allington Swing Bridge just as she approached and the usual greetings of “hope to see you later” took place!

So lots of firsts with Epiphany: Our first blustery night when we thought everything would take off from the roof and the sat dish fell over with a bang. Our first torrential rain storm and really muddy steerers step; our first loss of a fender at Wooten Rivers, and a futile attempt to rescue it. Duck “poo” on the roof from an adventurous friend; Bruce tunnel, interesting but short, but at least we were able to test the headlight and BJ approves of the stern light as he is able to see the stern too. We winded in what felt like a force 50-gale and lashing rain at Crofton Top Lock, nice bit of helmsman ship! We are beginning to get the hang of playing with the sat dish each time we moor and finding out about the vagaries of mobile Internet and phone signals along the K&A.

However, more importantly, we are both agreed that Epiphany is the best thing we have ever done, she is really what we wanted and really ours. We love being on her and out in all weathers and it is great to begin to meet fellow boaters on this lovely stretch of waterway, for once I agree with a Tory MP. Thank you Michael Ancram for giving the Kennet and Avon Canal some publicity in parliament this week – keep up the good work all you “Save Our Waterways” folk.

We Joined In. How About You?

We have just returned from a few days on Epiphany. Of course there are new photos! These will be uploaded soon. I took some internal pictures to bore you with, mainly to show her now well and truly as "home" - well second one anyway. I suppose we have joined the ranks of second homeowners now, although that is not strictly true as our "first" home goes with BJ's job. Two homers then!

I suppose more importantly we were on Epiphany to join in the protest blockade at Devizes Wharf, K & A canal, on Saturday. Here is a foretaste of the photos, which will be in our gallery. Epiphany decorated with Save Our Waterways posters (third boat from the Wharf) and you can just make out the Skipper! Skipper's Mate was "David Bailey" for the day! Actually I would prefer to be Lord Lichfield I think.

There are more photos of the Devizes blockade and other events around the country on Flickr.com. Also on the Save Our Waterways website, with written reports from other events.

The Devizes event was a great success, about 40 boats blocked the canal at the Wharf, blasted horns and hooters on the hour, enjoyed a barbeque (thank you chefs), nobbled passers by for their signatures on the petition and despite the damp weather generally made our presence known. The Mayor of Devizes came, signed the petition and lots of photos were taken, the local press included. In the afternoon the sun shone but as dedicated boaters nobody minded the weather anyway.

Thanks must go to the organisers, Devizes Boat Club and the K & A Canal Trust. In the evening food and a band were laid on. Unfortunately we had to leave before the band as a 4 hour journey home awaited us. I won a raffle prize though, yeah!

So folks, check out future events on SOW
Make sure YOU make your voice heard, sign the petition and the electronic petition, write to your MP. We need to keep our linear National Park open for use and available for everyone. In 1884 campaigners set up the National Trust for the protection of coastline, countryside and buildings, and government passed an appropriate Act, The National Trust Act. Would the waterways were seen as equally important by all.

Extended Maiden Voyage or First Journey - take your pick!

Bath to Devizes Marina, or "homeward bound", with a crew of friends.
OK, confession time the pictures of the locks down into Bath were taken as I took a walk the morning we left Sydney Wharf. We did not take Epiphany down, but definitely will in the future. It was such a gorgeous morning that as she was watered and fuelled up I wandered with our friends down the Widcombe flight. Not all 6 but down to where I was able to take the views of Bath seen here. It was crisp, cold and what a blue sky!
After leaving Sydney Wharf, Cleveland House (the original HQ of the Kennet and Avon Canal Company) and the ornate bridges of Sydney Gardens provide some lovely reflections. The canal then follows the Avon Valley to Dundas Aqueduct - mentioned in a previous post as a start point for one of our hiring holidays. I couldn't resist taking these photos as we swung onto it - both Johns at the stern.
The next photos are as we climb the Caen Hill flight, paired with another of Bath Narrowboats (Salix Alpha) on its way to Devizes too. Note the steerers on Epiphany, changing as we climb, me first, then Carolyn, finally BJ! We women make sure we pull our weight and fair dos for all. Somehow John missed out as he was happy to lock wheel.
At the top, a few more locks through Devizes. Devizes Wharf is where the canal protest blockade on Saturday 25 November 2006 takes place. Hopefully with about 40 boats, entertainment and food. See Save Our Waterways website.
Devizes Marina is in sight, new pub being built on the doorstep! and Epiphany comes home.
The skipper checks the mooring ropes and we are there for the night. The next day we took Epiphany up to Pewsey Wharf and ate at one of the pubs there. The photos are some evening shots, atmospheric effects courtesy of darkness falling before we moored up. The return to the Marina the next day was in fog, so no pictures as we could only see one boat length ahead!
Sometime BJ will reconfigure this website so we separate the build from journeys but please have patience, and stay with us!

Launch, Launch, and Lots More

Our photos of the launch day are now up on the website, lots of them! In great detail but we hope they will compliment those already up which were taken by friends. No comments yet so I will not link to them individually as the order may change as BJ works on them! The lift out of Sells Green, journey to Bradford on Avon Marina, craning in, celebrations and launch are all there!

The new shell being delivered is the next boat for Bath Narrowboats to work on, also for a customer from the South West. It will be a very different looking boat but we are sure that the owners will be as delightrd as we are with Epiphany. We feel we have made some good friends with all the staff and plan to pester them occasionally!

Included in the gallery are photos taken by Richard Clarke, also a Director of Bath Narrowboats. He is the Sydney Wharf "Boss"!

Also in the same section are photos of the maiden voyage from Bradford on Avon Marina, through Bradford lock, with three of the lads from Bath Narrowboats on board. We moored for the night just below the lock, eating at Lock Inn Cottage. A great place to eat, it was all decked up for Halloween Night - quite spooky!

Next morning BJ and I set off for Bath. It was a glorious day, Epiphany swam beautifully, looked gorgeous and we attracted a few comments. One comment was "thats the best boat I have seen for months".

On the way we passed some well known parts of the K&A. We have called into The George at Bathhampton two or three times when visiting Bath by road. Once when the canal was being worked on and was completely drained for relining. We passed another Bath Narrrowboats boat, a wide beam and also one of their recent narrowboats, as seen on their website for sale.

Bizarrely we also saw one of our Twelfth Night Share Association (share now sold!) owners walking his dog at Bathhampton. He was there working for the day. We pulled in to the towpath for a chat, small world as he lives in Gloucester.

Bath was glorious, views over the city as we approached were tinged with sun. We were making for Sydney Wharf, the other "home" for Bath Narrowboats. There they have the restaurant boat The John Rennie, some day boats and the Anglo Welsh Hire Fleet. A wonderful place to start from on the K&A, in reach of the centre of Bath and it sights and a lovely cruise up the K&A, or onto the River, as far as you can get in the time available on your holiday.

Pictures of the Wharf were taken early in the morning when BJ woke, very artistic! One oftThe hire boats is Silver Dove - photo for nostalgic reasons - she was the last hire boat we had from Anglo Welsh and at the time were very impressed with a microwave on board! We took her from Dundas onto the Thames and back to Newbury with our friends who have been very much part of our Epiphany journey so far. The K&A had not long been fully opened then.

OK, so now we start the Journeys of Epiphany. From now on the blog will be about these, starting with or journey back up to Devizes and all the excitement of lots of locks!

Come On, Join in, Make a Difference

We are still around. Epiphany is at her mooring. Just a few snagging items for Bath Narrowboats to complete. We will be uploading some photos from her maiden voyage eventually! This was completed over 2 days due to getting away from Bradford on Avon later than planned after her launch. See next blog!

As you see on the index home page we have a new link to "Save our Waterways", a vital campaign for anyone interested in our inland waterways, whether it be for their heritage, beauty, leisure or a "means to an end". What would the walkers, cyclists, fishermen, joggers, dogs, wildlife do without the tow paths and the water? It is not only boaters that use canals and rivers.
How would owners of the houses, appartments and offices feel about looking out on a dirty ditch? Which is what they would become without maintenance and boat movements.

I worked in Reading in the mid seventies and I remember walking down the side of where I worked to look at the dirty ditch that the K & A was then. We had an interest in canals even then and had a couple of holidays on hire boats in 73, 74 and planned to continue. Over the years we spent many happy times hiring boats and exploring the cut.

How wonderful the K & A is now thanks to all those who worked and fought to improve and keep it open. 33 years later, here we are using the K&A as our home waters. Strange how life goes!

So make sure you make time to get to one of the protests on Saturday. Lets make our voices heard, keep the pressure on and Save our Waterways. Follow the link for more details

The Birth and Christening

Well, we have had the gestation - shell build and fit out. Now we have the birth as Epiphany leaves Bath Narrowboats at Sells Green. The last minute details were finished. The Amtico flooring and the curtain rails and curtains were in. Now my nerves set in as I watched her hooked up to the forklift, towed out and lifted on to the lorry. Our emotions were running high - excitement, nerves, tears, yes, I did cry as she left the workshop. We had the keys at last!

The picture of the gang shows everybody who has had a hand in the fitting out, plus a few honoured guests, the lorry and crane drivers. From Sells Green she was taken to Bradford on Avon Marina to be craned into the water.

To continue the analogy, we now had the christening and after a few splashes of Champagne, naming and a blessing at last she was in the water. There was very little adjustment needed to her ballasting, a credit to Bath Narrowboats calculations. Epiphany is nearly 16 tons. Someone drank the Champagne; I only had a couple of mouthfuls, despite the picture!

So we were off, plus 3 of the “lads” to finish a couple of jobs and have a bit of a cruise. Unfortunately a very short cruise as the time ran out on us. They helped us through the lock and we spent the night at Bradford on Avon. It was so good to be on Epiphany. She came up to our expectations. She is very quiet, swims wonderfully and is very easy to handle. The more astute of you will have noticed we do not have bow thrusters! We do not want or need them as BJ’s handling of her in the marina demonstrated!

We have had lots of comments and compliments from website watchers, friends, fellow narrow boaters and towpath walkers. As always once a boat settles in the water there is a little “snagging” to do and a few re adjustments, but nothing major.

We had some wonderful days last week, in Bath, on our cruise up to Devizes and finally in her home berth. Words are not really adequate to express out feelings, we have achieved the first step in our dream of living on the water.

We must pay tribute to all those who have helped us so far. We hope they are as pleased and proud as we are. Colecraft – Sam and Dom Cole and their team; Bath Narrowboats – Richard Clarke, Jon Langley and his great, friendly, dedicated team; generous and very supportive friends and all those who have encouraged us, complimented and given advice to us. Also all those owners of narrow boats who have unwittingly given us ideas over the last 30 years as we passed them on the cut or read about their boats.

There will be more pictures so keep with us, let us know your comments and keep a look out for us on Epiphany on your travels too!

Final Days

Nearly there! Saloon shelves, which incorporate sections for the TV, a magazine rack, note our star motif, and corner units beside the steps. We have lots of books at home - need to get rid of some - but will have plenty on the boat eventually I expect. Captain's chairs and stools are waiting to go on board.

The cratch cover is also on its way and all will be assembled in the bows prior to launch. Flooring also has to be laid. We have chosen Amtico as it is so hard wearing, and looks really good. It took us ages to decide on the colour and style but hope that it will add to the look for Epiphany.

The galley is looking great, sink, wine rack, oven and hob and larder. I particularly like the drawer fronts and clever handles. The stern doors with the blue/cream design are just as we hoped. This photo looking from the bows, into the interior is only possible on dry land and is really effective - congrats and thanks again, Jon, We have a wonderful collection of photos to look back on and what a difference 4 months makes!

So now we wait for launch day, hoping it will be fine weather. We will have Bath Narrowboats checking her and "snagging" (I am sure there will be very little of this due to their experience) for a couple of days and then she will be all ours!

My blog will soon change character as we catalogue our journeys in Epiphany so we hope you will continue to "log on"

Flying Photographer

Pictures arriving daily as “the plan comes together”. Some aerial views give a different perspective. We think we know how Jon, the photographer, appeared to fly to the rafters to take the photos. I will leave you to guess!

No draughts now as the bow doors are on, I like the large windows. The hob is in place with its splash back as mentioned before. The port side of the galley with the granite, worktop and hob looks great, just as I hoped. The up stand, as on the starboard side will complete it.

At the stern we have fold up brass steps to help with getting up and down via the roof in locks. We think it is more sensible to have them at the stern, not bows as some boats. When single-handing it means that you can get back to the tiller directly if necessary. Also, as is our wont BJ, (who could also be called Mr. Long Legs) often climbs off so we both do the paddles. This can be particularly necessary with some of the very stiff, heavy lock gear that needs a strong arm to raise the paddles. He can then get back to steer out of the lock as dropping the paddles is much less strenuous!

Our Epiphany is Almost Here

“Whew!” I have some catching up to do. The photo gallery is way ahead of me as there have been at least three lots added since my last blog. So be warned this is a long blog! I am writing this in between watching the Brazilian Grand Prix and Michael Schumacher’s swan song and hopefully Fernando Alonso’s back-to-back championship. Not forgetting Jenson Button, of course! So if I don’t make sense blame the excitement of the race!

Back to a slower method of transport, but a sport too some may say – a contact sport. Contact between fellow enthusiasts – great. Contact between boats and immovable objects are less popular but a fact in the narrowboat world! Comments on Epiphany to follow now:

The stern cabin with its occasional bunks, cupboards, wet locker and mirror now only awaits the bedding. The stern doors are in place too. I tried the porthole bung too, inside and out. Sorry, pause, as there are 4 laps to go…. Wow, Alonso World Champion, Jenson on the podium and goodbye to Schumy, what a race!

Back to the boat, actually more important! From the stern cabin, we move into the bathroom. This awaits the mirror on the cupboard, but other mirrors and tiling are finished. I can take my morning shower too. The washing machine will be plumbed in this week. Next comes the bedroom. Bendy lights mean we can read in bed. Cupboards for storage, bedside tables and dressing table – mirror with lights to pander to my vanity! Two wardrobes give room for hanging clothes. We are putting full-length mirrors in this room too. They will help reflect the light from the portholes, which will be curtained.

Into my space now, well actually we share the cooking, washing up etc. A new addition and the result of a brain wave is the granite, appropriately named “galaxy” to follow our starry theme. There are some bits and pieces to finish in here - namely, the pull out larder cupboard, hob with splash back and up stand behind the work surfaces. The drawers are made and await the drawer fronts and cupboard doors will also be added.

The saloon has come on very quickly. The shelf run and even the steps (photograph of which is hot of the press as it arrived today) are well on its way. Also today photos of the Morso stove flue, the nearly completed stern paintwork and hatch in place. Staying with the exterior, the cratch window was put on so the makers of the covers could do their measurements. The cratch is large as the bows of Epiphany are wide to accommodate the wider bow doors and need for floor space for a wheelchair. There will also be a table in the cratch; when this is up it covers the window to add to the security. Also here you can see the ID plate for Epiphany.

So, what remains? This list is a start! Poles, boat hook, ladder/boarding plank, water hose, ropes. The spikes, and windlasses are in the box, as are the curtains wrapped in the pink sheet! There are lots of little things but all vital. Soft furnishings are already at Sells Green; crockery, glasses and pans will come from home.

So launch day approaches fast. Are we excited – you bet! Look out for more photos and of course The Official Launch Diary and accompanying beautiful photographs!

Tiles Are Us

This takes some keeping up with – yet more photos! Shower tiling is complete, just the doors and workings to add! The vanity unit which holds the basin also will have tiles on top, as will the washing machine which will be forward of the shower. We are also having a “splash back”(!) behind the cassette loo, white tiles again. I hope the bathroom won’t feel like too like a swimming pool with all the tiles! I shall have to buy some fluffy towels and accessories to add colour. The immersion heater is for use when we are hooked up in the marina; the shower pump is in reach from the shower, which will have bi-fold doors.

Outside, the fairleads (those brass thingamys on the rails) are to help guide the centre ropes and prevent them damaging the paintwork. When we first started hiring, over 30 years ago, such things as centre ropes were not fitted. Now we would not be without them, particularly when single handing the boat when the other crewmember is locking.

BW logo awaits Epiphany’s registration number, which will then complete the stern panels. There are other bits of paintwork to finish, bows and stern and the cratch is yet to be fitted. No doubt our visits in the next few days will result in lots more pictures for your delectation.

My job at home is to finish the porthole bungs. The curtains are completed and await the iron so they will be ready to hang before she goes in the water on the 31^st.

Starry Reflections?

Pictures are arriving almost daily, thanks to Jon. Remember the mirror in the box? It is now where it should be, over the dressing table in the bedroom. I am not sure yet how bright the lights will be – I may blind myself in the mornings! Overhead cupboards in the bedroom again add to the storage space, off centre, because the port porthole is forward from the bed. The reasons for this being the type of fold up bed – it would have blocked a center porthole, and so that the externally the asymmetric portholes looked right.

The shower tiles and silver wavy trim tiles will echo the chrome theme in the bathroom and give lots of reflected light, together with other tiled areas.

The finished sign writing on the stern panels looks as good as we hoped, at least we think it does, and it is our boat! The bows echo the colours and repeat the star. Any comments about “following the star” and wise men can be kept to yourself!

Signs of the Times

First sight of the quality of sign writing is on these mooring boards, which we will use to mark Epiphany’s moorings, possibly not in the marina but if ever we have line moorings or other appropriate moorings. It also gave the sign writer a chance to practice and us to correct the size of star we want!

The paintwork by Alan at Bath Narrowboats is of a very high standard and Epiphany certainly has a glossy look! However once on the cut we expect scratches and wear and tear and so will try to look after the paintwork. Having said that we are not boaters who are “precious” about the paintwork and will not continually fuss about the appearance of our boat! We will not be following the “Braunston law” – see Steve Haywood’s very funny article in Novembers Canal Boat.

The galley is still developing, we will be able to cook and wash up, and the hob will complete the set with the work surface fitted on the port side too.

Black slate was our choice for the stove surround, we have it at home on the hearth and it looks great. I have to say though that to keep it looking good it needs to be washed down occasionally. Some boats we have seen have tiles – the grouting/cracks can be hard to keep clean – we had them on Twelfth Night and ash and cinders were trapped there. Each to his own though!

Once again our thanks must go to Jon Langley for keeping us up to date with photos of progress. We have a trip up again soon and then …….. The next time will probably be launch day – not long to go now, this clock is ticking!

To Our Readers

A sub theme seems to be developing.

Here is another boat, well ship actually, yet another way of travelling on the water! Not one we have travelled on though! This is one of the cruise ships that come and go into our local port, Falmouth. As you will see from this web site, we have "problem boaters" in Cornwall too!

However this post is, in good author style, to say a "thank you" to all our readers! Some of you have posted comments and compliments. It is great to get the feedback. In the jargon of the day, our "users" seem satisfied! I have posted replies to queries on the blog.

Some of you are friends who share our enthusiasm for all things water, particularly canal orientated. Others of you are enthusiasts who scour the ether for like minded people and some of you know BJ through the canal forums. Those of you who "lurk" - I think that is the correct term - and I am sure hundreds(!) of you do, we would be happy to hear from you. You can also contact us from the index page, just click on the cat on the letterbox.

We hope that our website provides lots of information about the building of a narrowboat, in our case a truly bespoke boat. We set it up to be a pictorial record for us and hope to continue the saga once Epiphany is in the water. So in the future there may be other pages, journey logs and photos, and other bits and pieces that we feel might be interesting. So we hope you enjoy the site enough to stay with us!

To the Galley and Beyond

Yesterday was my turn to visit Bath Narrowboats on my own! On my way back from “up country” – a Cornish expression for any place north of the River Tamar. Eyes up, this is the road bridge over the Tamar that keeps Cornwall attached to the mainland– I called in to see the latest progress on Epiphany. Of course I had the camera with strict instructions to photograph everything, move over David Bailey – not! Some of them may be repeats, but it is better to make sure.

As you can see Epiphany was in shrouds. Only to mask the coachwork whilst the rails are painted fire red.

Internally the galley is progressing now. The cupboard and drawer carcasses are in with spaces for sink, hob, oven and tray/tea towel slot. The work surface, sink and sink mixer tap were delivered just as I was leaving. The larder fridge and freezer are in place. The microwave hole is still there! The houdini hatch in the galley is fitted.

Moving to the saloon our “computer cupboard” is in, complete with a clever drawer for A4 paper using otherwise wasted space. The hole for the chimney of the multi fuel stove was cut whilst I was there and I am looking forward to seeing the Morso squirrel stove in situ with the slate plinth and surround. The port shelving has begun and watch this space for the design of these progressing to incorporate a small table to port, and TV to starboard.

Moving to the stern, we tried the height of the swan neck and tiller arm, crucial for me at 5 foot 6 inches and BJ at 6 foot five inches – we both need to be able to steer comfortably as we share this, and the locks too!

Stern to Galley - so far

Slowly but surely our dream is developing into a wonderful reality! The latest photos show more internal details. Bath Narrowboats are definitely building us a truly bespoke boat, using all their skills, including some good suggestions. BJ spent the day at Sells Green yesterday and had a really enjoyable day, watching the fitting out process and continuing the discussions. Ideas come as the boat progresses too. The latest being ideas about a wine rack, saloon shelves design and access to the spare cassette, more details as these ideas take shape.

As you can see the stern cabin is really taking shape, the steps are in, with a finrad on the last step to provide heating to the cabin. The bathroom is also developing. For me an airing cupboard is essential on a boat, as linens, spare towels and clothes can be stored and aired in it. The vanity unit will have a mirror cupboard over it and a tiled surround.

The bedroom looks interesting! A fold up cross bed, end of bed storage, and bedside drawers are the practical solutions for us. Our son is a wheelchair user so as we would like him to visit us when we are on Epiphany we had to consider his access to as much of the boat as possible. The fold up bed will give access to the bathroom during the day and at night when it is down there is enough space aft for the wheelchair to enable nighttime excursions! Yet to go in, are over-bed cupboards and wardrobe doors. A small dressing table is on the starboard aft side over the access to the cassette when it needs emptying. The lit mirror above this is yet to be fitted!

The full-length galley starboard cupboard houses the microwave and opposite there will be a pull out larder. The microwave had to be a certain size due to the central corridor and took some research to find! The cupboards, hob, oven, fridge and freezer may well be the next major developments and I am looking forward to seeing my ideas for the galley take shape.

We have had to put Epiphany’s launch date back a couple of weeks. You may remember that the shell was three weeks late due to unforeseen circumstances. Bath Narrowboats have been able to make up some of this time, which is great. We, nor they, want the boat to be rushed so we have agreed to a new date that suits us all. The best things come to those that wait – a mantra from my childhood I think!

Shiny New Boat

The title of this reflects recent correspondence in the boating magazines about owners and their new boats! We are well aware that a narrowboat does not necessarily stay this way but I have to say there seems nothing wrong with being proud of a new boat. We are taking bets as to who will scratch or bash Epiphany first! In ancient days they called this "first blooding", and on the canals it is inevitable.
For any of you who have been waiting for more pictures with interest or dare I say excitement - well we have anyway - Epiphany now has her coach paint on the cabin sides. Of course you may have already looked at them, depending on whether you look at the gallery or blog first!
The porthole glass and internal liners are in, 18" and 12" in the stern cabin. We think they look rather smart with the liners and I plan to make curtains and "bungs" that show them off.
As you see our stern cabin looks interesting! We wanted to make use of every inch of the boat and this cabin is multi purpose. As a trad it holds the engine bay, with access points for maintenance. There are 2 "tailor made" bunks for occasional nights on either side of the engine. The starboard bunk over the batteries is shorter as I am smaller than BJ and has a cupboard over the foot end. The port bunk is over the webasto and in front of the wetlocker. There is a space under this to store the spare cassette. We also have used the spare space underneath for large cupboards - never too much storage space on a narrowboat!
On fine days this cabin can be open to the elements for standing or sitting to keep the helmsman company! On wet days we have contingency plans and ideas to keep it dry! One obvious answer is to keep the four foot hatch as closed as possible without causing problems for the helmsman. We shall have to experiment with this. Someone suggested that the only thing to do on wet days is to moor up and stay below. However we rather like cruising in the rain providing it is not storm conditions and we (or more probably BJ!) are in wet weather gear!

More Home Comforts

Here is a new picture of "our space" at Devizes Marina. ETA last week of October.

One of my last posts mentioned the Morso multifuel stove. This is not the only source of heat as you will see from the pictures from Bath Narrowboats. We have the central heating boiler installed in the stern cabin, port side.
We will also be able to keep clean as the shower pump and part completed shower compartment are also featured.
The pictures in the next section of the gallery show more details of these but are still un sorted and un commented on due to other things taking priority. A quick flick through them will give you a flavour of the developments so far.

For further "pearls of wisdom" you will have to be patient and continue to watch this space!

My Other Boat

Just thought I would let you see a photo of "my other boat" - the boat I travel on most days. One of the most famous ferries, it is in the top 10, and also one of the few chain ferries in the country. This is the "new model", lauched in April. There has been a ferry crossing here since 1889. Find out its history and what KHF stands for by clicking here
This river crossing keeps me sane, travelling back and forth to work. At least it is an opportunity to chill and enjoy the river and boats - mainly sailing boats and motor cruisers.
However Epiphany is still my number one boat and you will see from the gallery that we have been busy with the camera again and she is looking more and more like a narrowboat internally and externally! When BJ has sorted and labelled the photos I will do another addition to this blog. I do not want to give you links that do not exist as I suspect that some of the phtos may be taken off when he adds comments. So once again - watch this space!

Water and Electricity but no Shocks

Bank Holiday Monday! A good day to laze around and update things! Epiphany is going “live”. I.e. the domestic batteries, inverter and travel pack are in. Maybe tested with an electric kettle? “Fin-rads” I hear you say – why not, I hate the white radiators, as they can be so intrusive in a small space. They will not be the only source of heating, as we shall have the ubiquitous Morso Squirrel multi fuel stove. In a fairly open plan boat the stove will also heat the rest of the boat. We have experienced how much heat they throw out. On Twelfth Night we have been known to open the bow doors and windows during the winter to cool off! On one occasion the heat melted the curtain rail – we were not the culprits though.

The water pump is as far away from the bedroom as possible as I wake up at the slightest noise! Hopefully we shall be able to leave it on now and not have to turn it on at night to have a drink and wake the sleeping partner. Anyone for a shower? Oops, no shower cabinet yet but the towel rail cum radiator is in.

A few interesting design points, arrived at in discussion with Bath Narrowboats and ourselves – the anchor brackets in the bow and the integral dip stick for the diesel tank. One of our security requirements is the locking filler cap. Remember the security rings on the bows?

If you think that the inside of the boat looks dark it is because the portholes are covered by the american oak lining which of course will be cut away and replaced by the porthole glass in due time.

Watch this space

To come: comments and thoughts on the latest pictures

See next post!

In case you were wondering!
This photo was taken on one of our habitual forays to the nearest canal to the place we are visiting by car. In this case it was a very hot humid day, walking the tow path of the Grand Union Canal

Have engine, will travel - eventually

We made it to Sells Green this time. We decided on a very early start to avoid all the visitors returning “up country” after their wonderful holiday in sunny, beautiful Cornwall. Commercial break over!

That gave us time to explore the area around and on the Kennet & Avon canal as the weather held out for us. We walked the towpath at Seend and spoke to some of the boat owners on the go and moored up. One lady was very kind as we picked her brains about live aboard cats. She had a lovely grey Persian who seemed quite at home. We didn’t go into the Barge Inn this time, as we shall enjoy that when we cruise.

Epiphany has continued to “grow”; she has been lined out, cabin sides and roof. The Shire engine is in and running. BJ turned the key, a familiar high pitched whistle and the engine turned over! I had the privilege of turning her off once she had been revved thoroughly! I am sure that only those of you who have experienced this too will understand our excitement and pleasure to hear the engine. Others probably think we are nuts.

Alan, Bath Narrowboats accomplished boat painter has started on the external coach paint. We had a long discussion on the finer points and look forward to seeing further progress. The cream colour is just as we imagined – just wait for the blue to see the full effect.

It seems we will have hot water as the calorifier is installed – but obviously still need the heating boiler! We had big discussions about the next stage, galley cupboards, lighting, fixtures and fittings to name a few things. It seems that the differences and progress will appear to slow down now as the more detailed fitting out takes place, or so Jon assured us. All in all a very satisfactory if exceedingly long day for all involved.

"The best laid plans"

A weekend away – but not on the canals unfortunately as it was a visit to our son’s new home. We also arranged to return via Sells Green too. We did spend some time walking on the Lancaster Canal and visited Tewitfield. I think that is as far north as it is possible to be on the main system at the moment. Hopefully the next time we will cruise there on Epiphany. Who knows, maybe even the northern section may be restored in our lifetime so we can use the locks and not just take photos of dereliction. Who put that motorway bridge there anyway?

There were more photos from Sells Green at the weekend though. Lining out, stern greaser and fuel lines and engine room painted, so things are really moving well. We gather that the engine is now in and ready to be connected up.

We had planned to visit there on our way home but the car had other ideas and broke down on the M4. The fourth emergency service returned us home – eventually. We passed J17 (the one for Sells Green) at about 9pm on a relay truck so didn’t think we would try our luck then!

We now hope we may be going up this weekend as there are things to discuss and of course more photos to take so expect lots more!

Looms and Horses

Progress continues – we now have evidence of electric wiring! Electrical activity will of course take longer! It looks as it was quite a complicated process – more akin to knitting maybe. Jon had all the diagrams for us to approve when we were last at Sells Green. We may seem to have a lot of sockets but they are all in convenient places according to use. Needless to say all the electrical equipment will not be running at the same time – we are actually careful how we use the electrical systems as flat domestic batteries can be a nuisance. Lots of cruising helps, and on our share boat (Twelfth Night) we had worked out the optimum number of hours required to top up the batteries.

The Shire engine looks shiny and new – installation is proposed for next week. Again we have experience of this engine from TN and have been impressed with its performance.

The security rings are something we asked for as we have ideas of using a system that is more secure than just ropes when necessary. This again comes from experiences and narrow escapes on Twelfth Night. Notably on the Leeds and Liverpool!

Next Stage

More photos from Sells Green – wonderful, things are progressing well. Battens, spray foam etc. Epiphany is coming to life – how fanciful! I think that some of our friends may be a little fed up with our main topic of conversation so if any of you are reading this we are sorry! Little wonder that our son suggested we call the boat “Obsession”. I suppose it is partly that long-term we hope Epiphany will be our home. We sold our house years ago when BJ had a change of career and so it’s a bit like starting again. Anyway this whole exercise is keeping us “out of mischief” and giving us a shared interest and goal and that cannot be bad. Maybe there are some who may learn through our experience being so fully documented in cyberspace! Our family has grown up with technology thanks to BJ’s first career and abiding interest in ICT development and systems analysis. So it is not surprising that we embrace this medium

Updates from Sells Green

The latest pictures of Epiphany arrived today from the boat fitters at Sells Green. Thank you Jon. She has had the ballast put in - a mixture of steel, granite and marble (off cuts!). Bath Narrowboats kindly recycle the waste from one of their neighbouring industries as it costs their neighbours to send it to a landfill site! This ballast must make their boats among the most unique on the waterways I should think. Of course this did not influence our choice of fitters, as we will never see the ballast, we hope!

The floor is also down and so there is somewhere to walk on now. I suppose it will be insulation and wiring next and possible a lick of paint for a first coat. We will not be going up for a week or so but hope for more pictures of the next stages in due course.

Transport Day - Shell builders to Fitters

What a day! We wouldn’t have missed yesterday for the world. The temperature was in the 80s, glorious blue skies, an early start and a very late return to Cornwall! It was great to see Epiphany, the shell finished and it was all systems go. I am finally able to picture how she will look when she is finished. Despite the diagrams we have I was not sure how the portholes, bow proportions and 4-foot stern hatch would work.

The shell builders have done a great job and have lived up to their good reputation. Just a few minor matters to be attended to and they will do them at the fitters. It was quite an experience watching the crane lift Epiphany over 20 feet into the air, over a very large trip boat and onto the lorry. We hedgehopped the lorry down the roads and motorways and arrived at the fitters 3 hours later. A less dramatic but safe craning into the workshop and Epiphany was settled into her next phase.

We were able to go and watch one of their refitted boats craned into the marina where Epiphany will be launched into her natural environment. After a thorough inspection and a few discussions we ended the day with celebratory drinks at a local hostelry and headed home. I think we took around 200 photos, which will be a comprehensive record of the day. We are looking forward to visiting to see the next developments in a couple of weeks. The fitters hope to have the ballasting, insulation, flooring, wiring, lining out and possibly some room bulkheads by then. We will see!

By faith we see what we hope for

This is written in faith! The new arrangement for transporting Epiphany is for tomorrow. 8am at the shell builders, craning onto the lorry and then travel from Warwickshire to Wiltshire. We have lots of photos to take, so we have a comprehensive record before the fit out begins. I suspect we may take some whilst it is on the road too. So look out, there is a camera on that bridge! We also have to hand over papers – to do with the money, oh yes, I forgot to mention that side of things! Epiphany is costing us a fair bit. She will be the only home we own (eventually) as BJ’s job has living accommodation provided. Perhaps that is why we are “obsessed” (quote from number one son!).

Postponed!

Guess what. The shell will not be ready for transport on Thursday! As this is not really a surprise we are not too disappointed.
The boat fitters contacted us and also agreed with us that it was best not to put pressure on the builders, as we want their best work, not rushed work. We will need to discuss with the fitters whether this puts back the delivery date. I suspect it will. Again we do not want them to do a bad job under pressure. Like the shell builders they are great guys so I know they will do the best they can for us. It is possible that the transporting will be Tuesday or Wednesday next week. I shall keep you in suspense for a day or two I think!

Progress Photos

We received more photos from our friends today. We can see some small changes and the welding looks as if it finished on the hull. We can see the roof struts piled at the bows so that looks hopeful. A phone call to the boat fitters has confirmed that they intend to transport Epiphany separately without waiting for the other boat. Provisional date is the 20th as we hoped but that is yet to be confirmed. The fitters will visit the shell builders to check the hull and arrange snagging if necessary before putting the boat on the lorry – possibly a nerve-racking experience! It’s confirmed – transport day is on 20th – lorry booked, crane booked, time off booked. BJ wants to take pictures from bridges over the motorway! We also have to discuss the wiring and plumbing diagrams with the boat fitters.

More Photos

We had lots of photos today of Epiphany. All on the website by the evening! Shots of the engine bearers, stern deck, back doors, front doors. A picture of the forklift putting the roof on! No cabin sides yet, will she be ready for Thursday? The shell builder says, “yes she will”. They will have to get a move on; maybe they work to tight deadlines and will “throw everything at her”! It is exciting to see details such as the T post, stern dollies and diesel filler! The weed hatch has a date of manufacture on and the stern tube is in place. Do they cut the portholes before or after they put the cabin sides on – we will have to ask. This week is going to go slowly, roll on Thursday! I must try not to get too excited – it may be delayed even yet.

Our first visit to OUR boat

Well, I touched Epiphany today! No tears but a big grin on both our faces. Her rubbing strakes were on, she was having careful spot welding and once that is finished bulkheads, bow and stern, roof and cabin sides will follow. The boat builders are very helpful and explained what is happening and that Epiphany will grow faster now. They are taking photographs at the end of each day so we will have a chronicle of the boat. We gave them two instant cameras to do this and will either get them put on a CD or scan the best for – guess what – the web site! There is another boat in the workshop to be fitted out by the same fitters. This has been held back so both shells can be transported and craned at the same time. But it now seems that Epiphany will make a solo trip, for which we are grateful, as we were worried that this would make her even further behind. In our minds we have July 20th as the date, but await confirmation from the boat fitters. We think that they have a crane to book anyway as they plan to put a finished boat in the water and so will arrange Epiphany to fit with this.

First sight

Our close friends visited the shell builder today and took some photos of Epiphany for us. When we received the email a few hours later with the photos there were a few tears and delight, thank goodness for digital cameras and the Internet. It does encourage the instant gratification that we all seem to crave more and more though. We could see “our boat” had been started and was looking like a narrow boat. She was up to the gunnels but no rubbing strakes. The next few weeks are going to be exciting as we hope to go up ourselves soon and our friends plan to go again too, as they only live half an hour away. Cornwall seems a long way away as we long to visit more often – after all this is our “baby”! Needless to say the pictures were on our web page by the evening, BJ will keep it up to date so all our friends and canal enthusiasts can follow our progress. I still long to touch her!

First Steel

Today is the day that the base plate is to be laid, or so the shell builder on Saturday assured us. He showed us the gap in the workshop that is our gap. We took some photos of our gap, showed our friends and also took more photos of the other boats in various stages. I suppose we might have to palm them off as Epiphany if she does not materialise! So many people who state they “are in the know” tell us not to expect her to be finished on time. We have no illusions but that does not prevent us being frustrated at the lack of progress. Particularly when the builder promised, “we will start this week”, “by the end of the week”, “by Friday” each time BJ spoke to him. We live in Cornwall, so understand the principle of “dreckly”, a Cornish word meaning eventually, when we get around to it, in our own time, as soon as we can. The Spanish have a similar word – “manyana”, it is a wonderful word without precise meaning or commitment! The cut has a similar philosophy; perhaps that is what we find so attractive and familiar! Anyway, much to my disbelief and a healthy dose of scepticism, the builder still maintains that the fitters will have the shell at the time predicted. We will see! We look forward to pictures and reports from our friends’ visit to the workshop that will prove the builder is as good as his word. I just want to touch her and it’s rather like giving birth – not the pain but the expectation!