3rd February 2019

Our dream has come true and we have our very own narrowboat - Hang Loose - and she's gorgeous. Yesterday we picked my dad and took him for lunch at The Boardwalk at Mercia Marina. Had a lovely lunch here , we had the fishfinger sandwich and it was delicious - worth a visit for lunch, especially if you like looking at narrowboats.  We spent a little time on the boat, lit the fire, unpacked a few bits and bobs and had a cuppa. Although we really wanted to take dad on a little cruise, it's still iced over unfortunately.  Tomorrow, however, it's supposed to be getting milder so hopefully we can take our first cruise then.

We have a mooring arranged on the Erewash Canal but as Aston Lock is closed to have new lock gates fitted, we will not be able to go too far yet. After dropping dad off home, Paul set up the Wi-Fi, Apple TV and SONOS and everything is working well.  We had a cheeky little G&T and settled in in front of the fire to watch a couple of our favourite narrowboat bloggers on our newly set up apple TV. 

4th February 2019

Had a fabulous night's sleep - bed is so comfy - and as it's king size there's a lot more room for Tilly to spread out!! We stocked up with coal and Paul picked dad up to come on our first voyage with us.  Backing out of our parking space at Mercia was a little tricky as it was so windy and still a little icy - but we made it.  We filled with diesel and water and pumped out before leaving the marina.  

Two locks today - the first one was really easy but the second one was a tough one.  Dad and I really struggled to open it - he said he's not coming again lol.  By the way my dad is 90 in March - you wouldn't believe it - he was hopping on and off the boat - he helped with both locks - and I think he loved his little cruise really.  

We only travelled 4 miles but it was just starting to get dark when we arrived at Swarkestone - so we called it a day.

My lovely sister-in-law Sam took Paul back to get the car from the marina and then took dad home.  Paul and I went to the Crewe & Harper for tea - burger and chips - very nice.  We really like it at the Crewe & Harper, especially on a nice day when you can sit outside by the river - as we did on a previous walk.

5th February 2019

Swarkestone Lock is the only lock to go through today.  We set off early afternoon and had a lovely cruise down towards Weston-on-Trent. Tilly sat at the back really enjoying it.  The sun was over the yard-arm so we had to have a beer as we cruised.  Paul is in his element - cruising the cut is "what he was born to do".

Hang Loose feels like our home already and we are so happy. 

 It's been an amazing couple of days - can't wait for Aston Lock to be re-opened so we can be on our way - however we do have a beautiful mooring spot.

LIVING THE DREAM