Neighbours, but we did'nt know it!

Thursday, 14 January 2010 19:04

"Is it the Slees?"

A question from someone passing us on Centenary Way, Birmingham as we walked to the post office this afternoon. I looked at the speaker and companion and recognised fellow boaters Charles and Dolores.

We first met them when they came to look at Epiphany when we were in Devizes Marina, on the Kennet and Avon Canal, back in 2007.

Epiphany moored in Devizes Marina

They were planning a boat and Bath Narrowboats was one of the builders they were considering. As we were "local" it made sense for Jon (Langley) to suggest they saw Epiphany! In the end they chose to go to Braidbar to have Nb Felonious Mongoose built. (It was a close call between the two builders I understand!)

Epiphany moored at Bath Narrrowboats, Sydney Wharf, Bath

So now were they here on the BCN with the boat? It transpired that Charles and Dolores were moored in Sherborne Wharf for the winter!

Misty Sherborne Wharf from under Sheepcote Bridge

Like us they had come rapidly south from the northern canals to be below the stoppages and to winter in the Midlands. They must have been just ahead of us we reckon!

A bit of a chat and cheeky Fi asked if we could see the boat sometime! We were promptly invited for a cuppa on our return from the post office. Braving the snowy towpath and slippery (very! ed.) footbridges we duly made our way there.

Felonious Mongoose

It was good to catch up and interesting to hear about their experiences with a diesel/electric boat. They are very pleased with the boat and she certainly is lovely, with Braidbar's usual attention to detail. You may have seen her at the Crick Boat Show or in Canal Boat magazine, June 2009.

We discussed strategies to get water from the water point across the canal at Cambrian Wharf and how they had achieved it in Sherborne Wharf! Rope throwing was involved and a number of hoses! So we may be trying that with some of the boaters here! It may make an interesting photographic opportunity!

The water point is to the left adjoining the BW office (far white building, centre) in this photo from our bows taken a few days ago. As you can see, it is a fair distance, although the snow has melted now and it is just ice! If the worst comes to the worst we (or rather John) can "hump" it in our water container.

Yet again the idea of a linear community is reinforced by meeting up with friends! Some time I must sit down and list friends we have caught up with and made since we started continuously cruising. Even stuck in ice it can still happen!