I’ve lived on, or next to the river for 15 years now. It’s hard to leave, there is always another picture to greet you every morning, like a new watercolour each day, a fluid, liquid impression of the day to come. Sometimes vibrant in colour and texture, sometime pale and pastel but always moving, no hesitation, it knows where it’s going and continues its path and nothing will stand in its way. The river brings calm and tranquility, a peaceful feeling that everything will be just fine.

So, needing a home of my own, it was not only an economic decision but a choice for my soul, my health and wellbeing. I needed to find a narrow boat that needed little or no attention inside, to be ‘me’, a little be quirky! It would have to have everything I needed on board and a good engine. It didn’t take as long as I thought it may, fate perhaps..

She is called  ” Merlin” I love her name and it will stay.  She’s 11 years old, a traditional-style narrow boat, in amazing condition, perhaps a new coat of paint in a year or two, other than that nothing to do but move on and start my new life.

With the help of  wonderful ‘River’ friends, we moved her on my birthday to her new home, my steering wasn’t great, zigzagging up the Thames but it was the best feeling, to be out there on the river, on my own floating home. We toasted my new home with prosecco and strawberries, I had arrived.  That said, I was also scared to death, surrounded by blokes on boats! I didn’t need to be, it’s a wonderful helpful, friendly community.

It hasn’t all been easy, I’ve felt very anxious, I still do at times. Having a home with an engine, I’m not an engine sort of a girl! Worrying about what could go wrong, how does it all work. Everything needs to be brought onboard, Gas, Diesel, water, electric.  I have batteries, an Inverter, water pump and a calorifier. Other things have to be taken off, ie. the cassette toilet has to be emptied every couple of days!

I know in time I will feel more confident more capable as less like ” the new girl”. I will have driving lessons (what do you call it), you don’t sail it, motor it? I’m taking it on as my new challenge. I’ll need some maintenance know how and a lot of courage. Life isn’t always easy.

I love my boat, I’m very happy I made this decision to move onto the water. I especially love the night time, going to bed, it feels like camping, memories of childhood holidays, staying in a caravan, that smell of river water, the stillness, the darkness, there is so much sky space. I feel I have to physically make myself smaller, a little “Alice In Wonderland”, I move around more slowly, life has become less hurried and rushed. I have bruises on my shoulders and head, I’m still getting used to my space. Although the boat is not cramped, it’s open and light, surprisingly spacious.

The swans and ducks come each morning for breakfast, they know if my side hatch is open it means food, they now reach up, almost able to reach inside. The ducks wake me up in the morning tapping away eating the Algai from the bottom of the boat. I regulary see Herons, Kingfishers, Coots and Geese. I could film a wildlife documentary right here!

The best times are of course early morning, when everything is so still and tranquil, the quiet, the light, a cup of coffee never tasted so good, sitting up front, sorry Bow, on a beautiful morning. Again when the sun begins to go down, to fade away for the day, again the river becomes still. The light is deeper, has more colour, it has a richness that is different from the eager morning sun.

A red Balloon, a colour impossible to paint or recreate

A warm light, hanging, it drops, it fades

Almost purple, now it’s gone, dropped to the other side

A perfect sphere, that gives life

It hangs with a promise to return tomorrow

The Red Balloon, it’s not ours, it doesn’t belong

But we all share it….

(me)

 

Merlin is healing me..”slowly”

Rosie enjoying the river too!