Silent nights along the canals coupled with heavy showers enhance the ambience as I cosy up by the fire. So, this white surprise and dip in temperature bit me savagely when I opened my door to empty my ashes this morning. It was as brutal as if I had exited from a sauna and entered an ice box, but the forecast says there'll be more snow this week, so I'm bracing myself. I've now unpacked my snow boots as sections of the towpaths are mucky and treacherous to walk along.
Regardless of that, we're happy that the canals are still passable and hubby and I will be cruising discontinuously until they are frozen.
We're on the Ashby Canals Hinckley, just outside of Leicester, which is convenient for hubby to fetch the train back and forth for work. It's pretty flat in this section, so there are no locks to manoeuvre, which is a bonus, and we've been taking advantage of the extended limit of 14 days in the winter, as opposed to 2 days throughout the rest of the year.
The slow pace of canal life fosters a 'rest and digest' state, which is beneficial for my well-being. However, it's essential to find the right balance of productivity and time management to optimise the short hours of daylight at this time of the year. The good thing is that boat chores and duties keep me occupied, and I appreciate the dissociation from mainstream life and the drama that it provides.
It's just lovely being in the open with the wildlife particularly when graced by a swan's accentuating beauty.
Maybe the absence of boaters means that there are fewer people around feeding them; I'm not sure, but man, they are aggressive. Especially the Cygnets. They hiss and demand to be fed, and they can be quite hostile to the ducks.
I always buy an extra loaf of wholewheat bread in anticipation of their knock on the side of the boat; It brightens my mornings.
Speaking of brightness.
What a difference a day or two makes, huh?
This photo was taken just at the weekend... Looks are deceiving indeed.
The sun shuns brightly, as the cold bites miserably, but we chug along to find boating facilities and food supplies. As we cruise along, we encounter the odd boater who's in the same boat as us.
I have reflective moments when I'm walking or cruising along, and I value being on the cut as a gauge of how adaptable and resilient I've become. I'm better able to deflect the winter blues that used to hinder me.
Tomorrow is just another day, but looking out at the calmness of the waters reminds me to slow down and find stability with my emotions and a connection with nature and my environment.
Happy Wednesday peeps and have you been for a walk in nature lately?
All original images included were taken by me.
My blog frequently features my minimalist lifestyle and adventures while living on my narrowboat.”
Irie love,
Milly
