Author Archives: Ed Mortimer

About Ed Mortimer

I'm a retired school teacher, now living on my Dutch cruiser in France. I'm touring as much of the canals and river systems as I can. This blog describes what I do and where I've been. I did spend 5 years on first a narrowboat, and then this boat, in Britain.

May 24

Not the most pleasant reason for being here, but Scarborough has lots to see. I made my way (very slowly) from Whitby, where the issues in engine cooling went from concerning to critical. I had changed the main impeller in … Continue reading

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The Start of this year’s tour

Wow! I’ve been in Hartlepool longer than anywhere else in the UK as part of my adventure. Not exactly what was planned, but the people of Hartlepool have made this abysmal winter season much more bearable. I have a newly … Continue reading

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December 9

Wow, it has been a while, and loyal followers, I apologize. I am on the north east coast of England, having made the journey in September along the coast from Eyemouth, to Amble, then to Newcastle, stopping at Blythe overnight. … Continue reading

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September 8 (Scotland)

Long time since last posting, but much happened- and Scottish internet connects are difficult! I travelled across the Caledonian Canal which follows the Great Glen- a geological rift valley, filled with very narrow, long and very deep lakes. The start … Continue reading

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July 31

Scotland (and Canada!) To Oban in the rain and fog… We moored at the marina, which is actually on Kerrera Island, just across the bay from Oban town. There is a marina ferry regularly, and we alternately explored Kerrera Island … Continue reading

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July 6

Scotland We made the crossing from Northern Ireland to Campbeltown, on the Kintyre peninsula. A good crossing, with very calm seas. On arrival in Campbeltown, I discovered that there was almost no internet service available- either using the phone, or … Continue reading

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June 25

Northern Ireland We crossed from the Isle of Man, passing a square-rigged sailing ship that had sailed into the harbour the night before, full sails, then fired a saluting gun, and moored along the breakwater wall. An impressive sight. The … Continue reading

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June 20

Isle of Man We made our way from Whitehaven in Cumbria on the northwestern English shore, to Peel on the west coast of the Isle of Man. This was an ‘interesting’ trip, partly because we tried on Saturday and returned … Continue reading

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June 14

North west England We set sail from Liverpool mid-day because of the tides and the lock. We used the ebb tide (water moving down channel and out to sea), to help us along, and headed out the Mersey dodging the … Continue reading

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June 13

Liverpool We have been in Liverpool for 3 weeks. The weather has been unpleasant to really nasty, and the seas very lumpy as a result. We have explored Liverpool quite a bit, and I’ve had a good chance to ring … Continue reading

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