Now, Then, and Tomorrow

A recent SPF (self-promote Friday) on a FB group made me think about the past year. So, I’ve listed some of our new experiences and what’s to come. 

In a nutshell - Then

• This time last year our offer was accepted on the barge we wanted to buy
  
• After deal-sealing handshakes, what followed was bedlam
  
• We did a week-long canal trip with the owners (interesting) to St Jean to Losne, France for haul out
  
• We hauled out, surveyed, fixed, repaired, analysed and painted.

Since then hauling out we’ve:

• Painted the entire exterior (above and below the water line)
  
• Painted eighty percent of the interior
  
• Completed eighty percent refit of the interior
  

            Installed 2 heads (one new, one moved)
            Made two double cabins – one with an island-bed – whoohoo!
            Installed a new holding tank
            Installed new water tanks
            Replaced old wiring and gas lines
            Fitted solar panels
            Fitted a water catcher and plumbing
            Made mozzie nets for the entire boat

• We've launched one book – Of Foreign Build – from corporate girl to sea-gypsy woman
  
• Written another book (out in June) – A Standard Journey- 5 horses, 2 people, and 1 tent
  
• We've laughed
  
• We've cried (mostly with laughter!)

In a nutshell – Now
Visitors are arriving in just a few days, followed by a steady stream of friends and family for six weeks – I am beside myself with excitement!

In a nutshell - Tomorrow
We're making some exciting plans.

In the meantime – I’m going to have a little lie-down, I am rather tired.

Where would you like to travel in the European canals?