The start of another year and it looks to be a very good year for those of us wishing to cruise the waterways of of the UK.
No airport concerns and loss of days of holidays due to delays.
The canals offer one of the few activity site seeing trips with a difference.
Wind back the clock and see England at its best or visit cities and attractions from the comfort of your own travelling home.
Relaxation, exercise and the wonderful outdoors what more can we ask of a holiday?

Ownashare boats are just starting their winter maintenance periods, we are still hosting viewings on the boats and sales are still busy.
Enjoy the peaceful cruising on our almost empty waterways

Well the cruising is back to dodging the showers and managing the wind!
This year we are just pleased to see some rain to start refilling the reservoirs although it is going to take a lot of water to refill them.
Over the weekend at Overwater marina I have been taking to I.W.A staff and they are almost ready to report back on the survey they have done on canal side services which should be very interesting.
It will probably confirm most of our feelings that the backlog of repairs is all too apparent.
More here later!

Sales appear strong this year with all the summer sun.
Although it has caused water shortages on the Leeds Liverpool and the Macclesfield with even the Trent and Mersey near Middlewich having low levels.
September brings about the share show at Overwater please pop in and see us there.

Having just returned from 10 days on the Llangollen canal in temperatures of high twenties and low thirties I have never seen the countyside so dry and lacking in green.
This is in stark contrast to our trip two years ago seen from under an umbrella.
Do take care in the heat but enjoy the clear skies and wonderful scenery of our English countryside

As we enter summer and leave spring behind us we are greeted by a wonderful scene.
Beautiful wildflowers, new life beginning with ducklings and chicks of varied creeds.
While cruising I have noted an absence or Coots again this year which is rather concerning.
I hope you too are enjoying the wonders of summer.

The sun is shining after a very cold end to April.
Let us hope for more settled times in May.
I am busy preparing for my first trip of the season.
Looking around the countryside it has suddenly burst into life with the fading of the dark frames of the trees in winter to the fluffy green of spring growth.
The birds are very active and broken shells are evidence of new life.
The spring flowers are brightening the scenery and making us glad to be alive.

After suffering one of the most unsettled starts to Spring in memory at least the temperature is rising.
All of our boats are now cruising the system and we all hope the snow and rain has replenished the reservoirs.
The national share show is fast approaching and I look forward to meeting old and new friends at the event.

What happens when the canal freezes.
Four of our share boats became stuck in the ice this season and all of our owners were fantastic.
All of the boats stayed warm and cosy, although water was one item that was not easy to refill and washing needed to be kept to a minimum.
After 4 days and daily chats no boat needed the owners to be recovered although plans were in place to provide extra gas and water if required.
Now most boats are again on the move all be it slowly and with great care in a few days it will seem a distant memory.

Back on my boat again after the winter but only for a few hours to add some new curtains.
It was a glorious spring like day and it really did make you wish you had time to take the boat up the cut.
The boat looked spick and span and ready for her cruising to start.