Fewer boaters are cruising along the canals during this time of year, which makes canal life more serene, and for the past few months, I've been moored at a canal wharf on an ad hoc basis. This semi-permanent base has been a positive shift, as I feel a sense of stability within a nice community. It's also great to have a shed to secure my bike and clear some items from the bow when stationed.
My mooring is at the end of a long boardwalk of a floating pontoon, which offers the seclusion that I need. The only downside is that I'm under a huge tree, so every morning I'm greeted by leaves covering my boat.
It's pointless for me to attempt to keep the boat clear since there are hundreds of leaves still to fall; however, I ensure that my solar panel is clear to make the most benefit from the little sunshine that occasionally pops out.
I'm good on power though because we now have a generator that's used to power up my power bank, but I still run the boat engine for a couple of hours daily to top up the batteries to keep my refrigerator going and for heating water for showering.
Yes, it's easier to stay on top of the power supply when we're cruising, and I've become accustomed to the changing views while cruising. However, this view across the fields is pristine and pleasant to wake up to, so I can't complain.
Although it's not the time for al fresco dining, I love this spot so far and sit on my bow for short periods.
I'm big on recycling, and I wish there was a facility to make mulch, but it's not convenient on the canal wharf, and neither is it ideal to burn these leaves since they're still damp and would increase emissions. So for right now, they form a lovely carpeted boardwalk.
Mindset is everything, and it's a good idea to embrace all the seasons of canal life. One thing that I love about living on a boat in the winter is the log burner on the boat. That's an efficient and effective way of heating the boat rapidly and maintaining residual heat due to proper insulation of the boat.
It was a bonus when the owners of the wharf told me and my neighbour to help ourselves to wood from old pallets that had been left behind from a recent refurbishing of sections of the boardwalk, as it saved them having to clear the wood away. That's a win-win because boaters love free wood. So, my neighbour and I have been teaming up; he chops the wood while I pack them away.
This wood is dry enough to burn and not smoulder, and I'm surprised at how fast it catches.
I have several sacks, which will last me weeks before I need to purchase wood.
I'd be lying if I said I'm not chuffed about collecting wood for heating my boat, knowing that this way of living allows me to escape paying high energy bills that spike outrageously during the winter months.
This simplistic lifestyle does have its perks, eh?
So, I enjoy doing these small chores like gathering wood, as having the comfort of a warm fire makes canal life in the winter one of the cosiest times of the year for living on the canals.
All the images were taken by me, in Tamworth, UK.
