Wednesday 1 December 2010

Can't think of a better place to be iced in..

Location, location, location and we have a great one if you are going to be iced in.  The centre of Birmingham has an awful lot going for it and it seems our stay here is to be extended by the winter conditions.  Like everyone else we are iced in and are now in water saving mode, alternatiing days of showers and strip washes, no laundry being done and the collection of three litres of cold flow water from the shower before the hot stuff arrives.  This water we use during the day to cook with and fill the dogs water bowl; waste not, want not.  The first question we always asked is "Is the boat cold in winter?" and  I imagine we are not alone in that regard. Of course the answer is a resounding NO!!  We are as cosy as can be with the multi-fuel stove keeping us warm all day.  We keep the stove in overnight and turn on the central heating in the morning for about 45 mins, this gives us hot water and warms the whole boat again before the stove takes up the strain again.

I took a walk to find Edgbaston Reservoir today to find alternative routes for walking the dogs.  This is a feeder reservoir and feeds the BCN main line at the Icknield Port Loop.

There is a path around the perimeter of the lake and plenty of wooded verges for the dogs to have a rummage on.
Above - a concrete pontoon in the lake with its resident gang of cormorants

The sailing club
This is a view from the reservoir embankment looking towards the mainline.  In the centre of the shot you can just make out the Ickneild loop.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the perfect spot - great that you found a fine dog-walking spot - that's the only downside of the town centre - it's a bit barren for hounds.

Keep warm.

Sue, Indigo Dream

Sue Hunter said...

Washing machine and drier available in Sherbourne Wharf, tokens from their shop. Regards Sue and Dave N.B. Beefur

Anonymous said...

there is a book writen by a boater called it must be cold in the winter

grey wolf said...

Some care should be taken after dark as some areas round there can be interesting.It is a caution that you could apply to many places all over the country i guess.

Nb Yarwood said...

Sue
The res. is about a twenty minute walk so not too bad.
Lesley

Nb Yarwood said...
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Nb Yarwood said...

Hi the Beefur crew, thanks for that I will have a wander round to Sherbourne Wharf.
Lesley

Nb Yarwood said...

Hi Anon
The world does seem to think that we are frozen aboard a narrowboat, it must be the most common question we are asked.
Lesley

Nb Yarwood said...

Thanks Greywolf. We are generally cautious of where we moor up like most boaters but we are pleasantly surprised with the environs here - thankfully...
Lesley