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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Monday 19 December 2016

Ships, ships and more ships

Thursday 15th

Can't believe the change in the weather. Almost like being back in Victoria with its extreme temperature range. Rained solidly all night and the temperature fell to a low 17°. Back to long trousers and jumpers as well as waterproofs.

At the maritime museum, we were amazed at how much was there to see and do. With only 3 hours before we needed to be at the Tall Ship Southern Swan for the lunch cruise, it was a question of what to do first. We choose to see the ships instead of the exhibits inside the museum. So it was first to HMB Endeavor then the submarine HMAS Onslow and finally to HMAS Vampire





HMAS Onslow



HMAS Vampire





This was also the day the largest cruise ship ever to have berthed at Sydney Harbour arrived. Got some great views of it as we sailed past on Southern Swan. And what a lovely vessel Southern Swan was. More info under the photo. We were greeted by Bob and Captain James with a short introduction to the ship and her history.  Then it was motor out of the harbour and under the bridge before setting the sails and as a bonus, I even got to heave on the ropes to set the sails. The only downside was how misty and wet it was.  A bar and loads of good buffet food available so in spite of the weather, a fabulous couple of hours was spent under sail.



Captain James

 Royal Caribbean International 'Ovation of the Sea'

Southern Swan is a traditional Baltic trader, currently rigged as a three-masted barquentine. She is typical of coastal trading ships from the era 1840s to 1940s. To read more about her click here








Sydney to Hobart race starts 26th December and some of the yachts out on the water.



British ship Tenacious arrives in Sydney with a crew of sailors with disabilities.




Southern Swan on another outing.
Once we had docked we decided to have a better look at the opera house and harbour bridge before returning a bit soggy and bedraggled to my brothers.


We have a whole weekend of family visits coming up so praying for better weather over the next few days.

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