Looking back a furniture van would have been a more practical and much quicker way to re- locate, but not so much fun. Convinced by watching far too many Youtube "The end is nye" documentaries the author decided that drastic measures were needed to safe guard his future. At the same time and probably more realistically fulfilling a long and growing need to escape from his institutionalised lifestyle and exile in southern England. Financially the only options available to him were a cardboard box, or a boat. It was a close run thing but he eventually settled on the life a float choice. As an ex soldier extensive travel and a nomadic life style were familiar. Although -other than the Harwich to Hamburg ferry clueless about anything that floated The story begins in a marine in Watford where a suitably priced boat was purchased. It was decided after a year or so of getting the hang of things and wasting lots of money, that a change of scenery and a different boat was becoming more than just a dream...or nightmare! After getting reacquainted with an old buddy the decision was made to travel the two hundred and ten miles by canal to chirk in northeast Wales, alone...almost. Not a romantic tale of hot and sunny days filled with relaxed and tranquil cruising. Trying his hardest, the entire journey was completed in nineteen days, despite boasts from some that the journey could be completed in around four to six days. If the time taken wasn't a record then the number of mishaps, encounters with interesting characters and the abysmal weather surely was. A slightly tongue in cheek account of a sometimes reluctant and of course grumpy-ish boater. The adventure takes us via one or two tangents from a "lock virgin" to almost expert helmsman... who still hates canals and boats!
About the Author: Martin Farmer a classically trained chef and former soldier. Martin served for twelve years in the Regular Army. Stationed in Germany and UK, he also completed two active service tours of Northern Ireland during the conflict in the province. After a sabbatical of eight years he joined the Territorial Army. This time diversifying and became an instructor in the equally 'dark arts' of Physical Training and Nuclear Biological and Chemical defence. In civilian life Martin worked as a chef at The Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth Hertfordshire. A life long interest in physical fitness Martin dabbled in the triathlon scene for a few years during the sports formative years in the UK. This led to many years of competitive running and cycle racing at club level, both on and off road. Having relocated to North Wales, Martin now spends his days awaiting official retirement participating in several pursuits. Most of his summer months are spent with his friend and colleague Simon. Together they travel to various parts of the country to teach bush craft skills and deliver talks and presentations on World War One. Martins other passions are performing magic, walking, the occasional fly fishing trip and oil painting.