November Challenge - Happened This Weekend

Oliver and I decided to explore a bit of the Oxford Canal we hadn't visited before, and headed over to the village of Kirtlington. Just as we started our walk along the canal we came across this chap on his narrow boat.

He worked for the waterways for 30 years until last year when the government cutbacks resulted in him losing his job. He started out running a dredger, clearing out the canals for 10 years before becoming a lock keeper for a further 20 years.

Upon his enforced retirement he and his family took to the narrow boat and now travel the length and breadth of the UK, exploring the waterways and canals he enjoys and was such a part if his life.

He was an absolute pleasure to chat to, knowledgeable, kind and very interesting. His boat really interested Oliver, with the engine area open and on show, lots of brass and copper all beautifully polished. Here was someone who had, through circumstance, shunned the conventional life, but was truly enjoying his new found freedom, and seemed very relaxed and at ease with life. An enviable place to be in yourself.