I really enjoyed reading this, thank you for sharing. I love narrow boats, something about them really draws me in. My father in law lives on one, and I love the idea of living on one full time too - who knows what the future holds 😊 x
Thanks for reading and commenting Jenna. It was a bit of a strange decision for us to live on a narrow boat as we'd never been boaters! No regrets though...who knows what your future will hold 😉 x
Lovely stuff. We did the same … sold our house, bought a van and explored … while the physical exploration of new countries, different places, was the headline, the change in us was important - more profound, I guess. Discovering the importance of freedom - to choose how to spend our precious time - was vital. Without that exploration, we wouldn’t have ended up living quietly in France, settled at a basecamp from which we launch adventures … walking, biking, travelling. We learned so much about what matters to us during that van life time. Including that nothing is permanent. If we choose to make a big change that doesn’t need to be forever … make one, make another. Let life unfold. Keep up the inspiring storytelling.
So grateful for your comments and interested to read about your journey! As you say, the most profound changes are within us and that's really what I want to continue to experience as we do different things ✨️
Bless you Ginny, that's so kind of you. There always seems to be some kind of barrier to us doing what we'd love to do doesn't there. This isn't a lifestyle I ever imagined I'd live, but as it's turned out, I love it...life certainly never is dull!
Your writing is lovely and I enjoy reading about your lifestyle, mostly because I doubt its one I'll ever get to live!
If I had a year of not worrying about finances, I'd spend a lot more time working my horse and focusing on my garden and vegetables. Traveling would be lovely as there are so many amazing places in the US that would be fun to see.
That is a wonderful post, and sitting at my desk, it makes me wonder where I want to go.
I have a similar experience to yours when I go hiking, as if I'm moving on a boat. The only goal is to arrive at a certain spot later in the day, but the speed is just a few miles per hour, allowing for changes in route and the freedom to stop and enjoy life at any moment. It is a simple joy.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my writing and I agree with your hiking philosophy. It's so good to take our time and enjoy the journey, rather than being focused on the destination. Happy hiking 🙂
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer a few years back it certainly makes for a reflection of what me and my family want out of life....and it is not sitting behind a desk 9-5 anymore!
If I was going to plan the next 12 months (which this is probably what we are going to try to achieve) to do what we wanted (no EU restrictions) it would be walking as many Camino de Santiago' as possible. The Camino Mozarabe would be top of the list!
Thank you Mark...it's interesting as I've recently been considering not writing on Substack anymore as it seems somehow self indulgent to be writing about my experiences, thoughts and opinions and imagining anyone is interested. It's kind of you to write these positive comments and I appreciate it.
I've always wanted to walk The Camino...we've read the books, had the discussion and then gone on to do other things.
I'll follow you with interest and sending every good vibe for you to do it ✨️
Isn’t it funny how we find the strength to choose these intentional lives, and yet the writer inside us finds reasons why we shouldn’t share the story. We’ve gone through the same doubts but the positive impact of your words on others is so important … a source of hope for others that their dreams are possible too.
That's a very positive and helpful way of looking at things. Now and again I feel a bit awkward writing such personal stuff as it feels a little narcissistic or self indulgent, but as you say, I do think people feel inspired when 'ordinary' people do something different with their lives.
Hey Karen...as humans we are all interested in what our fellow humans are doing (I assume that this is called plain old 'nosiness'😉), and what you write about allows for others to admire, be inspired and to know that it can be achieved. Your posts are inspirational, so please continue to write and share even the most mundane of activities.
Out of interest we have walked a couple of Camino's already and I personally did a two day section of the Mozarabe early last year and fell in love with the path...hence eager to get back to it with the family. Louise writes about our travels:
Thanks Mark and you're right, it's interesting to see what other people are getting up to and it's sometimes the 'push' we need to try something ourselves 🙂
I retired a year ago this month, have taken 3 short-ish vacations. Hoping to spend more time traveling with our rv. But for now we have thoroughly enjoyed being the master of our time. Want to stay up late and sleep in - OK. Want to read all day - OK. Want to head downtown to the Riverwalk for cocktails and people watching - OK. And anything else we want, or don’t want, to do. It’s wonderful!
That sounds perfect Nancy 👌 just being able to choose how we spend our time after decades of necessary routine feels such a gift...retirement is wonderful 😊
I think it’s wonderful what you are doing. Myself if I could do what I wanted for a year - I like the idea of a boat, but I think I’d rather have a camper van and travel all over the Uk visiting friends, family and places I want to see. But also there may be an element of seeing where the mood takes me. I’ve had this dream for a while - then my work changed and my plans had to adapt and now it’s on hold until finances improve. If I really push the dream - I might have my year campervanning in New Zealand :)
Thanks Bronwen...we've been looking at motorhomes too as we still want to be able to go to the coast and the mountains and we can't do that on the boat! Really hoping you're able to fulfill your dream; don't give up 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story. It's nice to read about like-minded people and the life choices they have made. All the best.
Thank you Rosie 😊
I really enjoyed reading this, thank you for sharing. I love narrow boats, something about them really draws me in. My father in law lives on one, and I love the idea of living on one full time too - who knows what the future holds 😊 x
Thanks for reading and commenting Jenna. It was a bit of a strange decision for us to live on a narrow boat as we'd never been boaters! No regrets though...who knows what your future will hold 😉 x
Lovely stuff. We did the same … sold our house, bought a van and explored … while the physical exploration of new countries, different places, was the headline, the change in us was important - more profound, I guess. Discovering the importance of freedom - to choose how to spend our precious time - was vital. Without that exploration, we wouldn’t have ended up living quietly in France, settled at a basecamp from which we launch adventures … walking, biking, travelling. We learned so much about what matters to us during that van life time. Including that nothing is permanent. If we choose to make a big change that doesn’t need to be forever … make one, make another. Let life unfold. Keep up the inspiring storytelling.
So grateful for your comments and interested to read about your journey! As you say, the most profound changes are within us and that's really what I want to continue to experience as we do different things ✨️
Love your piece and the courage it took for you both to change your lives so completely and live from the heart! xo😊💗
Bless you Ginny, that's so kind of you. There always seems to be some kind of barrier to us doing what we'd love to do doesn't there. This isn't a lifestyle I ever imagined I'd live, but as it's turned out, I love it...life certainly never is dull!
Your writing is lovely and I enjoy reading about your lifestyle, mostly because I doubt its one I'll ever get to live!
If I had a year of not worrying about finances, I'd spend a lot more time working my horse and focusing on my garden and vegetables. Traveling would be lovely as there are so many amazing places in the US that would be fun to see.
That is a wonderful post, and sitting at my desk, it makes me wonder where I want to go.
I have a similar experience to yours when I go hiking, as if I'm moving on a boat. The only goal is to arrive at a certain spot later in the day, but the speed is just a few miles per hour, allowing for changes in route and the freedom to stop and enjoy life at any moment. It is a simple joy.
Thank you for sharing these experiences here!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my writing and I agree with your hiking philosophy. It's so good to take our time and enjoy the journey, rather than being focused on the destination. Happy hiking 🙂
Love reading your posts Karen! Inspirational.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer a few years back it certainly makes for a reflection of what me and my family want out of life....and it is not sitting behind a desk 9-5 anymore!
https://prostatecancer.substack.com/p/time-gave-me-the-middle-finger
If I was going to plan the next 12 months (which this is probably what we are going to try to achieve) to do what we wanted (no EU restrictions) it would be walking as many Camino de Santiago' as possible. The Camino Mozarabe would be top of the list!
Thank you Mark...it's interesting as I've recently been considering not writing on Substack anymore as it seems somehow self indulgent to be writing about my experiences, thoughts and opinions and imagining anyone is interested. It's kind of you to write these positive comments and I appreciate it.
I've always wanted to walk The Camino...we've read the books, had the discussion and then gone on to do other things.
I'll follow you with interest and sending every good vibe for you to do it ✨️
Isn’t it funny how we find the strength to choose these intentional lives, and yet the writer inside us finds reasons why we shouldn’t share the story. We’ve gone through the same doubts but the positive impact of your words on others is so important … a source of hope for others that their dreams are possible too.
That's a very positive and helpful way of looking at things. Now and again I feel a bit awkward writing such personal stuff as it feels a little narcissistic or self indulgent, but as you say, I do think people feel inspired when 'ordinary' people do something different with their lives.
Hey Karen...as humans we are all interested in what our fellow humans are doing (I assume that this is called plain old 'nosiness'😉), and what you write about allows for others to admire, be inspired and to know that it can be achieved. Your posts are inspirational, so please continue to write and share even the most mundane of activities.
Out of interest we have walked a couple of Camino's already and I personally did a two day section of the Mozarabe early last year and fell in love with the path...hence eager to get back to it with the family. Louise writes about our travels:
https://everydayjourneys.substack.com
Take care and keep doing what you are doing! 🫶
Thanks Mark and you're right, it's interesting to see what other people are getting up to and it's sometimes the 'push' we need to try something ourselves 🙂
I retired a year ago this month, have taken 3 short-ish vacations. Hoping to spend more time traveling with our rv. But for now we have thoroughly enjoyed being the master of our time. Want to stay up late and sleep in - OK. Want to read all day - OK. Want to head downtown to the Riverwalk for cocktails and people watching - OK. And anything else we want, or don’t want, to do. It’s wonderful!
That sounds perfect Nancy 👌 just being able to choose how we spend our time after decades of necessary routine feels such a gift...retirement is wonderful 😊
I love the idea of the camper van too!
I love a camper van too Rebecca!
I think it’s wonderful what you are doing. Myself if I could do what I wanted for a year - I like the idea of a boat, but I think I’d rather have a camper van and travel all over the Uk visiting friends, family and places I want to see. But also there may be an element of seeing where the mood takes me. I’ve had this dream for a while - then my work changed and my plans had to adapt and now it’s on hold until finances improve. If I really push the dream - I might have my year campervanning in New Zealand :)
Thanks Bronwen...we've been looking at motorhomes too as we still want to be able to go to the coast and the mountains and we can't do that on the boat! Really hoping you're able to fulfill your dream; don't give up 🙂
Yes I think that’s why I’d go for a camper. Thanks - I won’t give up :)