#menorca wedding

[mcgnagallsarmy]

Top 10 Nick x Charlie fics I’ve read (Oct 2024)

the 8-minute spark that never dies by steelknuckles [G]

Nick leans on Tao when Charlie is away.

a soft place to land by ace_astronaut [T]

“I just didn’t think being on my own would be this hard,” he sobbed. At this, every part of Sarah wanted to reach through the screen, brush the tears from his feverish cheeks, and whisper, you’re not on your own. But she couldn’t. So instead, she simply stayed on the phone with him, two-hundred miles away, and reminded him, over and over again, to breathe. When Nick’s first rodeo with freshers’ flu hits worse than anticipated, Sarah summons him back home to recharge.

all the flags are red by peaceoutofthepieces [G]

Meet me in the art room? Mr Ajayi gave me a funny look when I came in but then he gave me this super knowing smile and said ‘clean up your crumbs and tell Charlie I said hello’, so I think it’s okay lol Charlie smiles, and feels the flutter of butterflies in his stomach, and ignores Tao’s complaints as he recollects his things and heads back into the school. He thinks nothing of it, other than precious alone time with his boyfriend. Then it happens the next day. And the next. And the next. And Charlie thinks this doesn’t mean we’re friends and we don’t really have chats like that and I’m worried that even though it’s his choice, Nick might feel…abandoned, and he starts to worry.

Dear Charlie, for when… by erinthelibrarian [T]

In 'Once Upon a Meddling Christmas' (the final oneshot in my 'Our Favourite Meddling Gays' series) Nick gifted Charlie 40 letters as his Christmas present. The first to be read the day Nick returns to Leeds in January. Then he could choose a letter to read each week. Right up until Charlie hopefully joins him up there in October. These are those letters…

find me (here in your arms) by thirteenick [T]

Nick goes to visit Charlie at uni for the first time. Fluff happens, because they are Nick and Charlie, afterall.

It's you (I'm in love with) by heartsocold [G]

“I–please don’t leave me,” Nick begs and Charlie blinks at him in shock as the words register. “Leave–Nick, no, never! I would never, ever, leave you, sweetheart. Where is this coming from?” “The wedding’s off. Tara and Darcy broke things off and—” Nick cut himself off with another sob and Charlie’s heart aches. Or: the one where all their friends have broken up and Nick's struggling with coping.

must be love by notmyfandoms [M]

“Well, Nelson, best find yourself another drink and perk up because we are about to play a classic game of Truth or Dare and no way in hell am I letting you escape this one!” Nick suddenly felt a cold beer bottle thrust into his hand, and he popped the top and took a swig in preparation of the game about to come. As is the case whenever you stick 18+ year old boys in a room together, the game got raunchy very quickly. or, Nick is hopelessly in love (and horny) for Charlie during a game of 'Truth or Dare.'

Now we’re saying goodbye, waving to the hard times (yeah, it’s gonna be alright) by SilverShadow1 [G]

“I’m not sure how many of you are familiar with the term ‘canon event’, but my two best friends Tara and Darcy were part of one in my life.” OR Nick delivers his wedding toast at Tara and Darcy's wedding

sweet as summer, bright as the sun by shadowquill17 [T]

Later that night, when the kids have gone to bed and there’s not a sound in the house except for the quiet talking of the adults in the kitchen, Nick turns to Charlie and kisses his shoulder. “Come take a dip with me?” he asks. “Now?” “Yeah. We can just be the two of us.” Charlie’s eyes glitter in the low light. “Okay.” Nick brings Charlie on his family holiday to Menorca.

Window by L56895 [T]

After the summer fair, and what comes next, Nick takes a moment to collect his thoughts.

[useless-catalanfacts]

Now that the touristic season has started again (though, let's be honest, in many places now the tourist season is the whole year and it never stops). I'll translate a part of this article I saw last year about the emergency in Menorca.

The neighbours' association took a drastic decision. What do you think about it?

Binibèquer, reserved right of admission

The association of home owners of the Menorcan town has taken drastic measures against the effects of touristic massification

First, it was some spoken complaints, then a few articles on local newspapers. This summer it was already signs in red letters, in British style, over the white lime walls: "Rude tourists are not welcome". They are so rude, that they walk in houses without asking for permission so that they can take a picture, or they shout, or laugh, or get drunk and party on the street at any hour, or they use any white wall as a bathroom. Some also leave all kinds of litter and dirt on the window sheds, on the doors or on the floor.

This is the truth that hides behind the thousands of photos and selfies that get uploaded to social media with the white houses of Binibèquer Vell in the back. Not of the fisherman's village of Binibèquer Vell. Just the residential area built in the 1970s in Sant Lluís, in the south of Menorca. This scenery, the perfect background for a wedding picture, looses all that makes it idyllic when it stops being a flat image and becomes real life. With cigarettes, bad smells and crowds.

The owners of these 165 little houses have had enough of this invasion that doesn't let them sleep at night, that doesn't let them sit outside nor eat calmly without worrying that some stranger will walk into their living room looking for a new angle of that place they find so "picturesque".

After asking for help to the Sant Lluís city hall, go Menorca's Tourism Agency and the Balearic Islands' Government, the community has taken two drastic measures: surrounding the area in a fence that will only be opened between 10am and 10pm, and registering the brand and image rights so that nobody can make money off their homes. This means that any influencer who wants to take a photo to subtly advertise a t-shirt, a lipstick or a pair of shoes, will have to pay the image rights for using the residential area's image. Or if they go live on Twitch or upload a video on TikTok with the objective of making money. If they don't pay it, the association will sue them to claim the money.

Advertising agencies will also not be able to film their spots or music videos for publicity campaign there if they haven't previously paid the price.

Only authorised tourist guides, who know the history of this residential area, will open the fence. The home owners are sick of hearing guides say in all languages that this was a gift from [fascist dictator] Franco probably to the island's authorities.

It's not a fishermen's village, it's a residential area. It's not. It doesn't matter how much Instagramers and some tourist guides keep repeating it, Binibèquer Vell is not a fishermen's village. It has never been so, regardless of media including it in their list of 10 best places to take a picture in this summer, for example. (...)

They say that Gertrude Stein told Robert Graves "Mallorca is a paradise, if you can resist it.". The owners of Binibèquer, in Menorca, will surround it with a fence to get away from Hell.

[theodoraflowerday]

heartstopper s3e2 live episode reaction

and it's gonna start to get so much worse I wanna bask on that final scene for a little longer

bro it took me one hour to watch a half hour episode

"shame mom had to pull out" honestly yeah it's such a shame I'm gonna miss Sarah so much this season

but also HELLO AUNT PEGGY CARTER

oh he wrote it down lmao me too charlie

OH. OH OKAY CHARLES

bro and by the end of this they're gonna be having sex idk how I'm gonna cope

tori's face.... she's always so worried about charlie I get her so much

oh my god

JANE STOP

TORI SPRING CHARLIE'S #1 DEFENDER

"can you please not undermine me like that in front of him" stop making her do your job then she's a *child*

I see julio's prob not gonna be in this season either lol bc that was his line not tori's

oh my god auntie diane didn't know (or at least not officially bc i know sarah was gushing over charlie)

bro and nick came out to her just like that....... my baby boy I'm so proud of him

"you know me" "I do" oh I BET y'all do

"I'll be good" "not too good tho" OOHHHHHH AYEEEEEEEEEE

I know in the comics they've only been dating for a year and I know they're probably at MOST late 20s but please can we have a nathan/youssef wedding in s4 (at least just a mention)

STOP DARCY'S GRANDMA IS SO WHOLESOME please don't be transphobic

not sahar saying she's unsurprised about imogen's high drama grade skfjdkfk y'all are gonna be the messiest gfs

oh darcy baby

ALL NINES??????

OXBRIDGE PREP GROUP AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA LETS FUCKIN GO TARA

"exams mean nothing" oh tori baby

omg nick did terrible at math he's so relatable I love him

oh wait he passed math. is it obvious I'm not english lmao

"NEVER IN DOUBT" oh uncle rick you'll always be famous

god please let charlie go to menorca with nick's family next year please

oh that's not great

NOT A SHIRTLESS SELFIE NICHOLAS YOU WHORE

oh isaac youll get used to this don't worry (yes worry)

OH HELLO JACK MADDOX

"you're abandoning me again" god every time tori speaks it tugs at my heartstrings

"I don't wanna see mum" and she accepts it.... greatest big sister in the world bro

oh char

CATCH PLANES NOT FEELINGS LMFAOOOOOOO IMOGEN I LOVE YOU

OH AUNTIE DIANE IS A PSYCHIATRIST LETS GOOOOOOO TEAM PSYCH

oh nick baby talk to her she's about the single most qualified person you could be talking about this to

oh I love you darcy's grandma you're so cute

darcy giving away her skirts..... or should I say THEIR SKIRTS. LET'S GO NB DARCY

oh tori

oh tori no

oh my god tori no

bro tori is breaking my heart CAN WE GET MICHAEL HERE WE NEED SUNSHINE

TAO NOOOOOOOOOO

"I wish I'd sat still" oh no

bro this show is gonna fuck me up

Isaac being worried about charlie 😭 also isaac being annoyed is SO ME I'd be smacking them left and right like wow

NOT ELLE COPYING TAO'S "RRRUDE"

ISAAC WENT TO CHECK ON CHARLIE what the fuck no one appreciates isaac enough what the fuck

oh they're watching a movie :( bffs :(

I love them so much your honor

also where are imogen and sahar I miss them :(

oh my GOD TORI IS ON TUMBLR

HER BEST FRIENDS HER BROTHER I LOVE YOU TORIIII

I know this season probably kills any solitaire adaptation hopes but I would have loved to see solitaire :(

omg julio IS here and being horrible at cooking!

OH MY GOD SHES LOOKING AT HIS LAPTOP

TORI'S TEXTING NICK OH MY H OD

tori 🤝 nick -> being charlie's #1 stans

OH MY GOD SHE SAID ILY

BRO THATS SO CUTEEEEEEEEEE I LOVE THEM

oh my god that's so horrifying

god you can *feel* his anxiety

I'm preemptively crying don't mind me

I was right to start preemptively crying that was *so* bad oh my god

bro charlie's face how he can't contain the tears i

im not gonna cope well with any of this

oh god im literally *sobbing*

my cat heard me sobbing, started kneading on my legs for like a few seconds and then left lmao skfkskfldkf tjsgs not good none of this is great

there's no way that was the ending

they just had me sobbing my eyes out and were like "ok time for a break" ok THANKS

please give both joe and kit like a thousand emmys

[22plus15]

Wow, thanks for the menorca reply!!

What’s the theory on the timeline of them starting dating? I sorta thought Ona was with Millie Turner for a sec there

also, there’s quite a large age gap between them, right? Is that common for woso/futfem relationships?

no problem! the timeline has been largely disputed lol but i think the most recent consensus is that they met properly at lucy staniforth's wedding in dec 2022 and starting seeing each other somewhere between then and feb/early march

i definitely don't think there was anything romantic with ona and millie but i see how u might think that! millie was with rachel daly when they met and ona was close to both of them. but they are very cute they're one of my fav friendships

yep they're ~8 years apart. age gaps do seem pretty common in woso, if i had to guess i'd say bc of how unique of a lifestyle it is and athletes typically start on their career path much earlier so life is kind of accelerated. i personally take age gap relationships on a case by case basis but obviously we'll never know the ins and outs of their dynamic so everyone is entitled to their own opinions!

[rawccoonphotography]

H U G S 

[ryujin-zanba]

some thoughts on aizawa & mic’s retirement:

• they get several holidays a year and at least half of them are spent abroad. mic always turns down the camping trip invites or any vacations that involve being out in the woods, but if momo and the girls invite them to menorca to her villa by the beach or todoroki is having everyone over for a couple weeks at his lodge in the alps then both of them get to join, all expenses paid

• it’s rare if they aren’t going out for dinner in the week. mic is very active in the UA graduates group chat so if he isn’t inviting ppl over he and aizawa are being invited out

• neither of them have to cook often bc their kids are always dropping by saying ‘i accidentally made a bit too much of this so please help yourself’ as they hand over entire three course meals in pyrex dishes that were definitely made especially for them and not by accident at all

• aizawa actually has a lot more energy in his forties and fifties than he ever did in his twenties and thirties. he attributes this mostly to the amount of holidays they spend in hot countries where the warm weather perks him up and helps with his chronic pain, but he also eats a lot better now that he has the time to slow down and enjoy food

• they have photo albums teaming with pics of them and the kids and sometimes it makes mic emotional to see the difference in how aizawa looks. in all of the more recent ones taken on vacation or at parties he’s always smiling and having fun compared to how serious and oblivious he looks in older ones

• over the years they have both been asked to walk a few of their former students down the aisle and aizawa has even been made godfather to several babies (all of those babies were in fact cats bc his kids know there’s no one more trustworthy to babysit them than their favourite feline fanatic)

• they both keep every birthday card and get well card they’ve ever been sent by their kids. they keep wedding invites and group photos and valentine’s cards from each other and aizawa definitely keeps the ‘will you be my godfather?’ cards. (those are actually his favourite bc there’s always a picture of the kitten he’s being asked to accept godfatherhood to on the front)

• mic still does his radio show and is pretty active during the day as opposed to aizawa who is more than happy to stay home watching TV with the cats or spending idle hours in local cafés reading, but neither of them would call retirement boring. they’re actually more sociable and happy than they’ve ever been

• despite the number of their old students that lead a pro hero lifestyle, no one is ever too busy to stop by and check in on the pair and when mic is out during the day, someone is always available to drive aizawa to places he wants to go or to take him to doctor and therapist appointments. neither of them would ever ask that of their kids but if someone finds out that they need help getting from a to b they can’t ever convince them it’s not necessary

• they actually never owned any cats before now. aizawa had always said it was too irresponsible to take in an animal given the fact they were scarcely home, but now that’s not an issue anymore they have six cats and counting. all rescues, too

• though they occasionally still take on hero work if it’s specifically requested, the pair of them are quite content to put their quirks to rest and enjoy their lives with the hero aspect removed. mic continues to be a popular radio host and aizawa has been looking forward to retirement from very early on, so to finally feel like they’ve done their bit for future generations is enough for them to believe they deserve this, and their kids wouldn’t let them think otherwise for even a second 

[faithhopeloveandtherapy]

Covid life update. We all went for PCR tests on Thursday after d3 got her two positive lateral flows on Weds evening. Last time we had a positive contact, track and trace told us all to go and get tested, so we just thought this time we’d get ahead of the game and all go together.

The results were in yesterday. d3 is positive as expected. But unexpectedly, H is also positive. He is double-vaxed and doesn’t have any symptoms. The rest of us including the babies are all negative (for now). We are having to isolate until midnight on Sunday 25th, how depressing. d3 is feeling a bit unwell, has a headache and has slept a lot of the day. She also says she has weird aches and pains in her hands and forearms. And she has a bit of a cough. We aren’t trying to keep ourselves away particularly from H and d3 as we just decided that would be too stressful to keep up for 10 days. We don’t have enough space for them to isolate away from us. So basically we’re all in it together come what may.

Yesterday was a whirlwind of covid related admin. It nearly made my brain explode. We have had to cancel our holiday, although thankfully have got a full refund. I booked somewhere intentionally that offered free cancellation but I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to use it. We’ve also got a refund on the activities we’d booked, which was very kind of them as they said no refunds on the website. I’ve sold on some tickets for an event we can no longer attend. Informed everyone relevant for the babies. Wrestled with track and trace and their never ending list of repetitive questions. Spoken to d3 school. Emailed d2 school. The list goes on.

I also ordered us a paddling pool to entertain toddler through isolation. She quite liked it until we started to put water in it, at which point she shouted no no no and cried and now she won’t go near it. So that’s a bit of a fail!!

d1 came home from Menorca yesterday. I suspect she may have run out of money as she kept ringing asking me to book her train ticket “because the app wasn’t working” or pay for her taxi “because they only take cash”. She is coming to isolate with us as she says she is missing us all. It is lovely to see her again. She had her birthday while in Menorca so we need to have some family birthday celebrations now she’s home.

[milenaslittleloves]

Meeting The Love of My Life

At 21, after finishing my degree in diagnostic radiography a friend and I decided to go travelling around America. Little did I know I’d meet the love of my life.

After visiting Florida, California, San Fransisco, Washington DC, Miami, Las Vegas among others, we reach our final stop; New York City, where we’d be spending our final two weeks. On our second night we went ice skating then went to get hotdogs. While we were in the queue I accidentally stumbled into a guy standing behind me. I turned around and said sorry. He said it was fine and smiled at me. “I’m Nathan by the way” he added. “Oh I’m Minina” i said then flushed scarlet with embarrassment at pronouncing my own name wrong! He just laughed and said ‘Minina, that’s an unusual name”. I smiled awkardly before managing to pronounce my name properly. “Milena” I said. “Ah that’s a cute name” he smiled. I smiled shyly and said thanks. He joined us and we spent the rest of the evening together. My friend could tell I liked him and encouraged me to give him my phone number. So, shyly I handed him a napkin with my number on and he smiled and handed me a napkin with his number on.

Two days later I received a call from Nathan asking if he could possibly take me on a date. Of course I said yes and that evening he picked me up from my hotel. I was wearing my best dress and heels of course! He took me a restaurant and we had a lovely meal while getting to know each other a little. I told him about myself and he told me a bit about himself. He was 24 and in his third year of Law School. After the meal we had a walk before he took me back to my hotel, where he stole our first kiss from my lips. A lovely, tender kiss too.

I saw him everyday for the rest of holiday and he even came to the airport to say goodbye. He kissed me goodbye and even on the plane I was missing him. Back home I told my family all about the handsome New Yorker I’d met on my travels and how I couldn’t wait to see him again. We kept in touch via phone calls, emails and skype, sending many a soppy email. After three months I knew wanted to be with him, so I decided to see if any hospital in New York were in need of radiographers and to my joy Bellevue Medical Centre were. I applied and soon I had an interview skype. Three days later I received the news that the job was mine. Nathan was the first person I told and he was so happy for me. He even helped me find an apartment. It was studio, but it was perfect. My parents were a bit devastated that I was going to be moving half way across the world by they supported me and helped me sort out my visa.

A month later I was at the airport, all ready to start my new life. My parents and younger brothers and sisters saw me off and waiting in arrivals was Nathan holding a sign saying ‘Beautiful English Girl!’ I ran and jumped into his arms, and kissed him, holding him like I never wanted to let him go. He helped me collect my bags and settle into my little apartment. He even took me for my first day at work. Over the next months we just fell deeper and deeper in love. In time I told him about my diagnoses and that I would be unlikely to be able to have children in the future. He said that he completely understood and that we would see where the future took us. He just put me so at ease about it all. And after six months he asked me to move in with him. Of course I said yes and it just felt so right.

That summer he passed the bar exam and became a fully qualified lawyer. I was so proud of him.

On our second anniversary he took me out to dinner at a lovely restaurant and then for a walk along the waterfront. As we were walking along he suddenly dropped down on one knee and pulled something out of his pocket. He took my had and smiled. ‘Milena I love you so much, will you marry me?” I was so surprised I stood in silence for a moment. Then I smiled and said of course I will.

We got married in a small church surrounded by our friends and family. It was the most amazing day ever. My dad even cried when he gave me away and that made me cry a bit. We could barely contain our happiness as we exchanged our vows and as we were made man and wife we threw ourselves into a passionate kiss. We had our reception in a hotel. After cutting our wedding cake we had our first dance to You and Me by Lifehouse. As we danced away I felt like I never wanted to let him go. I knew he was the one I would spend the rest of my life with.

We honeymooned in Menorca for 10 days and just had the most wonderful, relaxing time. And when we home we just slotted into our roles as husband and wife. We looked forward to the future...Love,

[ardentesclipei]

Victoria & Adrien’s wedding #ardentesclipei #wedding (à Menorca, Balearics, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/BznuvmVIIkj/?igshid=1lku2ajevx28d

[realmadridlocavictoriaa]

Dani is not coming to the wedding? It’s super weird, I thought he had great relationship with Sergio... so far only Marco and Regui are in Seville.

Yeah, I’m also surprised by that O.o He and Daphne are in Menorca, so they went for holiday. But I also was pretty sure that they will be at the wedding. 

[mathildebrenierdesign-blog]

MENORCA

Si tu as lu mon premier article d’inspiration, tu as dû voir que je suis allée à Minorque car mon copain est de là-bas. Si tu adores la nature, le dépaysement et les plages paradisiaques, je te recommande à 100%! Peu de gens hors de l’Espagne connaissent cette île (car j’avoue que moi non plus je ne connaissais pas) et pourtant c’est un endroit idyllique...

-

If you read mi first inspirational article, you must have seen that I have been to Menorca. If you love the nature, to chill and incredible beaches, I recommend you at 100%!  

À Minorque, il existe encore de vieilles maisons coloniales et nous avons eu la chance d’y loger pour un mariage. L’architecture était juste splendide, avec des couleurs très pastels et de grands arcs et colonnes structurant l’ensemble de la demeure.

-

In Menorca, there are still old colonial houses and we had the chance to stay there for a wedding. The architecture was just splendid, with very soft colors and large arches and columns structuring the whole house.

Nous avons pris le temps de faire un tour dans l’une des “villes” de Minorque telle que Ciutadella qui possède un joli port qui entre directement dans le centre historique. J’ai pu alors admirer la grande cathédrale ainsi que l’ensemble des maisons colorées de la citadelle. 

Le mariage avait lieu dans une jolie petite église appelée “Sant Joan de missa” qui était bordée de vignes tout le long de sa façade. Avec ce ciel bleu, l’église et ce dernier faisaient un sublime contraste. 

-

We took the time to take a tour in one of the "cities" of Menorca such as Ciutadella which has a nice port that goes directly into the historic center. I was able to admire the great cathedral and all the colorful houses of the citadel.

The wedding took place in a pretty little church called "Sant Joan de Missa" which was lined with vines all along its facade. With this blue sky, the church and this one formed a sublime contrast.

& toi ? Es-tu déjà allé à Minorque ?

-

& you ? Have you been to Menorca ?

[ericabrencistudio]

POV How to choose the perfect Venue for a destination wedding: -Position: easy to reach and near or inside panoramic views -Feature: specific design of the country you visit with a modern and minimal touch - Out of the crowd: niche targetted, for a personal touch and experience - Spaces: with a unique and natural space where to celebrate - Accommodation: with enough accommodation for your guests or easy to reach accommodations nearby for you and your guest. Here @torralbenc in Menorca, Spain with @lemilleeunanozze @dododesign_co @nea.milano @cortanabrides @aniponsmakeup @atrevit @bvmilano @chiaracampesanofficial #feelingtheunseen #ericabrencistudiio #destinationweddingphotographers #weddingphotography #destinationweddingplanning #destinationwedding #fienartphotography #menorcaweddingphotographer #mediterranean #SUITCASEtravels #ignant #athomewitvl #visualpleasuremag #spacemag #neutralstyle (presso Torralbenc, Menorca) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnUp1kqN_VA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sandinz]

You guessed it! We’ve become way behind here once again …

The weather’s been amazing these past few weeks, so unsurprisingly sitting indoors writing blog posts hasn’t featured at the top of our ‘to action’ lists. We’ve also been enjoying hosting our first two sets of Kiwi visitors of 2018 on board, and sharing laughter and experiences with them along the wonders of the waterways.

We know many people are anticipating seeing images of our return journey on the Lancaster Canal, back to Tarleton via the Ribble Link on Sunday 17th June; it’s even more special as we had brand new friends on board!

Sandra returns from a week in Menorca

After a life-changing few weeks, Sandra returned to Areandare from Malpas (via Menorca!) to Carnforth. It felt quite surreal to visit the Canal Turn pub with Barry and find herself subject of conversations about how lovely the Lancaster Canal and living on a narrowboat must be, when she was yet to experience anything about the waterway. It was most discombobulating and took a few days to adjust and begin to appreciate our inaugural journey in this long anticipated place. …

Barry captured the journey magnificently as usual, and captioned the images well. Enjoy …

Carnforth Station is a very handy railway junction giving access to both North/South travel as well as East/West and boasts the longest unsupported single piece concrete roof in Britain.

Carnforth Railway Station was the setting for the 1945 David Lean film ‘Brief Encounters’, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, and contains a museum to Sir David Lean CBE as well as a museum containing a history of the station and its restoration.

Barry’s NZ friend Keith’s father, Douglas Twiddy, from Borehamwood/Elstree, worked with David Lean on three of the above films. Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and Ryan’s Daughter, amongst many other films he was involved with such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Return of the Jedi and Labyrinth.

Keith emigrated to Gisborne in 1973, and Barry and he met through playing badminton. They subsequently then ‘flatted’ together for a number of years. In 1976, Keith, Barry and friends John and Vicki, visited the UK stayed for a while with Doug and Ena at Borehamwood. It was during an excursion with John and Vicki when Barry first spotted the Norfolk Broads and the canals at Northampton (hence the waterway connection).

Keith’s mum and dad visited Gisborne in 1980 for Keith and Cheryl’s wedding, and while there scouted the area for filming locations as ‘Production Supervisor’  for the 1984 film The Bounty starring Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence Olivier,  Daniel Day Lewis, Liam Neeson etc. It also starred Neil Morrisey, owner of The Plume of Feathers pub at Barlaston near Stoke on Trent (another waterway connection).

The film company converted the old brick facade of the waterfront Freezing Works in Gisborne to look like the  Docks at Bristol (yet another waterway connection!). Barry recalls they had a full-sized replica of the ship moored in the harbour basin, with huge wooden chutes  that sent torrents of water over the deck for the storm scenes.

Barry remembers being invited aboard ‘The Bounty‘ after the pub late one night, with his mate Lee, and forcing Mel Gibson to wait to disembark as they boarded, and then ended up later climbing the rigging and singing silly sailor songs (no recognisable connection to the waterways).

The famous clock used in the film, though the film used a cardboard cutout face over it to keep filming continuity.

… then it was back onto the return journey

Our travels took us past many gorgeous back garden settings, one swing bridge, and just occasional teasing glimpses of Morecambe Bay in the distance.

A marvellous time of year watching cygnets maturing

The permanent moorings at Hest Bank where we stopped for a visit to the beach!

Where has all the water gone?

You do feel like you’ve got all the time in the world to explore the mud flats. However …

There are dangers aplenty!

We read the heartbreaking story of the 21 Chinese illegal immigrants who drowned needlessly and helplessly in 2004. It’s become known as the ‘Morecombe Bay Cockling Disaster‘. A shocking indictment on how humans are able to knowingly abuse their fellow-man at times …

We crossed the Hest Bank railway and seemed to wait forever for this engine to come down the long straight for Barry to get a photo, then realised it was carrying nuclear waste and decided waste and haste don’t mix!

A short stop at the Lune Aqueduct for Barry to get some photographs for a future greeting card.

The Lune Aqueduct is one of John Rennie’s master-piece-aqueducts, completed in 1797, at a total cost of £48,320 – only £30,000 over budget – not too bad! We saw no leaking now after the repairs of 2011-2012, or even any signs of much wear and tear. It looks in pretty good nick!

These fun-loving kids, enjoying themselves swimming and taking in the sun, felt they needed to be an added foreground feature of the aqueduct.

At 664ft long, 20ft wide and 61ft high it’s an impressive structure – Sandra can just be spotted driving Areandare slowly along the structure

Looking back we’re rather incredulous as to how we fitted so much in during this journey. Sandra returned to Areandare on Tuesday 5th June, we cruised to Lancaster on Wednesday 6th (and visited the above places en route), then had dinner at the Water Witch pub there with a previous midwifery colleague of Sandra’s who lives nearby (sadly neither Sascha or Sandra took a photo, they were far too busy catching up!), then on Thursday 7th June Sandra jumped on a train heading to her mum’s for a weekend of sorting with her sisters. Barry followed the next day, and we both travelled back to Lancaster on Sunday 10th.

Phew!

Onto the Glasson Branch

Leaving Lancaster on Monday 11th June, we headed south and turned right to the Glasson Branch. Barry had been eagerly anticipating this detour. We’re so thankful we chose to take this route – especially as it’s currently un-navigable due to water shortages …

Then it was down the Glasson Branch to the docks. Just under three miles and six locks.

A picturesque run down through the lush countryside

Looking back up the canal with The Pennines in the background

The docks are an extensive area of water with a sea going marina and this lock down to the harbour basin

There’s quite a stark contrast between the dock moorings and the adjacent tidal estuary.

The massive Heysham Nuclear Power Plant across the Lune Estuary from Glasson Dock

Also looking across the estuary to the little fishing village of Sunderland.

The ferry that runs from Heysham to Douglas on the Isle of Mann

Late light on the yacht moorings opposite us.

A bit of a ‘do-er upper’ resting on the moorings!

As you can see, the incoming tide is far quicker than watching paint dry!

What a difference a bit of water makes!

Our mooring in the docks

Barry just can’t help adding a couple more images of the marina – he was very impressed by it!

Next day we awoke to a fishing boat waiting to get through the lock and into the harbour, then through the sea lock onto the estuary. Barry delayed his breakfast and took his camera out for an early morning jaunt.

Two CRT workers were there to lock the boat through. They used to have to be on duty here whenever the tides were right, even if nobody was wanting to go through, but now boaters have to ring and book passage. It makes perfect sense to Barry, but apparently not to some boaters who expect service on demand!

It’s quite an effort and rather complex to work the lock, as it also has a swing bridge across with a very busy road over. It’s serious work winding the paddles, then the gates, and synchronising the  timing to cross the harbour and exit the sea lock before the tide gets too low.

Boats moored in the semi tidal harbour.

The sea lock apparently doesn’t hold all the water out, and it lowers with the tide …

… so the moored boats get left stranded aground for a time while the two levels equalise.

Then of course any traffic can shoot out of the entrance.

Christ Church near the docks

We had a number of walks around the Docks and Estuary during our stay, and took the opportunity to visit the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse too. A few fellow boaters had recommended it. Sandra enjoyed Morecambe Bay Whitebait (memories of childhood), we both relished Morecambe Bay prawns, and over the course of the following days ate like a King and Queen with smoked mallard breasts (yes, we know, not in the best taste really, and wouldn’t bother again as though tasty there’s not a lot of meat on them!), smoked pheasant breasts (read it carefully!), smoked Lancashire cheese, smoked butter, smoked bacon, sausages, and venison smoked sausage. We’d expected to taste black and white pudding, but didn’t realise it hadn’t been put in the bag and it was too late by then to go back. So that experience will have to wait until another day …

Back to Savick Brook

Most people reading be aware the journey across the Ribble Link needs to be booked by license holders through CRT (using their log-in details) , well in advance, and there’s limited availability during the season. Our return trip was planned for Sunday 17th June, so after a couple of days at Glasson we needed to resume our travelling.

Time to head back up the canal to the main line. We’ll be back!

Now back on The Lancaster Canal, Abraham keeps an eye on passing boats.

Don’t be too A’Lama’ed!

Hitching a ride

Back now at the top lock and basin at Savick Brook, the beginning of the Ribble Link.

Just the touch of a nervous smile.

It’s a very twisty, narrow, and shallow navigation down the Savick Brook link. It’s just under three miles, and involves nine locks, including the sea lock, and a triple staircase lock at the top that you have to reverse into. It’s a fascinating and slightly formidable journey!

Gareth and Michaela had offered to travel from York to crew with Barry on the outgoing trip, just after Andy had been in touch. So we suggested they may want to come along for the ride on the return. They were very keen to – so much so they even brought a delicious spread for lunch too! What a bonus.

The following first group of photos isn’t up to Barry’s standard, they’re Sandra’s poor efforts … you’ll easily notice the difference when Barry’s recommence!

In the first lock …

Micheala and Gareth seeming delighted to be back on board a narrowboat

A little shallow at times

And out onto tidal waters …

Gareth driving like a pro

Happy boys at the tiller

Approaching the lock at Tarleton

Looks here as though Gareth had to do all the work! Driving AND locking? Surely not with four crew on board …

Once on the holding moorings, it’s a case of waiting for the all clear from the CRT lockies to head off. This time we were the first to go.

Once through the sea lock, it’s a short run out to open water, up the estuary, and onto the River Douglas.

Gareth was quite happy to take us all the way over, which gave the captain a bit of a break and time to put his feet up (just joking).

We were lucky enough to time the tide so it was exactly the same level as the canal, which meant we could pass straight through the lock. The following boat managed as well, but only after having to put the power on.

We didn’t realise until afterwards it  was narrowboat Seyella (fellow boating bloggers ‘Seyella’s Journey) with passengers Doug and James, who blog on NB Chance, aboard.

Such a fantastic experience – we absolutely LOVED the Lancaster and hope one day to return with more time and knowledge. It was wonderful to share some of the journey with Andy and his son Matt, and Jim and Hilary and her mum, and finally Gareth and Michaela who we thank profusely for providing lunch and for being so inspiringly impetuous ….

Where are we now in real time?

We’re currently in the Northwich area, awaiting news on a lock closure at Malkin Bank as to our upcoming travels. We’ve heard there’s some challenges at Middlewich due to low levels of water. And we’re expecting our next kiwi guests, Rod and Tracey, to arrive on Sunday – we’re just not exactly sure yet the location of that meet-up!

Carnforth to Tarleton and many memories in between … You guessed it! We've become way behind here once again ... The weather's been amazing these past few weeks, so unsurprisingly sitting indoors writing blog posts hasn't featured at the top of our 'to action' lists.

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A N D R E U & N A D I A 

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