Walk 1000 miles a Year; Can a Great Dane and a Couch Potato #walk1000miles 2021?

Day 213 - The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that the podcast is about 2 months behind real-time and we've just finished May. I hate to say it because I committed to you and myself at the beginning of the year that I would post daily blogs, but life, well life, and cruising are just getting in the way. Recording daily worked whilst in lockdown but I'm really struggling to find the time and effort. Let me elaborate regarding “effort”. It's not that I don't enjoy doing them, of course, I do why would you/I do something you/I'm not enjoying. It's not that Willow and I have stopped walking because clearing that demanding young lady, as all dogs do require commitment, effort, and walking. As you know we are now back out cruising and as such, I've gone back to vlogging which for me is super time-consuming, you'll know this if you've watched any of our videos. Also, and probably reflecting the main reason is we lost Eva in June. Dave and I are truly heartbroken but Willow is totally lost, sad and upset she has never been without Eva and I don't think she understands. The walks are very different now. We go we walk we come home it's as simple as that. Both Willow and myself have withdrawn into ourselves. I don't feel funny and the last thing I would ever want is too laden you with our sadness day in day out. The loss of Eva had left complete devastation behind. It's something we are all working through and it's only now some two months later I feel able to tell you. But please DON'T say the words; don't offer kindness and condolences because that's the reason it wasn't mentioned earlier. It's enough to know you're thinking them and want to say them but if you do that will just break me and I am barely holding it together as is. As such whilst we still walk, I don't do the daily blog post and I've kind of lost my mojo, it's all very sad and we're all sulking. I have to say even though I'm out of sorts and a bit down I'm so very appreciative that you have continued to check in to see how Willow and I are progressing with the walking. All be it that sometimes they contained very little walking indeed. ***** This is a full audible version but A FULL WRITTEN VERSION is on our website. ***** If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 155 – They say they come in threes. Bad luck, because clearly feeling like life has a downer on us, so it isn't going to be the good stuff. Inadvertently got scammed last night – was expecting a parcel, paid for a parcel to be delivered, and shouldn't have. Had to phone the bank and police and froze my card. Then my computer crashed this morning from overwork. So, I'm just sat here waiting for the third and final strike to bear down on us like a ton of bricks. And sit here I wait. We were meant to be moving forward on our travels but with the third one looming I really want to sort out this big IT mess, which it is finally, after much scrabbling around doing. We're going to go for a walk down by the River Don when it cools down, otherwise, we're going to have some very super hot dogs. The downside of that is the little beasties will be out ready to bite and suck. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 154 – We continue our narrowboat cruising journey along with the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation, which includes the beautiful Don, we travel under the magnificent Conisborough Aqueduct. It just can't help but take my breath away. I have a somewhat reasonable excuse for not walking, there is no towpath, and what with all Dave's van and bike shuffling I am required yet again to skipper the ship. Lol, I say that like she's massive, but no we are so dwarfed in this much bigger, more impressive surroundings. We pass some very beautiful sea-going boats. What we fondly call Gin palaces because palaces they are. Boats slow down when crossing or near moored boats but these Gin palaces really struggle to go slow with their two turbo engines. Would I swap, probably not – all that bouncing about would probably make me queazy. Came to another favourite spot to meet up with friends, and we clearly ordered the correct sunshine because we were all able to sit, eat and play outside. Ching Ching bottoms up. Hope you also had a good day. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 153 – This is a walking diary, right? Well, maybe but it's evolving into more of an overview about our lives rather than any serious walking. Started with good intentions and I hope to do more walking in the future but right here, right now – no walking involved today. We traveled 14 miles and not a single step was counted. Okay, 3600oddish was, but I didn't walk a single step. We traveled down the Tinsley flight, and apart from moving my arms a bit, my legs didn't walk anywhere. I noted my tummy rumbled as I missed breakfast, and it's not like you can stop mid-flight and grab something to eat, especially with volunteers – which is a new thing on the flight. Dave did all the walking, but then he's not walking 1000 miles in a year. Willow is, but then all she did was make her presence known by barking. We let them out at the private garden and several enclosed locks along the way, but as for walking – no not really, none was done. But the important bit here is, we are off – on our way. We are not going where we wanted to go, with all the breaches and restrictions, so I think we must be on plan G. We're not going up Ripon Canal, those works have a 3 month lead on them. We thought we'll go up the Lancashire Canal. No, we're not doing that. We think the BCN Marathon Challenge that wasn't on, might be, but don't know what date so it looks like we're heading south but again with all the restrictions which way? If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 152 – I would say I haven't walked a single step today but I have – Dave was snoring next to me when Willow started screaming at 7am. It was so early I must have been on autopilot and took them out Yes, I know all you keen ones get up at 5am and have done all the super important jobs before you go, do a full day's work, and then come home and are a domestic god. Me – I'm not employed so I prefer the more leisurely approach; it matches my walking style and suits me to a T. I was going to say I haven't walked a single step because today we broke free. Yes, fine we were going the wrong way up the canal, but free is free. We have left the Marina, we are truly Nomads, or the other term is water rats. I'm not sure where the term comes from, but I think it stems from working barge families back in the day. But I don't know really – do you? We left the Marina today and boated down to Victoria Quays in Sheffield City Centre – defiantly going the wrong way for our boating season, but no matter how many times we have been into the Quays we have never taken the Silver Propeller challenge location photograph, as set by the Inland Waterways Association. It's like a Narrow boating game of Bingo in various different spots throughout the network. We turned around and came back to our secret spot, the girls love it here – free to roam and play. We go back to Tinsley tomorrow to pick up Natasha as we head out. Think she's escorting us out so she knows we're gone. Rude I know!! If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 151 – Quite a lot of walkers about – no I wasn't including myself. I'm well off the boil. You know a serious walker when they have sticks and backpacks. This only confirms my bimble tendencies, but as they say Rome wasn't built in a day. Oh yeah, they also say the Tortoise won the race so you just think on. Willow and I are getting there, we've just passed the 450 miles banner. I never doubted we could, and will do it, but it's only at a much slower pace than others, who I believe are already heading back. I hope they bring me some Scottish Tablet – a lovely sweetie bar that I just can't get enough of. It would have enough energy in one bar to get me the rest of the way. Because of the current situation we find ourselves in – avoid big groups and mask up, and also Willows unpredictable behaviour, I tend to get her to hang back, sit and wait to allow the masses to walk through. The Towpath isn't so wide and we would end up rubbing shoulders especially with Willow to Heal, ie; at my side. We'd, well Willow had already been barking and making a show of herself with the working boat, and the ramblers seemed very interested in what they were doing. Been there done that. I did have to smile when one of the ramblers tried to open the lock gate when the working party was half way up in the lock. It's hard to remember that some people just don't know – why would they. It's like I know nothing about golf, apart from the clubs get heavy when you're lumbering them about. Also, golf is good walking, and if your ever asked the answer, its quite simple, of course Louise wouldn't cheat if she got stuck in the sand dune or water. I'm glad we got that cleared up because you never know when that sort of question would come up. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 150 – Took Dave to work again today, nope not for an Eva appointment, but something was clearly sick on the boat. I was sick of my laptop, and it was a sick laptop, which had to go to the doctors. To the shop. The shop opened at 9.30am and was banging on the door, Okay I exaggerated that bit but I was there pretty much after it opened. The man's question was ‘Are you alright?' and I sobbed ‘No'. He said he'd look and if he couldn't fix it no charge so that was a little ray of light. As I blow the dust off the old laptop, I stepped back in time. To a time when things took just that little bit longer because it was ever so slow. I pottered around the boat because we are going out at the weekend. We are waving byes-y-bye and leaving the Marina forever. To become continuous cruisers, and travel the canals – well we would if we could, but we can't, there are so many restrictions we are now on plan G, but probably will work our way through the alphabet Willow and I took our daily jaunt and we did selfie's like we was young people. Willow did it regally and I was crawling on the floor trying to stay upright and extend my arm to get us both into shot. I can only liken it some weird yoga that you do with your dog, and I think there are actually classes like that, but unless Willow and I were the only participates, and even the teacher wasn't allowed to bring her dog, then no Yoga would get done. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

I know you know what I'm talking about when I say – it should do this, but won't – WHY WONT YOU DO IT? I've looked it up on Google and You tube and I purchased the same extension twice. I've spoken to my IT Guru and still, you sit there vexing me. Just sitting there looking smug with the progress reading ‘waiting to download' Okay then – Do that then. Nothing stopping you. Why are you being so mean? Yes, that's right, I'm having another laptop meltdown. It's not until you start to write things down and reflect on your life, and you think I couldn't possibly ever see this happening to me, and when I read this back in a week, a month, a year I'll be full of denial. But right now, in this the current present, OMW my knickers are in such a twist that the frustration could be called ‘wind the bobbin in' I nearly did that thing that you've seen on movies when they are sitting at a table and something kicks off, and then they just flip and upturn the table, my lifting, and flipping. When I say nearly, I didn't but I'd like to have a go at it. With the slow-motion playback and the drinks spilling in mid-air. After the flipping the table, I walked out. Best go out and calm down because this is doing my noggin in. Nice day and good company, Willow and I were getting on well and I managed to calm myself down. Think the duck may have wound Willow up a tad, but I was good. It's good to be outside and let your mind refresh. Take a breath or two. I decided to leave it, no more I'll just do this or I'll just try that. The laptop was going into the shop to get sorted before I threw it into the cut (canal) If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 148 – First Day back on the job after a weekend away. When I say job I mean, back to walking because that is my job. Dave brings home the bacon and I stay at home to dog-sit or as I like to call it, Eva's personal PA/Nurse and Willows personal NoooNoo0/Security Blanket. Would I have it any other way, probably not. But the conversation is slightly limited to watch me do this, stroke me, feed me and look at what I produced. Next door was talking to her cat and how me and the girls laughed when I told them. (Stolen Joke but still funny) Shocked, or was I shocked, to see that someone had snapped the baby fruit tree upon our return. I was slightly shocked because I do like to see the good in people, the pride they take about their local community, and then again not shocked at all, more disappointed that I thought it might happen and it did. Willow bounced her way down the lock, she seems in good spirits I am putting that down to for the brief time we were out we didn't get wet. Also, good enough for me. There is a collection of stone slabs on our walk and so the tale goes in yonder years gone by, that they are the old remaining stones from the old lock house that used to sit further down on this stretch of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal. I don't know that much about them, but it's where the chicken foot gang sit, its actually where everyone sits and today it is where a man sat with lots of plastic carrier bags. It's not something that I see every day and as such something that sticks out to me. The fact that he was still there when we came back, nothing at all unusual in that. He was still there when I went out with Eva and still there when we came back. Now my curiosity is peeked. What is he doing? Who is he waiting for? Why all the bags? these and many more questions will never be answered, but maybe he'll become a regular to us, maybe not, but he might. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 147 – We're going home today, even though the boat is a 50-foot Narrowboat Cruiser Stern there appears to us to be more room at home. I think that's because everyone knows their space. At Mums the girls just lay in the middle of the floor. I think in Willow's case in hopes of bullying and tripping up Nanny. One more call of technical admin and then we're heading home. Have to say,I'm not used to all this frolicking and I've got work to catch up on. We walk the girls on the return to the Marina and it's spitting, so not quite rain but it's trying. We unload and unpack and finally at a late hour manage to sit down. No one can be bothered to cook so we end up with a toastie, you know I really enjoyed it. Sometimes it's just the simply comfort food we crave. Unlike Willow, who craves all food. I hate the dogs watching me eat and sometimes they think they can get away with it and when I send them away, they don't move they just advert their eyes, guessing they still want to taste and see it in the smell, what with dog noses being ten times more powerful than ours. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 146 - Hooray it's here, the first family gathering in what seems like donkeys' years. We're all going out for a meal tonight. Last night didn't go well, and Willow was all out of sorts, no problems with Eva, but Willow kept checking I was there, which I was. It was a bit like been tortured when you just drop off and they wake you up. Went to a jeweller in Louth, Lincolnshire with Mum to get my necklace repaired. It used to be my dads, and he had it made at these jewellers. Nice to be out with Mum and dog-free. Walked about a bit in this historical market town, some really nice buildings, but Mum was more interested in having a coffee. Did I tell you I hate coffee, not to worry, I roughed it with a cream tea. I know what a saint I am. Grimsby was our next point of call, and by the time we got back to Mums, Dave had had enough of Dog-time. Needless to say, Eva was no problem, but it didn't bowed well for the Dogsitter we had coming in. After Dog sitting people don't really want to offer their services anymore, and again, I reiterate, I don't think it's because of Eva. As we'd fed the dogs, we ran out of the door for fear that Willow would become worrisome and by all accounts, she spent the next 15-20 minutes whining out the window. I do fear that the neighbours would have thought the world was ending, I can only hope they are hard of hearing. Being out with family was nice, nice to laugh, joke and remanence. Fill in the blanks of the last 12 odd months. Lovely meal and I never once had ‘wish I'd ordered that' envy If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

I asked Dave to pack the day before because I wanted to pack the van up and meet him straight from work before we hit the motorway in rush hour. Pleasantly surprised that we managed to get the Friday Mad hour with little delay. Apart from the man in the Merc who didn't release the traffic in his lane and slowed down and as his stopping distance was reduced by speed, he tried to swerve into the lane I was driving in. I was surprised about the fact that he thought two vehicles could fit into one lane and funnily he didn't seem to see the big white transit van whilst he swerved. Enough of my road rage, and onto to better and much Nicer things. We are on a road trip to Mum's. This will be the first time the whole family has got together in nearly a year and half. We are all staying for the weekend and I have a babysitter for the girls whilst Dave and I go out to play, a meal with the family tomorrow. Dave and I took the girls out for a walk across an unused golf course. It would have been a fantastic walk and we could have gone on for miles if we, hadn't had Eva with us and yep you guess it the rain just would not stop. Oh no, it poured and poured, the big drops mixed with little drops, and then the extra drops off the trees when the wind blew. I would like to do the walk again, but preferably when it wasn't raining. The only good thing about the rain as we had the golf course to ourselves because let's face it what other nutters would be out in weather like this. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

You'll never guess, wow, what a good guesser you are – your right it has been raining all day today. So, of course in turn it was raining for our walk. Gone are the keen days when I first started this challenge. I'm currently in the state of, make do and mend, and it will be what it will be. I'm sure there are some other sayings I could throw at it, but currently that'll do for now pig – yep managed to throw a film reference in there as well. A veritable dictionary of use less quotes, of old wife's tales, sayings and film references. Nooo I don't go as deep as literature quotes of Keats and such like, I'm happy with the ones I'm using and quite simply, I don't know the others. Thankfully I was wearing probably one of my most useful Christmas Presents, the old or nearly old Waterproof Walking Boot. It's the little things that make me happy and dry feet has got to be up there with the greats, such as World Peace and Joy to the World, because to quote another good saying – An Army marches on its feet, meaning take care of your feet. I have a huge hankering for Drone playing, and whilst you can fly your drone in rain, it would entail getting wet and neither Willow and myself are into that, although Eva is another kettle of fish. She loves all that blustering rain – hot dog. I think I've just about squeezed as many sayings as I can into todays walking tales from under the grey sky. How many sayings did you count, or indeed know? Know any good ones? Let me know what you know. Thanks If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

April showers in May, it's not cold, but the preference from both Willow and myself is that we would most definitely prefer it, if it, was just to ‘give over' so we could get around our walk without becoming soggy sponges. The council authorities are out in force, two strimmers and one big mower. Having already had a run-in with them in the past, I don't allow Willow to walk whilst their motors are still running for fear of stones being picked up. So, we wait and wait for the operator to turn off the motors, enabling safe passage from flying stones. Giant breeds are expensive enough without having broken, fractured or worst still, shattered bones into the mix – so we wait. I have to say the man operating the big mower was a little miffed by the second time we passed him and made him turn off the mower. By the third and fourth time, he looked very reproachable, that I can only liken to a bulldog chewing a wasp. I had to drag Eva by, she was plodding that slowly and his grimace was getting worst with each passing step. I smiled and waved sweetly as he kicked the machine back on. I was getting the impression he wasn't after my thanks. Apart from feeling Guilty walking where we normally walk, nothing really amazing happened. It rained, been there done that. No chicken foot gang because they're fair-weather friends. Empty footpath apart from the newly planted fruit trees in the middle of the Zoomie area. I guess that the whole picnic area will be up and running by the time we leave for the season. I wouldn't even want to hazardous a guess as to whether it will survive. I hope it does, and whilst I think the fruit trees are pretty, I would much rather they fix the towpath but that could be just me being too pragmatic. CRT want to encourage people to use the towpath and with the towpath being the foundation of the whole walking on the towpath, it just makes sense to wait until the pump repairs, improve the towpath and then plant the fruit trees and picnic area. But Hey!! That's just me, what do I know. I'll get down from my box now, carry on, nothing to see here. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Got a dog they said, it'll be fun they said – what they didn't say was that by getting a dog my focus for the rest of my days would be on poop. Walking at 5 am, I know some people enjoy it, some people like being up before the day has started and for others, the day is already underway. Me opinion is; are you mad – there is only one 5 o'clock unless you're going on holiday, then no one minds getting up a 5 am. I woke up with a sniff, the most horriblist of horrible smells. I shot out of bed and knew instantly what was wrong. Poor old Eva has the poops. When I say poops is more like a running tap and the poor dog wasn't able to make it through the night. Went out with whatever I threw on and the dog had me running down the towpath in desperate need of some grass because that is our preferred area even though she'd had an accident in the night on the boat. Of course, I went back to bed, I was tired and only went walking because the dogs needed it and knew the route. As I dozed off Dave got up for work and took the dogs out, again and again, she went number 2. Then I woke late morning to the frantic padding for yep you guessed it another desperate running tap poop. And then again early afternoon and then again pretty much every two hours. I've practically run a marathon. Maybe not an actual marathon but not far off. Maybe a fair way off but my legs are not used to running never mind the tugging on the lead. Hate dogs that pull, turn a blind eye to dogs that pull when they are about to explode. I've applied some binding medication that we have, so I'm hoping to have corked it to allow us to get through the night, but I might set the alarm and get up in the early hours just to ensure that the boat stays clean, and more importantly that Eva gets a break and isn't in discomfort. Get a dog they said – it'll be fun they said. I'm not having fun, can I get a refund? If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 141 – Strange weather day today, it just can't make up its mind if it raining or sunshine. It's not cold but it's certainly unpredictable. Looking at the clouds on the way down the locks big very angry and grey. Walking the other way is the blue and sunshine sky. It seems Willow and I will head into the storm. I may be overly metamorphosing our walk because 'the storm' almost sounds like we're on the high seas and neither mine nor Willow's stomachs could take that to be fair. We do head down the locks under the grey sky hoping that the cloud manages to hold onto what it's got. Raincoat on but it's so hot, it's almost a relief when it does start raining. Again, slight overkill with the raincoat, sure I would have been fine with a brolly but hindsight as ‘they say' is a wonderful thing. Who are they by the way? I asked google who says ‘they' are some people who say, but no definition of some people - are they my peers or society? As we head back up the locks, I spot an extremely faint rainbow, which really does sum up the day, because you only get a rainbow when the sunlight shines through the water and that it was so faint. Kind of says what I've already been saying the weather just can't make up its mind. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Shot out of bed like the boat was sinking the second I heard Willow break into her high pitch scream. Even so, I have to admit it's nice to be out early, the dew was glistening on the grass and the day is afresh and ready to begin. Dave wanted his golf clubs so we had to go to the lock-up and dig them out. Dave hasn't played golf for years and years and years so needless to say his golf clubs were buried at the back, way way back. Whilst working through the lock-up the heavens open, and quite frankly didn't stop raining all day. We got soaked at the lock-up, we got soaked whilst walking the dogs, and generally, we got soaked. So fair to say at a certain point of all the wetness you just can't get any wetter. The only saving Grace of the whole wet soaking day was that it wasn't cold – if it had have been, I don't think I could have bared it. They always say to look for the silver lining, well it certainly wasn't in the sky or the grey clouds that continued their relentless chucking it down routine. I guess that was the silver lining, it wasn't cold. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Up and out early today, up early because Willow deems it so. Some people have a Cockrel, others call them roosters, but universally they all say cock-a-doodle-doo and are driven by an internal clock that no one can fathom out. Me, I don't need a Cockrel we have a Willow, and she whines and screams; it's a noise that just grates all the way through you like you're the invisible person. It's always best to get up before Willow gets her scream on, because its like a knee jerk reaction very similar to the sound of a dog throwing up – you can be in the deepest of deep slumbers, but the retch or in our case, the scream of Willow is enough to have me jumping out of bed and throwing on whatever unmatching clothes are hanging around to get her out the door before she lets off another scream. Your right, our dog rules the roost. Quite fortuitous that we are up early, Dave wants to go to a van shop place that is only opened in the morning to purchase a four-way stretch carpet. Upon our return, we are greeted by barking and whining and sure as eggs is eggs or in this case, a dog is our dog, damm it! I do hope none of the neighbours wanted a lay-in - Sorry. In between the showers which do not seem to be going away, we stroll out for another family walk When I say stroll I mean the term loosely; Willow soon perked up, after storming around like a hurricane and running at Eva faster than a speeding locomotive. Spending the energy penny and Zoomies a plenty She also found a stick which set her off into a dizzy dance of trotting with her knees bent high, Willow had a blast and I'm just guessing Eva looked so relieved and off the hook of Willows singular speedy attention. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Another busy day out walking on the towpath, it seems the volunteers for Canal and River Trust are back out playing now that restrictions are easing. They are digging and planting more trees and concrete bases for the positioning of the benches. Oodles of other people out walking about and everyone seems to be in a good mood. Apart from Willow, I think who appears to be most disgruntled. She spent a good portion of the walk hiding behind me. I'm unsure if she was implying that my stature was big enough to hide a Great Dane, but she clearly got what she wanted and that was for all those outstretched arms to leave her alone – unless they wanted to hug me in the process, and I don't think the restrictions have eased that much to fore fill any hugging. I tried to cheer Willow up but failed miserably. She didn't seem overly impressed when I put a buttercup under her chin to see if she liked butter. Willow actually appeared to be a little suspicious of the bright yellow sunshine flower. Or is it a weed? The little buttercup was trying to remain out of this moody mess that Willow had encapsulated us in, refusing to comment on whether Willow liked butter. I didn't see the little yellow shimmering reflection under Willow's chin so can only assume that it was not commenting for fear of making the atmosphere just that little less moody. You and I both know that Willow likes, neigh loves anything from the kitchen so butter would be a very big tick. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

After the excitement of the last couple of days, what with Drone flying https://youtu.be/U_2RLvILQl4 , Snake in the canal, and what seems to be becoming a pattern, the lost eggs of young birds. Today is positively a dull day. No dinosaurs or horses were seen. No Mr or Mrs. Lochness. No typhoon or typhoo was spotted or had. Willow and I just trotted and talked, mostly about our excitement about our impending release from this dead arm canal. Well, I chatted, Willow rubbed her face on the floor like normal, like all other walks before and almost like I was telling her off again, surprise not in this instance, but I do liken telling her off, to Willows not listening, so I chatted to myself whilst being completely ignored by my shadow. Others gave me the sideways look of ‘soon you'll be looking for hair in the palm of your hands but no one came outright and said – ‘who you talking to you nutter?' gonna take that as a win I think. It did start to spit on the walk, but looking on the bright side, at least no one was spitting at us because I most defiantly would have set my cowardly lion on them. Okay maybe not, to be fair I might have had to bite their ankle myself. Yesterday's drone footage is on Youtube if you're interested. You'll notice there isn't a Willow insight, and that's because that lovely black, white and green creature is becoming totally unpredictable. So it wouldn't have been safe asking her to walk herself, which Eva did manage to do. I suspect Willow would have got into a tangle one way or another, either by tripping over her own feet or chasing a duck and flying off the edge of the canal. Seriously, all the misdemeanors that could possibly happen with that dog could send anybody's imagination into a spin. But as I said Eva walked herself apart from when I asked her to wait. Alas no drone flying today, but that's alright I'm still buzzing from yesterday's efforts. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

I have had such a fun day; I can't remember the last time I was super excited to go out and play with my toys or just one in this instance. I worked hard on the podcast this morning and was ready well before being screamed at by Willow, who seems in a much better mood after last night rainfeast. It's another one of those funny grey days, with rays of sunshine where it's a gamble if I'm going to get soaked wet through, or indeed and this is my preferred option, get a suntan. Bimbled down the locks with Willow who seemed intent on much face rubbing or being right by my side. As we strode back, we encountered the Chicken foot gang, but Willow daren't go near those scary boys and sticks firmly to my side like chewing gum I've stepped on. After more face rubbing or should that be Halti shifting in the zoomie area, which will now be renamed the fruit tree zone. I fear for the young tree's lives, I have a strange feeling that one day, maybe not today and maybe not tomorrow, but they are going to be the casualties of a Great Dane stomp. No sooner had I put Willow in the boat than the crying started. I was still standing on the back of the boat, I hadn't even got the Halti on Eva who I almost felt rolled her eyes. Bet the neighbours will be pleased when we push off, then the marina will be quite pleasantly quiet. I had an urge when I took Eva out, being the calmer one of the two girls - she pretty much walks herself. Decided to take the opportunity and take my new drone out. Completely excited to get it in the air. Even edited it and got it into a quick vlog for the opening of our 2021 boating season. The whole family went out again for the evening stroll, which was nice. Willow get's super excited when Eva is with us and she defiantly does not feel the need to be so very close. Although when we saw the beastie I wished Willow was. Eva looked down at the grass snake and saw it wriggling, gave it one of her aloof looks, and strolled on. Willow didn't notice it at all but let me tell you, it left my skin crawling. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 135 – It always seems to be raining, almost like April Showers in May, suspect the Greenhouse effect is playing its part with this changing weather we've seen over the last couple of years. Willow's behaviour, it's getting worse, she's so fearful of everybody and everything. She completely breaks down if I'm not around, even if Dave is. I am most certainly her security blanket. She has started barking at people for no reason other than they are behind her. Generally, the rule of thumb used to be not keen on men, but now she's just really anxious and anything can set her off. A bike whizzing past, that never used to bother her, now she tries to see them off. Someone calling her name, she physically cowers behind me. Dave coming into the boat, well everyone on the Marina knows when Dave's home. The vets have always scared her, but the fears are growing with the advancing years, and I find myself in new dog territory. I do believe there is nothing physically wrong with her, but mentally it all seems to be disintegrating in her head. If she had a boo-boo, I could see it, deal with it - clean it and dress it, but with something going on in her head – what do I do? Dave thinks I'm overreacting, but I can see the change in her mentally, my heart just nearly chipped to see her standing in the middle of the room violently shaking because the rain was bouncing on our roof. I didn't want to coo coo comfort her too much and thereby reinforcing the behaviour she still stood there shaking looking all forlorn and sad. My heart went out to her really it did. Maybe she needs anti-anxiety tablets, a thunder vest, herbal sprays I just don't know. I find myself at a loss. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

As I step outside with my big raincoat, with the sun beaming down and I know I've made the wrong choice and come back in to swap for my jacket. It's a glorious day or is it. Willow and I walk down the locks and just as were having a photo session the drops start and persist getting faster and bigger. Willow bolts for the wasteland I can summarise that she finds eating rabbit poo a distraction from the rain beating down on her. We walk back over the soggy ground and no sooner do we get back to walking on the towpath than the sun is out again. What bizarre weather we are having. It puts me in mind of the old folk tale = The wind and the sun bet to see which is stronger and can force a man (or woman, me in this case) to remove a coat (or this case, jacket). No matter how hard the wind (or this case rain) I hold my jacket tighter. However, when the sun has her go she beats a steady ray of heat making me get hot so I remove the jacket. Moral of the story ‘Gentleness and kind persuasion win where force and bluster fail' Not sure where I was going with this but to say, be kind, pay it forward and have a good day. Meanwhile, I'll take Eva out with a brolly because I distinctly heard the rumble of thunder on the way back. I'm not as green as I'm cabbage looking not to know that it is going to hammer it down whilst out with the Akita. She's fine, the meaner the weather the more Eva likes it. I get the distinct impression from her that we are living in the wrong climate for her. One winter dog and one summer dog – what is an owner to do? In a relevant side note the brolly has a couple of holes in it, so whilst smug, clever, and dry, the dry was not completely as I got attacked by some plopping drops. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Sunday is Funday - Did I walk today, not in the greater sense of the word – no. Did I amble then the answer is; yes down to the field during the briefest time when it wasn't raining and manage to get out to fly our new tiny drone. It's like a big insect apart from faster and nosier. I flew up and out. Started freaking out a little when she was hovering over the water. My driving leaves a lot to be desired. It's a bit jerky and abrupt but for a first go of not crashing, think I did very well so I'll take it, happy with that. The footage of our first flight can be found on youtube, if you're interested. Sunday is also actually it's Family day. Mum, Sister, and Nephew came over. We chatted laughed and your welcome, we put the worlds to right so we all now live on a better planet. Went to McDonald's drive-through for lunch, as did everyone else in Sheffield. It was bad, oh so bad. But I was completely distracted going from the van to driving around in a car – didn't like it, felt odd, felt like I was sitting on the road. People in the Drive-through queue were ‘looking down on me', ‘yes down not up to' like I'm used to whilst driving around in the van – down. I did not like this feeling, no not one bit I tell you. But I was brave especially when someone mentioned McFlurrys. The rest of the family thought we were missing in action, which we kind of was. We played cards - Won cards, Okay I didn't, came second. Yeah, okay I didn't, came third, no I was actually fourth but I would have rather had been first. I fear the cards were against me and no amount of looking at Mums hand was helping. Did some boaty stuff, maintenance on the bike and then sent them home with our sleeping bags to wash. Our washing machine is only 3.5kg so no amount of pushing is going to get those big poofy bags into my tiny machine. We'll pick them up when Boris says the restaurants are open. Looking forward to belated birthday meals when things get somewhat back to normal and then it's the start of our cruising season. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 132 – I'm not a big fan of walking in the rain but alas, got to be done. The fine drizzle stuff that gets you wet the moment you set foot outside. Willow doesn't seem to notice but she isn't back up to scratch. She's feeling pretty much sorry for herself so I guess the weather suits the mood. Still walking little, often, and on lead. Willow is eating so much grass. I have no option but to stand and wait as it continues to pisstulate it down. A black and white giant breed dog eating grass, yes, I've heard it. And the horse, pony and whose walking who, amongst a few I've heard them all. I know people think they're being funny and engaging but really for me that's not the way to open conversation. Ask her name, breed what she likes to eat; obviously, in this instance, it's grass or pretty much anything rotting in the grass, wrapped on unwrapped, that's the way to gain my engagement. It's not that I haven't got a sense of humour, I have a pretty good one, but for me, this stating the obvious apparently called ‘jokes' is like reading the same Christmas Cracker joke daily for a year. You tend to even lose the eye roll and just stare blankly at the contributor. My baby girl is poorly and stays by my side pretty much the whole way with the occasional wonder for privacy. She's even knocked ‘rubbing the Halti' on the head whilst whatever is hurting hurts. Hope she picks up soon or we may have to call the vet's for anti-inflammatories again. Thank heavens she's insured. Big Dog, Big Vet Bills. It rained so much you never guess whose back – no not Freddie – Mr Mud, Mr Mud is back it's like walking in a swampland. Come home completely dripping, knowing that we will all be troopsing outside again this evening, and really really hoping that the rain stops. Fingers crossed. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

My Poor Baby Girl Willow is all squealy again, just like last time. When she pulled her neck when she was stretching. I guess aches and pains come to us all, mines my knees. Normally Willow sleeps all curled up in a ball. She has the ability to sniff her back feet and I haven't joined in on that activity they don't smell that great to be fair. She's doing these little sobs and again I am totally useless. Of course, she's done it so close the weekend so the opportunity to see a vet is pretty minimum. Last time we paid out for an emergency vet appointment and when we got there Willow was so distracted by everything going on around her, she was completely fine and no obvious symptoms to speak off. Thank fully she's not as bad as last time, I still feel for her, she's clearly in pain. Reading her body language, tail tucked in, head held low and allowing Eva to go into her bed preferring to sleep elongated. We'll see how she goes, but I have the same feeling of totally uselessness, the inability to fix it and make it better. To kiss the boo boo and make it go away. Knowing that if needed we can quite quickly get an emergency appointment is reassuring although at the moment not necessary. Reduced exercise and I know she won't be happy about being kept on the lead. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Took Willow out first today, we bimbled down the locks and back. Last year there was no residential geese around this part of the canal. But they are definitely here now. They have moved in, unpacked their bags but seem to have forgotten the porty potty. I suspect they think that Willow will hoover up anything and everything and I hate to say it I really do but they, the geese are not far wrong. Willow is in her eliminate. These Geese make her day, not only do people leave food for geese, which Willow also assumes is for her. They also leave a mess, everywhere. It's like tip toeing through the tulips but the other end of the disgusting spectrum but Willow loves, rolling in it, eating it. Trampling it though the boat, I think we are going to have to get one of those Mr Muddies, thinking ahead especially for this coming Winter when worst things will be being stomped through the boat. It takes all of Willow's will power and training not to chase the geese. It's like I line them up in some sort of diversion training. I can see her muscles trembling ready to launch into ‘go fast catch mode'. I don't think the Geese, Ducks are doing themselves any good just standing on the canal edge looking all cocky in that ‘come on if you think your hard enough' way. I do foresee somewhere in the future, Willow's inability to stop in time and for her to go sliding into the canal. Yes, she's been in before but never after chasing something, we'll see, and as they say ‘time will tell'. Who is they? If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

As I wait for Willow who is busy frolicking in Dandelions chasing bees, which I've asked her not to, a lady walked past with these drop-dead boots. Not very practical for towpath walking but, if you like boots like me, you'd have appreciated them. I said to her ‘I really like your boots' and she gave me a look like I have just thrown a deposit at her. I calculated she hadn't heard me so I repeated the compliment and her face just beamed. She thanked me and continued. It got me deep thinking, yes, I'm going to reflect. No, it doesn't hurt my head when I do the deep thoughts but it does sometimes make me sad. We don't talk to each other, do we? Sometimes people avoid eye contact just so they don't have to do the nod and smile at me. It might be a by-product of boating, I always thought it was part of the job as a boater, to wave smile and say hello. Sometimes that evolves into a conversation sometimes it doesn't, but I don't think it hurts to be pleasant, I do think people are suspicious when you talk to them – a sad fact of the times we live in. So that's what makes me sad. Oh, bloody hell, what is she doing now, deep thoughts I know but I've gotta go. I fear I have given Willow to much rope she's going to hang herself. Don't worry I wasn't talking about the lead, it was a metaphor but it does mean that she's up to mischief. Better go and have the Bees sting conversation with her….. again. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 128 – It all started out as a normal walk, doing our normal thing in the drizzle, which I didn't tell Willow was happening, and by the time she found out, she was rainy moist anyway. There was a couple of people milling about, but generally, the green was ours. Willow Squatted - no not a wee but a number two, well actually it didn't even make numbers, she squatted and didn't do the do. People are watching expectedly, what do you do? There's nothing there that needs picking up and as you know I am an avid collector of Willows deposits. Do I show my poker hand and fake it, bend down and pick up the imaginary poo to fore fill the Social expectations of society. Or walk away knowing there is nothing there. But people are watching. I cave, I make a big song and dance about retrieving a scented nappy bag and do big over exaggerations movements liken to that of a clown plucking a bunch of flowers out of their cuff. The only issue is I would end up with an empty bag, so I made sure to tug of the tuffs of grass filling the said bag. Also, I don't know about you, but when I walking and know I'm coming back the same way, I hate hate hate, walking with the filled bags, mostly poop-filled, but not in this instance. We're still within the eye line of milling people and knowing we are going down the locks and back up, it begs the question, will I be called out or challenged if I leave bag deposit here and collect it on the way back? I leave it to collect it on the way back up the locks. I can only conclude that I am without a shadow of a doubt overthinking this whole activity. How can picking up poop be so complicated, and yet it takes real talent, such as myself to make it so. I'm sorry you're never going to get this time back. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Wow Dave did not go to work today, what a naughty lad or so I thought until he said it was a Bank Holiday. Well, that's all very well and good, you have a day of my darling but I question where are we all going to be when I get confused with what day of the week it is because Monday is now the new Sunday and Dave stays home. That's what I find particularly confusing. It's not like I know what day of the week it is under the best situations, but when you go throwing a free work day at me that is just going to send me into a spinning tangle of workday weeks. Quite simply, confusion will follow. To make matters worse, we're kind of stuck indoors, because clearly someone has pulled the plug on the big bath in the sky and it has rained pretty much all day. I get the feeling that Willow doesn't want to go out, she's avoiding eye contact and has rooted herself very firmly in her shower bed. She hates the water and fears it may merge or worse, her patches may fall off. I did buy her a jacket and she hates it, refuses to move when it's on, it does keep her body dry and warm, but the legs appear to assume the inability to walk, not that the jacket goes anywhere near her big long sticky out ganglies, but it's a side effect of wearing a raincoat. Then we just stand in the rain, planted to the spot. Some may say it's not about the rain, it's about being properly dressed for any weather occasion/eventualities, but not according to Willow – dog coat equals paralysis If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Willow spends 50 percent of her time, running at Eva and not a nice trot either. Like a train that is about to smash off the rails. I do not know how Eva put's up with Willow. Poor Eva gave her an inch and now Willow has took a mile. It was after all Eva who taught Willow how to rough play ‘gonna bite your feet off' ‘gonna bit your face off' now because Eva rarely plays them ones anymore Willow is playing ‘chicken' running full pelt at the Akita. I only hope Eva continues to manage to move in time. Because either she or Willow need to veer off suddenly or I'm going to end up with an injured Eva the Akita. The other 50 percent of Willow's time is took up with rubbing her snout around on the floor like an upturned daffodil, in an attempt to remove the Halti from her nose. She is quite happy wearing it around her ears, thinking it makes her go faster but definitely not keen on the nose. Control the nose, control the direction. And a further 50 percent hunting for food, because clearly we never ever feed her. Anyone would think that we are the worst owners in the world because our dog, note I didn't say dogs, only one dog of the two does it. Is clearly starving and must hunt out her own food, no matter how inedible. So now here we are at 150% and that doesn't seem to add up or so you'd think but knowing Willow and knowing that everything is done at 150 miles an hour, it kind of all, in the long run, works itself out in in the wash. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Went out for a family fun time today, so inappropriately dressed. I donned a T-shirt, jumper and jacket and boy was I hot. Who knew the sun was doing its shining thing. Loads of people that's who, all those people walking round in their T-shirts. All those people biking around the place in shorts but no one thought to tell me. Well yes, that would have been odd, someone knocking on the boat and saying “I've just come over to let you know what the weather was. Even though you've got windows in your boat and a hatch that you can stick your face outside and address the situation yourself. As I was saying before I got distracted on a tangent thought like yourself – no need to wear a jumper on your family fun time because it is flippin hot out here. Okay so now you know I'll be on my way”. No one did that, so I was inappropriately dressed in a big woolly jumper, and whilst it was nice being out with Dave and the girls, I was hot, and no matter how much whining I did. I know I admit it, I still whine, especially when I'm trying to get my own way. Like a child without the foot-stomping. Although that is optional depending on my spoilt brat demands. You're keeping up aren't you, because this one is zinging around all over the place. No matter how much whining I did, no one, all looking at Dave now, offered to carry my jacket. You know like when you say to the kids, you can take your scooter, but when you get bored I'm not carrying it, it was just like one of those occasions. Dave flatly refused, and that person who didn't come knocking on the boat to tell me the weather, didn't offer either, what's a girl to do – I asked Willow who kindly accepted but by the look in her eye, I think I may have tangled her up in my reasonings so like you are now, wondering where this particularly tangle is going to end, she kind of had that vacant – ‘what an earth is going on' look. Willow has a lovely flat back so you can pretty much balance anything on it, and it was going well, it really was I was free, hot, and stuffy but not carrying my jacket so I consider that a win, thank you very much. I was free right up until the point that Willow starts to do that thing she does – she got all trotty and my poor jacket was on the floor. With little option left, I picked it up and carried it like a grown-up. All adult-like and everything, well it would have been had I not had my bottom lip sticking out. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 124 – My walking stats aren't looking fantastic, the mile marker is catching up with me and I fear I'm slacking in the pack. I'm hoping that the walking gets better when we go out this weekend. Good to know they can't go backwards so they can only go on and upwards. We've decided to head north. Not so many lock flights, less walking – more river travel, bigger mechanical locks. It's going to be interesting because I have got extra junk in my trunk this year. Thus far I have walked 378 miles this year, as well as three days of last year. I know others are doing so well and I am very proud of them. They walked it and earnt every single mile. My race my pace. I do so want my medal and Willow defiantly deserves hers. I do at times feel so sorry for her, making her do it with me. The looks I get when she realises, we off on another longer trot. I think the backpack is a tell-tell sign that's it's going to be one of ‘those' walks. She is getting older but don't tell her I told you. Each week I write down the Walking Bingo challenges - again just making up the numbers here people. And each week something happens on our walks and I think – bugger why didn't I put down, in the case of last week – chicken feet. And this week it happens to be the turn of the ‘egg'. My short slightness will become legendary as I fail each week to have a lack of foresight and never ever manage a full house. You better watch this space when I do. Have you ever seen ducks doing it? It's not the romantic liaise of a bit of cuddling and kissing behind the bush. He damn near drowns her, and men wonder why ladies are so uptight. Eva was snuffling her way down the locks found it, at her favourite drinking pound – The egg. I can only assume the mother was young and the father probably buggered off to harass another unsuspecting maiden. I mention maiden, because the egg was just on the edge of the towpath, just there. Now I don't know about you, but I've never seen a freshly laid egg, so I know not of what I speak, but it did look fresh, when I poked it gently, the egg was still soft. Initially, I thought someone had dropped their hard-boiled egg but that has never happened on a walk before - mind you neither has something like this. This is a full audible version but A FULL WRITTEN VERSION is on our website. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

The fisherpeople were out in force today, one in each pound as we went down the locks. When we have been out narrowboating we see all manner of boats and every year there is always a speed boat. Doing what speed boat's do, speeding. Personally, I think I would get sea sick all that bobbing but it does look like a lot of fun. What I didn't think I would see so early in the season is a speedboat in one of the pounds. It was hitting a super plodding speed but I suspect for its size that could be considered fast. The owner was having fun as did we watching it for a time. Eva was completely intrigued and I suspect Willow would have ignored it. Thinking it was completely below her, after all, how could something or someone take the limelight of Willow – truly an impossible task. Eva carried on her saunter sniffing every blade of grass as we proceed home. No exciting Dallas Dramas, no further walking tale to tell. I think we will be heading out for the boating season come next weekend so hopefully it will involve more walking mainly for Willow and I, but not for Eva. I'm sad to report that my regal lady is getting old, each day a little less. Eva doesn't play with Willow as Willow would like, and the skipping only really starts when she's chasing something. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

My website is dying again, yes I know it's happened before – build a website they said, it'll be easy they said. I've run out of memory and now have to delete and re-upload compressed files. Talk about do over – what a choreache. Fed up with doing that, I take the dogs out, for a breath of fresh air and sometimes to clear my head. I always take the girls out separately it's just easier when negotiating eventualities. Together they just like children wind each other up and seem to always suffer a case of the ‘select hearing'. Also, if they run two separate ways, I have no control other than verbal. I could take them out on the lead together, that does seem obvious but I have this belief that dogs tend to get more exercise and stimulation when off lead. Clearly, if I'm doing my bimble Willow wants to run jump, and play at a greater speed than I'm going. Eva wants to go at half the speed and distance and sniff every blade of grass, so neither one of those options works for me, so I take them out individually and cater the walking style to whichever of my furbabies I'm walking with. I also believe that they benefit from Mummy and me time – firming up the bound, ongoing training if their ears are open. The only oil in the ointment is Willow's inability to self entertain. If I was there, she'd be sleeping but if I'm not she's anxious. Not sure why she can't sleep especially as it's her most favourite thing to do. I do feel sorry for and do apologise to the neighbors, one refers to Willow being on her own as singing. I have to say it's a good job I don't leave her to often, she's my shadow. I found a penny today, Willow didn't seem overly impressed but I was well chuffed and it did bring me luck, nothing bad happened today, and figured out a way to bring the website back from the dead. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 121 - As Willow and I strode out the gate, it looked like a car park. Surely not, well yes it was. It is a pedestrian path, you know the path that used to flood each time it rained. Until the Canal and River Trust (CRT) ruined my fun and paid some party poopers to raise it. Now when it rains we can't use the gate because the flood is now redirected in front of it. Back to the Carpark which was formerly known as the pedestrian area. Council car after council truck after council lifty arm thingy vehicle. Yep, all manners of vehicles parked out here today. What for? They are timbering, is that the correct term. Ah, who cares – what is correct terms between friends. Of course, Willow was far too distracted being noisey to do anything anywhere in the facility of so many fascinating vehicles and people looking up to the sky. I didn't see superman, but I did see Lumber Jacks and a Jackie in the trees, no didn't see any Tarzans. It looks like the council has come in, to cut the height of the trees so they don't interfere with the powerlines. It puts me in mind of a lost loved one, who being of the older generation and having lived way before the national grid came into being in the 1960s, just said off the cuff one day that the power cables should have been put underground. Thinking about it logically and logistically a total nightmare, but I think the point she was making is that they are so ugly, they do impact the landscape. I'll go further as to say, isn't that what the majority of us is aiming for, to have a lesser footprint. To go back to times gone by and be self-sufficient. At the times we just giggled when she said it. But hindsight is a wonderful thing and looking back upon that moment in time I sit here now thinking, maybe she had a point, from a bygone era but unbeknown a forward thinker nonetheless. Sorry if potentially this was a little bit deep. Makes you think though. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 120 – It really is something when you put entertainment in front of your own dignity. What I mean by that is knowing that 1000 of viewers will be watching Willow Cam on her youtube channel. Knowing that Willow tends to walk behind me. So by process of elimination, my dear Watson, you know that my hiney is going to be bottom bobbing on show. When I say thousand of views I actually mean all of Willow's 45 subscribers. Willow's point of view from today is up as I said on Youtube. It's about an hour and a half long. Yes I know that's long but we are slow walkers. If you watch it you will see our route, you will see the block but mostly your be watching my bottom bobbing. Start a blog they said, it will be fun the said. It was cool enough to walk the block again, I managed to get out early and before Mr Sunshine had got his Rayon. Well, when I say early, it wasn't early to some. Let's put it this way – would I rather Dave would have got up, at the time yes, but upon reflection having achieved the 4 miles of the block I'm glad I did it. So how early is early? 9 am, I know, only the really keen get up at this time on a Sunday morning, Willow and I. Kept my eyes on Willow, even the eyes in the back of my head. I don't know why we have to go through the battle, not only daily, but every single walk. It's draining. Stop eating stuff that people leave behind, or when people are being inconsiderate of others, or when people are feeding the ducks, it's for the ducks, you are not a duck. You're to big to be a duck and you're the wrong colour to be a duck. To be honest I think the only words Willow understood are ‘No' ‘Stop' and the growling which is my go-to in incidents such as this. This is a full audible version but A FULL WRITTEN VERSION is on our website. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 119 – It was cool enough to walk the block again, I managed to get out early and before Mr Sunshine had got his Ray on. Well, when I say early, it wasn't early to some. Let's put it this way – would I rather Dave would have got up, at the time yes, but upon reflection having achieved the 4 miles of the block I'm glad I did it. So how early is early? 9 am, I know, only the really keen get up at this time on a Sunday morning, Willow and I. Kept my eyes on Willow, even the eyes in the back of my head. I don't know why we have to go through the battle, not only daily, but every single walk. It's draining. Stop eating stuff that people leave behind, or when people are being inconsiderate of other, or when people are feeding the ducks, it's for the ducks, you are not a duck. You're to big to be a duck and you're the wrong colour to be a duck. To be honest I think the only words Willow understood are ‘No' ‘Stop' and the growling which is my go-to in incidents such as this. We start off with a nice walk, and I know something is amuck because Mrs hound dog has her nose squished firmly to the ground, almost in a zig-zag hunting fashion that I liken to a hoover. Even a blind man could see where this is heading. Its starts with a quick movement that you catch out of the corner of your eye. Then a vibration down the lead, you know how snakes swallow it whole – it's a bit like that. This is quickly and firmly followed by yelling and running to. I never lift her head up, what I do is open her mouth and retrieve whatever it is from the back of her throat. No, it's not pleasant for either of us. I don't look at the quickly acquired, second if not third-hand foodish thing. Oh no, I dread to think what it is that has been in her mouth, and worst than that, I have got to have regurgitated. I know living the high life. Get a Dane they said. They didn't actually, but that's a different tale. No sooner have I liberated such disgusting's by lobbing them in the canal, we are on ‘rinse repeat' cycle. And this is how the walk continues. More block drama the canal made the new again - https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/live-police-forensic-team-investigating-20459129 I would have rather it hadn't or didn't. It's our local area so especially frightening to learn someone got stabbed and died. That's what the police helicopters were doing the other night. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 118 - It's turning into the Marie Celeste in the Marina, Hoards, and hoards of boats went out today, Okay, three to be honest with you but it felt like more, maybe because they were all wide beams. As I took each of the girls out, in turn, I tangled in the chatting and locking. I never ever do the locks on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal. In my opinion, they are not nice locks, they are heavy and stubborn, so I give that pleasure to Dave. But not today, here I am wheezing and puffing opening up the gates. Everyone is in good spirits, well they would be wouldn't they, they are going out for the season. Unlike us, why aren't we going out yet? Erm, 1 - Got some boat jobs on the go. 2 – We want to go North, and the system currently has two issues, one a breach and the other a lock. 3 – Diary plans in the area. I almost sob as they head out, have a chat with some friends who went on the day before, and end up mimi mocking them. It slipped out before I could hold my jealously in check, yes I know it's not a pleasant trait. Interestingly, or maybe it's not, but you won't know if it is or isn't until you get to the end of the paragraph by which time if you don't think it is interesting, you'll have wasted your time. Just saying. No refunds for that time you're never going to get back, or the fact that I'm still driveling on about absolutely nothings – As I was saying, interestingly or maybe not – you can see how this could keep going round in a circle… As I walked the girls individually, their behaviour and reaction to so many people milling around the locks was t totally different ends of the spectrum. Willow wanted to run at people and then bark but would end up running back to me if they fronted her up. And Eva wanted just to rub herself all over them like a hot hairy rash. It's at this point I say, you've got to choose your audience because for either one of those spectrums it doesn't always go down well. Was it interesting? – no – well I did warn you. I thought it was hence why I shared. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Willow met the Chicken Foot Gang today, ran over to them like their reputation had preceded itself. Luckily for me, they were empty-handed and I didn't have to play bad cop again. Willow certainly made an impression, not being so in your face rubbing as Eva, it was said that she was dare I say it, the favourite. Let's keep that between ourselves. The pounds are getting low, generally, the dogs just lean over and drink the cocktail canal water. I know it's dirty, but given the choice, the girls would rather drink out of the dirty canal with whatever it has in it, than if I took a bowl along and filled it up with fresh water. Fickled Females!! Water was a bit sparse today, whilst walking Eva, took her over the locks to where the ledge is not so high, or so I thought. There is no ledge it's just a quagmire of mud. Nothing is pretty much going to deter Eva from getting a drink and in she went doing her quicksand impression with the occasional glunck and suck of the mud and she shifted in the dirty mud. As she shifted, the smells wafted out, clearly, Eva was dislodging years of rot and debris. After getting her drink she sauntered out like it was just a normal day at the office. But firstly, she looked awful, and secondly, she smelt. When I got her home, I hosed her down, she wasn't impressed, but to be fair neither was I. Action and reaction If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 116 – I have certainly got a spring in my step – the sun always puts me in a good mood. I take Willow out for a bimble and we just didn't stop. I didn't know I was going to continue but did anyway. You know we do the walking Bingo challenge and I knew exactly where I would find a hill. Actually, Sheffield according to George Orwell is hilly and built on Seven Hills, but I think they are arguing about that now. But the fact is there are inclines everywhere. So, to find a hill in Sheffield shouldn't be too hard, but as I was saying I had just the one in mind. In fact, it wasn't there when I first moved to Sheffield, and it has siblings, was built behind the English Institute Of Sport Sheffield. I don't know why, but they are new man-made hills, and I strode on whilst Willow followed. The block looks entirely different from when we walked it last. The colours have changed with the season. People are milling about, particularly around the back of Meadowhall where they have brought the food court outside. Willow obtained a particular reference of ‘beautiful markings' which is dog breed standards for ‘they like her patches' The River Don is running low, I could see Willow gazing longingly at it, with its trickling sound. It wasn't this hot when we set off, I wished I'd have known I was coming, I'd have brought some water and a bowl. This is another bad owner instance; no, I don't get it right all the time. I slow the pace and keep to the shade. As we went across the carpark, a man came up to me and asked if we were here for the funeral procession, errrm no – Oh lordy, when is that due, that was awkward as we ran to get out of the way. I don't know what that was about, but I didn't want to be in the middle of someone's grief. As we come up to the big hills just plonked on the landscape, I ask just that little bit more of Willow as we climb to the summit. No, it's no Mount Everest, but I've never been up that, but now I can say Willow and have sat at the top. Okay, I sat, Willow lolled all over me. Went completely mad with the photography, really enjoyed the walk, and reveled in seeing new things and people. It was a good walk and worth the blister I appear to have obtained, all be it not far but so wearing the wrong socks. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

I have certainly got a spring in my step – the sun always puts me in a good mood. I take Willow out for a bimble and we just didn't stop. I didn't know I was going to continue but did anyway. You know we do the walking Bingo challenge and I knew exactly where I would find a hill. Actually, Sheffield according to George Orwell is hilly and built on Seven Hills, but I think they are arguing about that now. But the fact is there are inclines everywhere. So, to find a hill in Sheffield shouldn't be too hard, but as I was saying I had just the one in mind. In fact it wasn't there when I first moved to Sheffield, and it has siblings, was built behind the English Institute Of Sport Sheffield. I don't know why, but they are new man-made hills, and I strode on whilst Willow followed. The block looks entirely different from when we walked it last. The colours have changed with the season. People are milling about, particularly around the back of Meadowhall where they have brought the food court outside. Willow obtained a particular reference of ‘beautiful markings' which is dog breed standards for ‘they like her patches' The River Don is running low, I could see Willow gazing longingly at it, with its trickling sound. It wasn't this hot when we set off, I wished I'd have known I was coming, I'd have brought some water and a bowl. This is another bad owner instance; no, I don't get it right all the time. I slow the pace and keep to the shade. As we went across the carpark, a man came up to me and asked if we were here for the funeral procession, errrm no – Oh lordy, when is that due, that was awkward as we ran to get out of the way. I don't know what that was about, but I didn't want to be in the middle of someone's grief. As we come up to the big hills just plonked on the landscape, I ask just that little bit more of Willow as we climb to the summit. No, it's no Mount Everest, but I've never been up that, but now I can say Willow and have sat at the top. Okay, I sat, Willow lolled all over me. Went completely mad with the photography, really enjoyed the walk and reveled in seeing new things and people. It was a good walk and worth the blister I appear to have obtained. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 114 – Hoards of people are just flopped down on the route. Walkers and people from the surrounding office blocks. Taking a load off, in the glorious sunshine. Anyone would think that I was running a festival here, wish I was, I'd have made a fortune apart from no one was adhering to masks and distance, so I'd have gained the fortune and lost it in one fair swoop, as I paid for the fine for not following government guidelines. But who am I kidding I'm not holding a festival, all I'm doing is trying to walk my dog whilst avoiding everyone else which is somewhat difficult because mostly my dogs are into food and anybody with food. Eva is a slow walker anyway, but spending a greater part of the walk watching a book reader, who was totally oblivious to her stare, eat his lunch isn't going to increase our pace. So, I'm watching the dog, watching a man. I know, living the high life, aren't I. I know when we come back out for the evening walk Willow and probably Eva are going to be making a beeline for all the little titbits left behind. Contrary to popular belief and my ability to keep repeating them my favourite words and phrases are defiantly NOT ‘No' ‘Leave it' ‘Stop' ‘Wait' ‘Come Here' ‘Not again' ‘Don't'. Actually, I would love to see them running and playing without my voice billowing out across the plains. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 113 - Willow and I find the Canal and River Trust volunteers planting trees and pruning the wooded area as we set out on our bimble. Last time the volunteers planted new samplings the council came along and mowed the grass and apparently just mowed over the very young new trees, never to grow older, now kindling, what would have been trees given half the chance. I'm not sure how the grass cutter didn't see them, but see them they did not. The trees they've put in today and more sizeable and unless the grass cutters ‘eyes are painted on' I don't think they are going to miss them, which I can only hope that Willow does. The trees have been planted in Willow's zooming area. I know it's not her area, although if you were to ask Willow anywhere the boat is moored is her area – didn't you know we own all the towpath on the whole system, according to Willow, which she tends to guard as her patch. Keep your fingers crossed that Willow's eyes aren't also painted on and they are wide open and very much aware of where she is running. I worry for these trees with a Willow running full tilt at them. She could just uproot them with her wind vortex. Also, why have they planted new trees along the towpath? Which I believe later this year, will be being dug up to fix the broken water pump line. That's the pipework that travels from the old pump house, up to the top lock carrying water that is owned by the Canal and River Trust. Currently, there is a leak in the pump line and at the moment the canal is being fed by water that is being pumped out of the River Don, owned by the Environmental Agency at a considerable weekly cost. I hope that whilst CRT is at all the digging, fixing, and replacing they have the foresight to improve the towpath around here. This middle bit has been forgotten and at times is simply impassable. CRT wants people to use the waterways but with nasty towpaths that just simply isn't' going to happen. Wouldn't it be something if all the departments actually spoke to each other. It would almost be organised and the savings would be astronomical. For that to happen the right hand would need to know what the left hand is doing. This is a full audible version but A FULL WRITTEN VERSION is on our website. ***** If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 112 - Willow is such a strange puppy and I do believe she is getting worst with age. She has never been a brave dog, some may say a Cowardly lion, not me of course I love her dearly. She is steadily getting more and more clingy and I wonder if it's the breed trait, or is it the fact that I am always at home and never leave her. Her anxiety levels seem to be spiking. Is it an age thing? Do dogs get dementia? never tell her I said that. Is this me being a hypochondriac fur mummy again. I've noticed subtle changes in her behaviour, the way she's started barking at people, her frequency at chasing bikes. Her increased levels of fear. It's not like Willow is a rescue. On our way to see Dave, a group of boaters was sitting around a bench and they only wanted to say Hello, Willow looked like she'd seen the vet. Seriously fearful and even with encouragement hid behind my legs. Like no one could see her poking out a bit either side. I eventually apologised and we went on are way and she perked right up. The people were sitting, so the body language wasn't dominating. They cooed so their pitch was just right. They would have allowed sniffing if she'd have but sniffed. One even had a bit of chicken but Willow just wasn't interested and you all know how much Willow likes anything she can eat. I think these are the tell-tale signs of Willow getting older. It's a worry. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 111 – Clearly, Willow has been eating something she shouldn't have. How do I know? It's not the eyes in the back of my head. It's not my sixth sense tingling. It's not even that I found her with the evidence hanging out of her mouth. It's the aftermath. The evidence just racks up. The complete and utter inability to go longer than 2 hours without rushing outside. The ability to splurge everywhere, don't worry I'll not go to graphical – I'll spare Willow the embarrassment and you the disgusting truth. I stood with my hands on my hips looking at Armageddon, wondering how the hell I'm going to pick that up, only armed with a scented nappy sack and goodwill, wishing I was elsewhere, anywhere than this spotted field. As I stood with my mouth hanging open, I hatched a plan. I trooper on and pick up what I can, again sparing Willows blushes, I won't tell you the difficulty of picking up liquid but will skim over it, letting you know that some of this field has alopecia as I ripped the grass up in a desperate bid to make the job more solid. I took sorrowful Willow home and picked up Eva, more bags the pocket is brimming, and a metal bucket. Have you guessed the ending yet? Eva and I head out like Ghostbusters, too dramatic? like Dorothy and ToTo ready to do battle with the slush road. I filled up my bucket with the magic canal water and revisited the scene of alopecia and washed that slush away. A couple more bucket loads and nature could regain the area again. Although if I was nature, I'd be packing my bag and moving to the next district. Just to confirm the canal water isn't magic – just so you know – just to be clear and transparent. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Out chatting again and one of the marine neighbours reminded me of, ‘you must remember that time Willow chased our dogs'. Yes, all too well, when we thought our dogs would do as they are told and used to walk them off lead near the marina. That doesn't happen anymore, and also now we know better. The girls do listen without distraction but you stick a distraction in and you've lost them. You could wave a chicken foot under their nose and unless it's the thing that has their focus you might as well be talking to yourself. Let's face it I frequently have those ‘you might as well be talking to yourself' moments. Also, I know me and a million other dog owners always, no matter where they are or what they are doing. Posh frock and fancy affairs they and I will always have poo bags in their pockets…. That is right up until today. I thought I put my jacket on. I take out a thousand poo bags at a time like our dogs suffer from the running trots and certainly enough to pick up mine, every other lazy pigs, and probably a zoo too. But not today. I thought I had my jacket on, nope – I had Dave's jacket on, I don't know why Dave can't be like every other dog owner and have poo bags in every pocket and bag he owns. Clearly, Dave is special knowing that I'm carrying poo bags must mean that he doesn't have to. I thought I was wearing my jacket. No poo bags in this jacket. Willow has just done the doo. I look round franticly, unsure if I was looking at being spotted or looking for all the litter I see frequently around hoping that something would make do. My error, my foul, my bad. Clearly, Willow likes to go in the non-litter area. What do you do? Seriously decisions decisions. Yes, I did it, I left it, the shame. I can only hope I get back to it before someone stomps in it. Oh, the guilt is running through me like bad spelling in a stick of Blackpool Rock. I apologise, I'm sorry and don't think badly of me. It happens all be it, super rarely, but it does and I'm not going to sit here typing this pretending I'm lily-white using Daz washing powder, which we don't by the way. I'm bad – I'll be over here in the corner if you want me or at least until this evening walk when I shall go poop hunting. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Willow and I sauntered out. Another nice and busy day. It's nice to see the boat's coming up the lock again, three today and one yesterday. Yesterday's narrowboat got banked on silt coming up so the marina community went down to help refloat it. That was nice. Today was two narrowboats and a wide beam GRP although, to be honest, it did look like a posh coastal boat – had patio windows in it and everything. Helped closed one of the gates. If you ever come up this way; know this, the gates are piggin heavy. So much so I never do this lock flight – lucky to have Dave. One of the neighbours told me that a lot of boaters are going out this Saturday, lucky them. Currently, everywhere we want to go there are closures and restrictions. Ripon has a breach up there somewhere. Doesn't look like the BCN is on this year so Birmingham, #sign is a no-go. No explanation as to what local travel means for boaters so we'll wait. Walked a bit further than expected and walked back on the wasteland. Where Willow tried to eat a dead bumblebee. Unsure if they still sting whilst passed but luckily, I got to her just before those chops sucked it up. Willow spent a lot of time eating grass but she's black and white and eating grass she's just opening the door for all sorts of cow comments but still, she continues to munch. The chicken foot gang was out again. If you ever wonder where your parcel is from Truelles (I think they said) it's probably been sent to the wrong address in a drunken stupor. Eva bounded up to Chicken foot gang, demanding to be fed such a weird crunchy tip-bit but alas no foot today. Eva wiggled and waggled and did her best to get them to submit to giving her such a strange treat, but they just rubbed and made a fuss of her. Well now the line has been stepped over, Eva will always now beeline for them especially if she's either going to get food or fuss. Mind you I don't think that's such a bad philosophy for life. Food and a fuss, although I am never gonna eat a chicken foot unless there is money involved. Willow and I did knock 6 feet off the Walking Bingo Challenge so that's another one off the list. Still no line from us though. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 108 - Up early again today, had to take Eva for her monthly injection, also had to take Dave to work as I'm having the van. Whilst we were bundling dogs into the van, Willow came too– she would only bark the place down if left on her own and it's far too early for that. Shook it up for the lunchtime walk, took Eva out first, and wasn't it her lucky day. Do you remember I said we see regulars when we're walking roughly the same people doing the same thing day in, day out. One of our regulars are young lads who drink at lunchtime. Not for Eva and I to judge. Whatever gets you through the day, only hopes they are not working machinery. Same young lads who said previously, my friend wants to stroke your dog. So we've advanced to speaking terms. Random question – “does your dog like Chicken Feet?”. Not your everyday question and certainly not one I know how to answer but the general rule of thumb is if it's food we'll give it a go. Just to confirm, Eva does like Chicken Feet and hung around those boys like a floozy – I get the feeling she was suggesting the chicken have two feet and you've only given her one. Defiantly not Willow, and the smarty cookie of the pack. I did ask whether they were just chicken foot voodooing random walkers, but they assured me that wasn't the case and I didn't feel and sharp pains when I thanked them and walked away. Now of course we are beyond speaking terms, we're on feeding your dog terms, so the next time when Eva the smart cookie sees them she'll go bounding over, I can only hope they will be able to come up with the goods. You never know, maybe tomorrow we'll get the other foot. The boys were gone by the time I got back and before you go suggesting that Willow should have the other Chicken foot remember she has a delicate princess feed me expensive food belly so that's a no. Apologises to all the vegans and vegetarians, and I'm sure there are some dogs that don't eat meat but let's be really clear my dogs will eat anything. It's the pain in my butt that I have to bare. I curse myself, not in a voodoo way you understand, for putting bird's eye on the Walking Bingo and not having the foresight to put bird foot. How short-sighted of me and to be really transparent I am short-sighted and I do wear glasses, still squint occasionally so I think I'm due for a test. This is a full audible version but A FULL WRITTEN VERSION is on our website. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

The day after the pub. We met a lovely ‘Mauve and Me' today as we boated out of Victoria Quays after the freedom of going to the pub. Louise, no not me the Mauve's mummy is also called Louise, but she knows Robbie Cummings. Anyways Louise said she'd seen our video going into the Chesterfield, Oh the shame!! Who put the brick wall there? Mauve was super excited to be out walking, she's 8 now the same age as Willow and considerably better behaved. We cruised home down the Sheffield Canal, down the very much underused Industrial past canal. I think she's one of the youngest on the system, just being a mere 200 years old. Passed the point where they put the car in the canal for the scene from the full Monty. I get a thrill every time we pass it. We have walked the towpath many many times, but not today – today is all about the cruising, listening to the birds, and making up stories in my head of yonder years gone by. We went to Dorothy Pax last night and sat in the Roof Terrace, it wasn't quite as romantic as it sounds but it was nice to be out and with friends. Dorothy Pax was the last surviving wooden keel working boat (widebeam) that worked the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, along with her predecessors her cargo was coal and iron ore which aided Sheffield evolving into a top Steel manufacturing city. Dorothy Pax was built in Mexborough in 1913 and was sunk when she was no longer of use. A charity back in the 60s refloated her as they were going to restore her but like most people restoring boats, totally underestimated the amount of work involved. She rotted until she was broken up.. All that remains is her name (the bar) and some wood that was repurposed for the, I think it was bar top but I'm not too sure. That's the short story of Dorothy Pax. Nothing to do with walking other than the environment in which I walk and I do love history. In unrelated walking, news has anyone found a Rhino for this week walking Bingo? Anyone apart from Vicki who happens to live with an abundance of wildlife. In some sort of hybrid life of boating crossed with Tarzan. This is a full audible version but A FULL WRITTEN VERSION is on our website. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message

Day 106 - Pubdaytoday. The Lockdown in the UK is easing and we are allowed to meet up to 6 people or two households outside as the shops, including pubs open. It also happens to be Paul's big 0 birthday so the timing is perfect. Having snuck out at the weekend I wait, I wait for Dreamcatcher to turn up, as I follow them into Victoria Quays. They, the birthday boy, Natasha, and Dreamcatcher haven't been out in over a year. They missed the gap when lockdown eased briefly last year, some may say too early, but we didn't, we shot out like a cannonball as if we were giving the boating season a full gun salute. But they, unfortunately, didn't. Cruising behind them I almost feel like it's a bimble. Let's just say I cruise faster than I walk. Yes, I know it's a narrowboat, not a speedboat but seriously at one point, I had to knock her into reverse. I guess the Birthday Boy was just enjoying being in the moment and who am I to hurry especially as it was his Birthday. Fine Okay I'm a mean speed demon girl, are you happy now. We cruised into the quays and I don't know why people were surprised to see us, is the sun not shining. Is the pub not open. Are we not allowed to cruise? So, the surprise was a puzzle but not my puzzle. We were off to the pub. Great night, great company, good fun. Thought we might have an issue with the ‘spice' group but they moved off pretty quickly. What was evident was sunshine brings people, and narrowboats bring Gongoozlers. People meandering m for a peek and poke. This is a full audible version but A FULL WRITTEN VERSION is on our website. If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star rating or review and share it with those you feel would also enjoy them. Don't forget to follow us, here for future episodes – once again thank you for listening. Same walk different viewpoints - Come say Hi at; Our website - https://changingpace.co.uk Louise's (Couch Potato) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://twitter.com/NbChangingPac 2. https://www.facebook.com/NBChangingPace 3. https://www.instagram.com/nbchangingpace 4. https://www.tiktok.com/@narrowboatchangingpace 5. https://www.youtube.com/c/NarrowboatChangingPace Willow's (Great Dane) account of the walks can also be found here; 1. https://www.facebook.com/WillowTheGreatDane 2. https://www.instagram.com/willowwalks1000miles 3. https://www.tiktok.com/@willowwalks1000miles 4. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdl0W-Q_vJQmQQ3Ae1Bogw PLEASE NOTE - We are not contracted or affiliated with the official #walk1000miles challenge, we are just participants - https://www.walk1000miles.co.uk Some of our posts contain affiliate links, We earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using these links, they cost you nothing extra. Every little click helps, thank you for supporting us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/narrowboat-changing-pace/message