I Wanted A Yacht

I always fancied owning a yacht, I suppose a lot of people do. A life on the ocean wave, follow the sun and go almost anywhere you want.

Too Expensive

It was never going to happen, way too expensive although you can buy some second-hand ones at a reasonable price, usually because they have a big hole in the bottom that needs repairing. We even looked at life aboard a barge before we moved to Wales. They are affordable and some are over 60 feet in length. However, unless you are a couple of bean poles under 6 feet tall, it can be pretty uncomfortable squeezing about the place like a couple of mice.

Argey Bargey

Admittedly, you can go anywhere in the country, within reason. Well, there has to be a canal you can travel along, it always helps when you have a barge. Then, of course, there are the psychological problems you might face living in such a confined space. Can you imagine, having a blazing row, there’s nowhere to go and sulk and you’d probably bang your head a gazillion times. So, it’s not for us and our feet have remained firmly on the terra firma.

Coracle

Wales have their own water transport in the form of a Coracle. It’s been around for centuries and not only that, you can make them yourself. I decided to buy one as a local tipped me off as to where I could find one at a great price of £20. Paddle included! So, there I was, a proud owner of a Coracle. The River Lugg runs past our house and straddles its way through mid-Wales passing the town of Presteigne about 7 miles away before crossing the border to England and joining the River Arrow in Herefordshire.

Read The Instructions

According to the instructions, you set the Coracle into the water, get in it and use your paddle first on the right and then on the left and so on until you cross the river or get to where you want to be. Well, that’s the theory! I got in mine, got my paddle, smiled at the wife and pushed off from the riverbank. Whoosh!!! I was gone, like a speedboat. Literally, I zoomed off, the current taking me down the river and no matter what I did with the paddle it made no difference. My wife disappeared out of sight and I was getting worried. I only wanted to get to the other side and now who knows where I’m headed for!

Faster and Faster

I’m sure I was picking up speed too. There was a bridge I went under and people looking over shouted, “Are you ok down there, old-timer?” My voice had deserted me, probably from shock. The further I went, the more rural and isolated were the surroundings. I kept thinking to myself what happens if I end up in the sea, I could go as far as Africa before I stopped. Would I ever see my family again? By now, I was worried and scared, having no control over this upside-down pudding bowl. The river was getting wider and flowing faster with every yard further forward I travelled.

Up The Creek Without A Paddle
Up The Creek Without A Paddle

Saved

Eventually, after what seemed like half a lifetime I could see a huge fallen tree from the bank and lying in the river. If I was lucky, I might just get a hold on it and put a stop to this mess! For once, luck was on my side and I was fortunate enough to grab onto a large branch sticking out of the water. It stopped the Coracle dead in its tracks. I clambered onto the fallen tree and the Coracle and oar went on its way without its hapless passenger. After I got to the relative safety of dry land, I had to find out exactly where I was. I followed a muddy track for about half a mile until I came to the main road. There was a sign that said ‘Welcome To Leominster.’

How Far?

Leominster is 23 miles from where I live!!! So here I am, no money, no phone as I never carry one and no phone number home. I imagined my wife would be worried sick, but then again, she’s probably laughing her socks off. My best plan now, I thought, was to start the long walk home and maybe hitch a lift along the way. After about 5 miles of walking and feeling very silly a car came towards me that I recognised. It was my wife, after seeing me drift off into the unknown she got into the car and set off, following the route of the River Lugg hoping that she would find me somewhere along the way. She did and I’m eternally grateful.

There is a Coracle Society for anyone who might be interested. You can find it here.

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42 Comments
  • lesfaitsplumes
    March 11, 2020

    Great ????

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Thank you, lesfaitplumes ????

  • ladyp25
    March 11, 2020

    ……A life on the ocean wave, follow the sun and go almost anywhere you want

    mmmmm, I can imagine

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Indeed. Thank you Ladyp ????

  • libre
    March 11, 2020

    Even a barge would be too much argey bargey, by and largely,

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Lol, it would, Librepaley. ???? Thank you

  • Kally
    March 11, 2020

    A life of freedom and seagulls, what’s not to like?

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Indeed, go wherever your spirit takes you. Thank you Kally ????

  • smzang
    March 11, 2020

    Splendid!

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Thank you, Sarah ????

  • Peter's pondering
    March 11, 2020

    I found it! I am now walking back in the approved manner with the coracle on my head. So far I’ve caused 17 road traffic collisions and three elderly ladies succumbed to the vapours. I should have it back to you by Christmas.

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Ha, you can keep it, Peter. Dangerous things ????

  • jimflanigan
    March 11, 2020

    That’s quite an adventure. Next time, I want to hear about making it to Africa.

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Haha, last seen heading down the Nile! ????

  • Yetismith
    March 11, 2020

    Your wife must have a great sense of humour Trev.

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Lol, yes, she needs one with me about, Yeti. ????

  • JessicaMarieBaumgartner
    March 11, 2020

    Canoes are better haha

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      I think you’re right, Jessica. ????

  • Rosaliene Bacchus
    March 11, 2020

    Oh, the things we do in pursuit of our dream!

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Indeed, Rosaliene and some dreams are better left alone. Thank you. 🙂

  • Lara/Trace
    March 11, 2020

    GEEZ! That was not good. Glad you’re OK!

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      I’m fine, thank you, I’ll put it down to experience 🙂

  • justvelda
    March 11, 2020

    I’m glad you’re alright!

    • Trev
      March 11, 2020

      Thank you, Velda, I am alright. 🙂

  • parkermccoy
    March 12, 2020

    Haha. What an adventure! That’s one fine upside-down pudding bowl! LOL

    • Trev
      March 12, 2020

      Thank you, Parker. ????

  • Anonymous
    March 12, 2020

    I had quite a good laugh from this story! Thank you!

    • Trev
      March 12, 2020

      Thank you. ????

  • KINDNESS
    March 12, 2020

    Still laughing ???? Thank you I needed that right now ????????????⚜️⚜️❤️❤️

    • Trev
      March 12, 2020

      Thank you, Kindness and I’m pleased it made you laugh ????

  • SueW
    March 12, 2020

    Oh,I loved that story!

    • Trev
      March 12, 2020

      Thank you as always, Sue and glad you liked it. 🙂

  • Hope
    March 13, 2020

    Hi Silly Old Sod, you are a daring Old Soul to take on a new adventure.⛵ I hope you treated your lovely wife to a night out on the town. ???????? You two are true Soul mates. ????

    • Trev
      March 13, 2020

      Thank you, Hope. I always take her out and treat her and realise I have left my wallet at home. ????

  • Misteryously
    March 20, 2020

    No I can’t my stomach goes out????

  • Brothers Campfire
    March 26, 2020

    The yacht in the photo is the best!

    • Trev
      March 26, 2020

      Thank you, until you can’t control it anymore ????

  • Sunshiny SA, Kavitha
    April 29, 2020

    Thank God for wives.
    Id be her. I would NOT get on a boat. I’d follow in the car.

    • Trev
      April 29, 2020

      Thank you for all three comments and your support, Sunshiny. 🙂 Hope you are staying safe and well.

  • YBP
    June 2, 2020

    I guess ADVENTURE is your middle name! But then again yachts are FREEDOM! ????❤️????

    • Trev
      June 2, 2020

      Thank you ????????

  • azurea20
    September 2, 2022

    Felicidades por el acierto. Estupendo poder vivir en un sitio tan agradable. Que lo disfruten mucho tiempo.