After 6 years aboard our Narrowboat Matilda Rose in the UK, we took the plunge and shipped her across to Europe. After 2 years in Europe we knew we didn't want to return to the UK so took the plunge and purchased a 1902 20 mtr Dutch Tjalk called Francoise and are now continuing our travels of the waterways of Europe in a buxom wench
My name is Jill and I live on our Narrowboat Matilda Rose with my husband Graham, our two Tibetan Terriers Baxter and Muttley and the Boss Daisy the cat.
We have spent the last six years cruising the waterways of England and Wales but Graham’s ambition was always to cruise the continental waterways.
So let the adventure begin……….
Real time travel tips from a duo travelling Europe by motorhome
Playing with words....
The journeys of the Narrowboat Indigo Dream
…"I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference."
Join us on our travels around Europe aboard our Dutch Tjalk Francoise
Never grow up, Grown-ups are boring!
Exploring Europe on W B Avalon
Life afloat on the 1935 ex-Severn and Canal Carrying Co. motor, Willow
contentedsouls 
Kevin TOO said
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tiller Girl 🙂
We hope that you have a great day 🙂
Hugs,
Kevin xx & Harry xx
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Bente Arnild said
Hi Jill, could you let me have your email-address. I have a good photo of Mathilda Rose in Anizy/Pinon.
cheers, Bente
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contentedsouls said
Hi Bente, our email is budgie348@hotmail.co.uk.
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Nigel and Pixie Lennard said
Hello to you both
Your blog is very entertaining – keep up the good work…
We have recently purchased a new 60 x 12 ft Collingwood Eurocruiser – Lilly Pilly has wheel steering, 65 hp canaline engine, bow thruster and all the other bells and whistles..
We would like to transport her to France in October this year and wonder if we might ask you for some advice – if it is not too much of an imposition ? Thank you
1. Did you transport your boat from UK – departure port and France arrival port ? Which company did you use and approx cost ?
2. We will need a secure berth for L P from November 2015 to 1 May 2016 – are you able to advise on marinas or such like ? We may transport her via Calais and possibly be looking at berthing somewhere in the northern canals.
Any advice and information that you are able to provide will be warmly received – we thank you in advance and look forward to hearing from you shortly – thanks so much
Cheers
Pixie and Nigel Lennard
email: nigellennard1@gmail.com
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contentedsouls said
Hello Pixie and Nigel.
Thank you for your comments.
I cannot answer all your questions but can give you some guidance, which you may or may not find useful.
1. We transported Matilda Rose from Dover to Calais, we used a chap called Gary, and his driver Sid, sounds strange but I cannot remember his company name. They were by far the best value of four quotes I received, the other three were far more expensive and seemed to be in a syndicate. Gary’s tel no is 01629 540606, he will not give you an exact quote until you are within 6 weeks of travelling, he can be a little distant but it is very worthwhile bearing with him. I will not give you our costs because at 12ft you will need “convoye exceptionnelle” escort and I have no idea of costs.
2. We were put Back into the water in Belgium at a place called “Nieupoort” it was by far the cheapest at around 240 euros.
3. In answer to your birthing question, I cannot answer as I have have never over wintered anywhere, We cruise all year round. However if you search for Widebeam Avalon and follow his site you will be able to get some answers. His name is Kevin and he can give you some answers about 1. As he is 58×12
All the best
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Michael said
A brilliant account! One question – Is it possible for me to reverse the sequence of entries and read your account from start to present day, perhaps???
Michael
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