These are the adventures of Andy and Sally Rawnsley on their narrowboat "The Puzzler". We have been living on the boat for over nine years now and are still loving it. Our Ulster born Shih Tzu, Shannon, has grown up, and has taken over the boat! After three wonderful years in Ireland, we transported The Puzzler to The Netherlands, and spent a year there. In 2015 we went southwards, to reach the north of France by June. After glorious weather throughout the summer, we arrived in Roanne in late October, and enjoyed our winter in this friendly port. We cruised extensively in France in 2016, 2017 and 2018, returning to Roanne each winter.


Thursday 19 February 2015

1st - 13th February 2015. Ice in the harbour, Bridge party on board and a trim for Shannon.

The first week of February was very cold and the whole harbour was a sheet of ice. Two geese live by the harbour, near to The Puzzler, so I pass them each morning when out with Shannon. Today she went quite close to one goose, so he flew off into the water, not realising that it was frozen! He stood on the ice, looking really surprised. However, it did not take long to melt and then he was happy again.

We had a bridge party with six friends from Schagen, and managed to get all eight of us round the table for supper

Shannon still has no fear of swans, even though they hiss at her. This is a risky game!
There are many good walks in and around Schagen. Work has now been started on this property which lies about a mile from the harbour. Before the building work began it looked completely derelict. I will give updates on its progress.
Shannon has been growing her coat for the winter, but it was just too long. Here she is, halfway through her trim. I had never realised how fast the coat of a Shih Tzu grows! This time I am giving her a longer trim than she would have in the summer. This is more difficult, but I do not want her to be too cold!

Now fully trimmed, Shannon would like to talk to that cat which is sitting on our woodpile. He lives in the campervan near to the boat, but has a strong right paw, so Shannon is right to be cautious!