Arriving in the UK in 2022 to start work on a new international project, I quickly discovered that the living wage was lower than affordable accommodation where my job was based. Not wanting to experience isolation again after 1.5 years of living in central Norway during COVID, I searched for other housing possibilities. Still early in the day to know the full consequences of my decision, I’ve now left land and am living fulltime on a bright yellow narrowboat. Having bought her from a beautiful couple in Bradford-on-Avon, I’ve been slowly steering her through the many locks towards London. So far, it’s been a massive learning curve where in just over 3 full months I’ve gone through a full baptism of fire – out of water (to drink), in water (the canal), trapped between locked locks and stopped by fast currents during red alerts, held hostage by angry swans, and steering around bombs and more – I’m fully in love with my new home. Living close to nature in its many forms while joining a vibrant and diverse boating community, I’m looking forward to seeing what boat life brings.
Ferne Edwards 