It’s funny how life sometimes hints at where you’re headed, even when you don’t realise it at the time. Back in October 2010, long before Chris and I moved in together or dreamt of living on a narrowboat, we found ourselves on one of our earliest adventures together – an Urban 75 walk along sections of the London Loop.
That particular day was full of surprises, and the memories have stayed with us, reminding us of how much we enjoyed each other’s company, the countryside, and being close to the water. Who could have guessed back then that we’d one day end up living on the water full-time?
The Walk – London Loop and a Flooded Thames
The London Loop, a trail that encircles the edges of Greater London, offers a surprising mix of urban landscapes and countryside escapes. It’s the kind of walk that can take you from the hustle of the city to peaceful riversides in just a few steps. Chris and I were no strangers to walking, but this day in October 2010 would prove more challenging than expected.
We set out, as usual, both eager for a day of walking and exploring. I’d worn trainers, thinking it would be a typical countryside walk with well-maintained paths. Chris, more sensibly, was in sturdier walking boots. What we hadn’t anticipated, however, was that the Thames had decided to burst its banks. As we neared the river, it became clear that sections of the trail were completely flooded. The water had spilled over onto the path, transforming our walk into something more like an obstacle course.
A Piggyback Through the Flooded Sections
Now, I don’t mind getting my feet wet, but I hadn’t exactly come prepared for a wade through knee-deep water. As we reached one particularly flooded section, it was obvious my trainers wouldn’t stand a chance. Chris, ever practical and always ready with a solution, suggested the only thing he could – I’d have to get a piggyback across the waterlogged path.
Laughing at the absurdity of the situation, I hopped on Chris’s back, and he carefully navigated the submerged path, making sure neither of us ended up soaked. It was one of those moments that could have been frustrating, but instead, we found ourselves laughing, completely at ease with the spontaneity of it all. Even back then, it was clear that we enjoyed life’s little adventures together.
Enjoying Each Other’s Company – and the Water
Looking back on that day, it’s obvious that we were both happiest when we were outdoors, surrounded by nature, and near the water. Whether it was walking along the Thames or navigating the flooded path, we found joy in being in each other’s company and the world around us. The simple pleasure of walking side by side, talking about anything and everything, or even in the silence of a shared moment, was enough to make that day memorable.
It wasn’t the first time we’d gone walking together, but that day felt special in its own way. There was a sense of carefree enjoyment, of finding comfort in each other’s presence. Who knew then that this shared love for nature and water would eventually lead us to a life on the canals?
From Walking by the Water to Living on It
Now, all these years later, as Chris and I live aboard our narrowboat, it feels like that day was a glimpse into our future. Back in 2010, the idea of living on the water had never crossed our minds. We were simply two people enjoying a walk, not thinking about where life would take us.
But looking back, it seems fitting. We’ve always been drawn to the water, to the peacefulness of the countryside, and to the simplicity of walking together. That walk on the London Loop, with its flooded paths and unexpected challenges, was perhaps the first sign of the life we’d one day create – a life spent navigating the waterways, always ready for the next adventure, together.
Final Thoughts
That October day in 2010 remains one of my favourite memories. It wasn’t the most picturesque walk, or even the easiest, but it was one of those moments where life showed us just how much we enjoyed being with each other, no matter the circumstances. And even though neither of us could have guessed it at the time, it was a moment that hinted at the life we’d eventually build together.
Living on a canal boat now, surrounded by water and countryside, it feels like that walk was a prelude to the life we were destined for. It’s funny how things come full circle, isn’t it? Sometimes, it’s the simple things – like a flooded path and a piggyback – that lead to the most unexpected and wonderful adventures.