We found a canal boat to live on in France.
Down in the Midi, almost at the Mediterranean.
There are palm trees and the air is clear and clean.
It's windy, and chilly - but oh so beautiful.
After all - it's still November.
THIS boat fits all the criteria.
It's spacious and is built well.
We both like it. No question.
And Stan can even stand up - even inside it!
Plenty of space inside.
And a great aft deck outside.
The previous owners had to return to England suddenly, and it hasn't been cleaned up.
3 cabins, 3 heads. (That's toilets, for you non-nautical types.)
Galley (kitchen) and living room in one open area. -I like that.
A space for a possible art studio.
Not too tall, too long, too short, too wide.
The proverbial Goldilocks boat.
It also needs a paint job. And some repairs.
And: wouldn't it be cool to have a wood stove installed?
And solar panels? (I don't even know the names for those in French!)
However: The French canals close for winter.
If we want her, we have to move her NOW - today (!)
To the shipyard to have the inspections and survey done.
Everything is moving fast.
So, like buying a house, we've agreed on a price.
Now - all these steps and inspections.
Documents and registrations and agreements.
Hoops to jump through.
In French.
But I have a feeling it'll all turn out okay.
Therefore, we've been having small "pique-niques" on the deck of the boat - even though we don't own it yet - complete with a little French wine - celebrating the potential success of the Boat Hunt!
Now: The survey.
Hull testing.
Engine oil analysis.
Systems.
Nautical testing.
Figuring out all the stuff we don't know.
(We don't know much, really-)
She (you have to call her "she"--)
has to be pulled up out of the water and carefully inspected.
And then the negotiations continue.
Then, she has to be painted and any repairs done.
And all this - in France.
I even have to look up simple words like "starboard" and "port"!
Sometimes, it feels a bit overwhelming.
Sometimes it's just unbelievable.
But: There's always a decent bottle of wine. Or two.
Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well!